Falling Between the Notes (Nicholas Galitzine)

Chapter 43: The Day After Chaos

Jade's POV

Morning light poured through the hotel windows, casting a warm glow over the suite. I stretched, feeling the comfort of the luxurious sheets and the lingering warmth of Nick beside me. He was still half-asleep, his arm draped lazily over me, his breathing slow and steady. I traced my fingers gently over his hand, feeling the strength there, the reassurance.

There was a knock on the door, and Nick stirred, opening one eye. "Room service," I whispered with a smile, slipping out of bed to let the server in. They rolled in a cart laden with silver-covered plates, fresh coffee, and a small vase with a sprig of holly, adding a festive touch.

Nick sat up, rubbing his eyes as he took in the feast. "Now that's what I call breakfast," he muttered, grinning as he pulled me back onto the bed beside him.

We uncovered the plates—fluffy pancakes, fruit, eggs, bacon, and fresh-squeezed orange juice. It was everything we needed to start the day, and as we dug in, I couldn't help but feel a sense of normalcy, a simplicity that I craved. We'd been on the road, surrounded by noise, by people, by chaos, but here it was just us, enjoying a quiet morning together.

"So," he said, raising an eyebrow as he poured syrup over his pancakes. "What's on the agenda for today?"

I leaned back, savoring a sip of coffee before answering. "I have rehearsal later today for tomorrow's Holiday Fest Concert." I smiled, feeling a small flutter of excitement. "It's going to be amazing. I just wish you could see the full rehearsal."

Nick chuckled. "I'll settle for the real thing tomorrow. Front and center, cheering embarrassingly loud."

I rolled my eyes, nudging him with my foot. "You better."

Later that morning, bundled up in our coats and scarves, we wandered through the festive streets of New York. The city had transformed into a winter wonderland, with holiday decorations on every corner, twinkling lights, and crowds bustling with cheer. It felt almost surreal, being here with Nick, surrounded by all this warmth and magic.

As we strolled down Fifth Avenue, we stopped in front of a small, quaint jewelry shop. The window displayed a collection of rings, each one delicate and beautifully crafted. Nick caught my gaze and raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile playing on his lips.

"You know, we could go in," he said, feigning nonchalance as he opened the door, motioning for me to follow.

I laughed, pretending to look annoyed, but I felt a thrill as we stepped inside. The shop was cozy, filled with cases of glistening rings, necklaces, and earrings. Nick wandered over to a display of rings, his gaze lingering on one with a small sapphire.

"So, if we were serious," he said, picking up the ring and holding it out to me, "what would our future look like?"

I blinked, caught off guard by the question. But as I looked at him, I realized he was only half-joking. "Our future?" I repeated, a smile tugging at my lips. "It'd be... spontaneous, I think. A mix of the crazy lives we have now, and the quiet moments like this."

Nick nodded, setting the ring down as he turned to face me. "You know, I used to think marriage was overrated. But with you..." He hesitated, his eyes softening. "I could see it. Waking up to you, traveling together, making a home somewhere—anywhere, really. Just as long as it's us."

A warmth spread through my chest, and I reached for his hand, threading my fingers through his. "I like the sound of that. I mean, we'd probably have our moments—fights over silly things, jealousy..."

"Definitely jealousy," he added with a smirk.

"But it would be real. And I think we'd make it work," I finished, feeling the weight of what we were talking about settle between us.