Chapter 5: Secrets, Sings, and Bandages

From then on, the two of them became regular visitors to the residence.

I’d had few friends my own age growing up. With the two of them, life gained some flavor.

Reading, riding, even sneaking out to hang around the city—time seemed to pass faster.

When I went to see my mom, her expression was complicated. "Jamie, I hear the Adams and Sterling boys often come over—even… stay overnight?"

I was puzzled, so I leaned in and whispered, "Mom, didn’t we agree to befriend the Adams and Sterling families?"

She paused. "Of course, but you are different from them—"

I nodded. "I’ve known that for a long time."

She looked up sharply. I continued, "I’m the president’s kid. Even though I need to be humble, there’s a difference between me and everyone else. I get it."

Mom’s expression softened. "Yes, yes, your status is different. Except for me, Mrs. Quinn, and Nanny Ruth, never let outsiders near you—especially not when you use the bathroom or take a shower."

I replied obediently, "You’ve taught me since I was little. I’ll remember."

She traced circles on the counter, eyes down, the way kids do when they’re biting back what they really want to say.

The night before my birthday, Lucas said he wanted to broaden my horizons and brought along Sam.

They weren’t close, but since they often met at my place, they were at least familiar.

Standing at the entrance of the Blue Lantern Club, Lucas waved. "Tonight’s drinks are on me!"

He strode in. "Bring out the best girls!"

His friend whispered behind us, "Boss, Sam, our guy practiced that line at home for ages. He didn’t dare come alone; today he’s counting on you two for backup."

Sam and I walked in slowly. Beautiful singers greeted us, and the friend told the manager, "Just like we arranged."

No wonder the place was empty tonight.

She smiled brightly. "Gentlemen, right this way. The girls are waiting."

The Blue Lantern Club reeked of cheap cologne and spilled beer, neon lights flickering across the sticky floor. The singers' voices were drowned out by the thump of bass and the clink of glasses.

A waft of perfume—five or six singers of different builds, all dressed to impress, silk ribbons at their necks highlighting their white, full chests.

Sam kept a stern face, whether from anger or embarrassment I couldn’t tell.

Lucas was completely dumbfounded.

I sat calmly in the main seat, and immediately the two prettiest singers cozied up at my feet.

Sam, maybe thinking I was a proper gentleman, sat on my left and whispered, "Jamie, you’re so self-controlled—I was overthinking."

Lucas immediately jumped to my right. "Jamie, that, that—"

The singers began to dance to upbeat music.

They deliberately bent over in front of Sam, brushing his face with scented scarves, making him blush bright red.

Lucas, seeing Sam’s embarrassment, finally came alive: "Hahaha, your face is as red as a fire truck!"

I ignored them, just staring at the singers’ chests in a daze.

That morning, I’d felt a vague pain in my own chest.

I couldn’t help but look at Sam’s chest—so flat, so different from the singers’.

One bold singer twisted her waist and began to sing a sultry pop song:

"—Touch my soft, tender waist, touch the man’s pillar, strong and long—"

Sam finally shooed the singers away and picked up a glass of soda to hide his embarrassment, his ears burning red.

I couldn’t help but ask, "What’s a pillar?"

Sam choked on his drink, coughing violently. "You—You—Jamie—"

Lucas put his arm around my neck. "My good friend, our precious leader, that’s… well—"

Lucas’s tone made it sound like I should understand, but I truly didn’t.

What treasure? Which thing?

It was annoying.

I smirked, "Not just one, I have ten."

Sam nearly spit out his soda. "Dude, you’re gonna break the world record."

Lucas solemnly declared, "Worthy of being our leader."

I grinned wider, watching Lucas and Sam break into fits of laughter, the kind that made your ribs hurt. For a moment, all the pressure and politics melted away, and I was just another kid with my friends, navigating the wilds of adolescence and awkward questions.

And for one wild night, we were just three kids with secrets, lost in a city that never really sleeps.