Jace POV

I love him from my skin to my bones
But I don't wanna live in his home
There's nothing to say 'cause he knows
I'll just run away and be on my own

I sang the last note and Jordan gave me a thumbs up from the other side of the screen, signalling that he had stopped recording.

"Jace, that was perfect, man," Jordan's voice came through my headphones. I nodded and put my headphones down on the mic, before coming out of the booth and into the studio. "You wanna start adding harmonies and extra parts?" Jordan asked as I came through the door, throwing me a bottle of water. I opened it and took a swig then ran a hand over my face.

I really didn't realize how tired I was but in that moment, it felt like I had been hit by a truck. I think my body still tired from the two hours of sleep I got this morning and from the non-existent sleep I have gotten throughout this week. I've basically been living in the studio for at least five days, recording a song or writing one. I knew that if I did not get some coffee in me, I'd probably die of exhaustion.

"I'm think I need some coffee," I told Jordan as I fell onto the couch, snuggling into one of the comfy pillows and closing my eyes. He laughed at my tired state but I was too tired to bite back. "Okay, how about we just finish off this song and then we call it a day? What do you think of that?" he offered. "Fine," I sighed, tiredly. "But I was serious about that coffee thing," I told him, opening my eyes. "Okay, there are plenty of coffee machines in this building Jace," he laughed and I shook my head before getting up.

"I need some fresh air. I feel like I'm going insane but I love it so much," I told him with a sigh. "Yeah, I know what you mean," he agreed with a broad grin on his face. "Be back here at…" he checked the time on his phone, "seven." He finalized and for the first time in so many hours, I checked the time on my phone. Six twenty nine. I had no messages because I always put it on flight mode when I'm in the studio.

I put my phone in my pants pocket and ran another hand on my face, trying to wake me up once more. "I need to take a piss," I announced and headed for the door. "Seven p.m Jace," he called out, reminding me of the time that I needed to be back here. "Yeah, yeah," I waved him off as I left.

Once I was in the hallway, I made my way into the same men's bathrooms that I grew to know and love during the last couple of days. When I finished my business, I washed my hands and looked up. That was when I finally got a first look at myself.

And I looked absolutely horrible.

The only time I saw myself look even close to this way, was when I recorded the first album. Holy shit- I was a mess. My hair was way more tousled than usual- it looked like an animal liked in it. My face looked so pale. My clothes looked like I had slept in them for a year.

I looked disgusting.

I quickly splashed some water on my face to make it regain its natural colour. I combed a hand through my hair but it was just being stubborn. I looked at my clothes again…I seriously cannot go out like this. But more importantly, why the hell would Jordan let me go out like this?

Then I remembered the beanie that I always kept in my car and I ran out of the bathroom and straight to the elevators. It was a really good thing that there weren't many people around, since it was night and all.

Once I made it to the ground level, I rushed outside to my car, my baby, which was parked closer to the building. Thank God. I reached into my pocket instinctively…

My keys.

"Shit!" I cursed out loud, running back through the lobby. I pressed all of the elevator buttons to go up and checked the time on my watch. Six forty.

I stared at the stair way that was to the right of the elevators, in thought. Contemplating whether or not it would be easier to run up the stairs.

Six flights…come on man, you can do it. Just because you haven't been to the gym in five days doesn't mean-

Ding!

"Thank you," I looked up then I walked in pressing the '6' button repeatedly. The doors finally closed and I left out a breath of air I didn't even know I was holding as the elevator carried on ascending. As soon as the doors opened, I down two hallways to my recording studio and opened the door.

"Back so soo-" Jordan began but by the time he finished, I was already out of there with my car keys one hand and my wallet in the other. I sprinted back towards the elevators, checking the time. Six forty six.

So I carried on sprinting but completely dodged the elevators and quickly ran down six flights of stairs in record time.

I guess that should cover yesterday and today's undone workout plans.

Once I made it to the lobby, for the second time that day, I ran out to my car and pressed the keys for it to open. I put my wallet in my pocket then I went straight to the front passenger's seat. There was usually something there…I scavenged around more.

