WHAT'S MY AGE AGAIN?

“Yeah, okay. Good way to get over the interview. So, how’s stuff with your band?” He follows him. 

“Exactly,” Nix reassures the other, “there should be a store nearby we can stop at,” he says as he looks around. “I’m a solo artist, remember? I probably should join a band though or something, maybe then i’d get noticed,” he shrugs, “i’m still trying to get noticed but there’s a pretty decent open mic night coming up that i heard has a big turn out... so i’m hoping i can get an agents attention there.”

Dom: Nah. What did you have in mind?

“Cool. Let’s have a beer then? Or a wine cooler, I prefer those” 

“We can get both and go back to mines?” Nix suggested with a shrug. 

“How do you get over a really bad job interview?” 

“Drink a beer and give yourself a break. Believe me, I’ve bombed quite a few here and there, but the right one will come along.”

“Trust me. Life will throw you some curveballs once in a while but it’s all how you take them.”Tony said with a soft smile. His life had some ups and down but he got through and better on the other side. “You’re welcome. My pleasure. You’re welcome into my gym anytime that you want to. I’ll personally help you out and make you feel comfortable.”

“I mean there have been ups and downs but what life hasn’t you know.”Tony nodded. “Come in Nix, you look good. But, if you do want to stop by you’re more than welcome anytime.”

“You’re welcome. My pleasure. I’m actually doing really good. Just been busy with the gym and shop lately. Things have been looking up to be honest.”

“We can talk about anything that you want. Anything to take your mind off whatever is going on and whatever you’re thinking.”

“ okay , like what exactly ? ” santi asked , taking a sip from his iced tea . “ global warming ? dogs ? how the office went downhill after steve carell left ? ”

Nix opened his mouth to suggest anything, but then the other began giving out ideas which made him chuckle. “Honestly, any of those would do. You watched The Office?”

“Have you talked to any agents in the City?” Mark asked. “My husband has one. They help him out quite a bit.” Mark shrugged. “But you probably don’t want me to fix your problems, right? I should just listen, and I will.” He brightened up when Nix started talking about his kids though. Mark loved his kids. “He’s doing great. He wants to help with everything, which can be taxing on him, but it’s okay. I think they’re going to do great together now that June is walking. It’s what I’ve always wanted, but didn’t know I did, you know? Never though I’d be a husband or a dad or have seven pets. That’s why I think you shouldn’t give up. I was in a rut for the longest time and then I had my heart broken by a guy who needed to find out who he is, and I never thought I would get over that. Then Enzo came along and…” Mark trailed off before smiling. “I really hope you fix your stars, Nix. It’s the coolest thing that’s ever happened to me.”

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“Of course I got his number. You know better than anyone that I am nothing if not an ass man,” Charlie laughed as he grabbed the ripped piece of paper that houses the bartender’s number and flicked the paper against Nix’s nose. “Well yea I know you’re taken,” he grinned as he stood behind Nix and gestured to the bartender who looked at then. ‘But telling from your frown .. things may not be going so well .. why not have a little fun. He’s checking you out too..” 

Charlie didn’t know if Nix would go for it. Heck, he would more than likely refuse. But something had him down and if it was he significant other he would. He didn’t want to think about what he’d do if anyone hurt Nix. Hence him trying to lighten the mood. 

“Well, whoever has you feeling discouraged can shove it,” Mark said frankly before reaching out to squeeze Phoenix’s shoulder. “And yeah, Ruby is eight now and June is nearly 18 months. It’s crazy to think about, but damn do I love my family. All of them. Including you. Found family is still family, you know?”

“Or something.” Jake responded with just a hint of a grin. “You wouldn’t be my first choice for a workout partner.”

Nix shook his head with a light chuckle, smiling a bit. He was a taken man but it was nice to feel hit on, especially since things with his boyfriend were a bit rocky lately. “Did you just insult me?” he laughs, but he knew that he didn’t really workout much. He was just one of those lucky guys that didn’t really gain weight and because he stayed moving, it kept him in good fit. 

“Ah… well, I auditioned today for a band that was looking for a drummer,” Xen exclaimed, pressing his lips in a thin line as he shrugged. It was actually great news but he wanted to play it off as nothing much because Nix’s feelings mattered most to him at that moment. “Discouraged… what’s on your mind?”