"Yes!" I took out a plain black beanie that conveniently had a pair of sunglasses inside. I internally pat myself on the back for unintentionally thinking ahead. I then went to the back seats and saw a pile of clothes that were just sitting there. "Jace, could you be any more of a hero today?" I spoke to myself, smiling from ear to ear but I was lowkey glad that no one was in the parking lot to hear that.

I rummaged through the clothes until I found a plain white shirt. I smelt it. "Not bad," I said allowed with a shrug. Then I spotted a can or aerosol men's deodorant on the side pocket of the door. That's it. I was a legend. Simple.

I checked the time on my watch again. Six fifty.

"Fuck!" I cursed, yet again and immediately took off the hoodie and shirt that I was wearing and exchange it for the plain white tee but not before bathing myself in the aerosol spray- especially my under arms. I then looked down at myself…I was wearing black sweatpants for bottoms and a pair of Nike Flyknit Airforce.

"Yeah…this should do," I shrugged and closed both doors, not forgetting to put on my beanie and sunglasses. I went around to the driver's door, checking the time in the process. Six fifty three.

"Shit. Shit. Shit…" I kept repeating. I calculated in my head:

If I get in the car and drive, I'd probably have to sign out. Signing out takes about three to five minutes. Then I'd have to drive up the road and turn right onto the streets where I saw that coffee shop and then-

"Fuck that shit," I laughed at myself and pressed the car keys to lock it. I sprinted to the exit, where there was the security boom gates. Two for entrance, to for exit. I sprinted right past the guard hut, where there were two guards sitting inside, promising them a muffin each as they both yelled after me but I just kept running.

I ran up the road and turned right, which was a moderately busy street. Once I knew I was close to the coffee shop, I started jogging to a walk. And finally- I had made it.

I walked in and went to the till. "Can I please get a…large americano in the largest to go cup you sell," I ordered my drink, taking out my wallet, getting ready to pay. "That'll be two fifty, sir," the barista said. I took out a ten dollar note but I looked at the confectionery display and then remember the security guards. "Actually, could I also have…" I looked over all the treats carefully. I really couldn't choose, they all looked really delicious. She saw that I needed help so she piped in. "The triple chocolate muffin is a crowd favourite. They are always sold out," she smiled and I shrugged. It made sense because there were only two left in the display- maybe it was a sign to get them.

"Yeah," I decided with a nod, "I'll have two of those too…please," I told her and she nodded, tapping the till screen to place the order. "That'll be seven fifty, sir," she finalized and I gave her the ten dollar note. She ran it through the till and tried to give me change. "Keep it," I told her, smiling and put another ten dollars into the tip jar. I then made my way to a small table close by and took a seat, placing my wallet in my pocket and checking my phone. Seven oh two.

Fuck! I had to be back at the studio at by now…oh well. Hopefully this coffee does not take a long time. I sighed and placed my phone in my other pocket, waiting on my order. I then started tapping my hands on the table, sort of creating a rhythm and just when I was getting into the slow groove and then… "Here's your order, sir," the barista put a brown bag and a huge to-go coffee cup on the table. I smiled at her before looking at the muffins, making sure they were two.

There were three giant ones.

Two chocolate and one blueberry.

I looked up at her in bewilderment and before I could say anything. "It that's the second bestseller. It's on the house," she said, before winking and turning away. I just smiled, got my ass up and walked out the door but not before taking a large swig at the strong black coffee. I walked for about six feet, while drinking the coffee and holding the bag of muffins. I checked the time on my watch. Seven oh seven.

I sighed then I started jogging. I started to go faster and faster and then…

Bump.

I heard the sound of my coffee cup falling to the floor and I felt the hot liquid soak through my white shirt.

"Shit!" I am so sorry!" I heard the girl's voice cry. I just chuckled looking down, taking off my sunglasses to look down at myself and try to see the size of the mess. "It's not even your fault. I was the one in a rush," I shrugged then raised my shirt to scrunch it up in order to release the excess coffee. "No, I was the one who should've watched where I was going," I saw the girl offer a bunch of tissues from the corner of my eye. I shook my head, raising my hand opposing them. "It's no problem, really. It's just coffee," I said coolly and then I looked up. Our eyes met- gold and green and it was as if time had stopped.

Her eyes were the most beautiful colour I had ever seen.

I gave her a smile and she immediately reciprocated a radiating grin. I swear, my heart stopped beating.

God she was so beautiful.

"It's really no big deal," I said, breaking my thoughts. I really didn't want her to see me checking her out…shit- I hope she didn't catch me. "Like I said, it's just coffee," I said casually with a shrug, the smile still evident on my face. Her eyes casted all over my body.

So she's also attracted to me?

A smirk washed over my face and I became very amused. She instantly blushed, as I knew she knew that I had caught me checking me out as well. She instantly looked down in embarrassment and I'm guessing she was reminded of the spilt coffee. "Well, let me at least buy you a new one," she insisted, guilt written all over her face and I checked his gold watch. Seven fourteen.

Shit! I need to get back!

I shook his head at her offer, but I saw the look of guilt still evident on her face. I nervously placed hand at the back of my neck then sighed. I had to get going. "You know what, don't worry about it," I assured her.

God, her eyes were so beautiful!

"I think the hot coffee woke me up enough," I joked a little awkwardly and I saw in her instantly feeling bad. I internally face palmed myself.

Nice going, you asshole.

Then the emerald eyed goddess spoke up again, breaking my abuse thoughts. "Are you sure? I can totally buy you a new one," she offered yet again. Everything in me wanted to take her up on her offer but I knew that if I did, I would be even later than I already was.

You need to get back to the studio!

"Seriously, don't even sweat. I'm already late anyway," I explained, nonchalantly and she began to feel even worse.

Fuck, man!

She closed her eyes, pinching the bridge of her nose with her thumb and index finger, "I am so sorry," her voice came out so sincerely and then she opened her eyes, displaying all the guilt within. I honestly just wanted to hug her and take all her guilt and worries away but instead, my mouth had other ideas and it decided to do the next best thing- laugh.

Why don't I just kill myself right now? Fuck my life.

"Really, it's no big deal," I smiled at her, as sincerely as I could then checked my watch again. Seven seventeen.

I really need to go but I also really want to stay. This girl really made me want to get to know her. I knew time was going by really fast and I really just wanted it to stop. I wanted it to stop, like the moment our eyes connected.

"I really got to go now," I put my hand through my hair again. I really don't want to leave and by the look on her face, it looked like she didn't want me to leave either. She sighed before saying, "Okay, well at least let me give you some money to buy some coffee some other time," then she dug through her purse.

The next thing I know, I'm touching her arm. As my hand came into contact with her arm, sparks began to fly and I felt a surge of electricity go through me. "It's okay," I said softly, a smile plastered all over my face. I checked the time on my watch for what seemed like the millionth time. Seven twenty one.

Holy shit! I need to get the fuck out of here…
I am so dead.

Before I can even mentally gather up a sentence, I was at the end of the street. Obviously, my physical body had other ideas and that was to make myself look crazy and just run.

Fuck.

I forgot to take her number.

Double fuck.

I forgot to ask her what her name was…and actually, now that I think about it, I forgot to do all the things a normal person would do.

Aaand the award for the biggest dumbass of the year goes to… Jace Herondale!

"You are so fucking late," Jordan said calmly, sitting with his arms crossed as I walked in.

"And what if I got you a gigantic blueberry muffin?" I offered, holding the bag up as a peace offering before World War 3 broke out. There was only one muffin inside as I had already given the other two to the guards at the boom gate. He stared at me, eyes squinted, for a couple more seconds before sighing defeatedly and gesturing me to hand over the bag.

"Oh my God!" a feminine voice laughed out loud from the corner of the studio. I turned to see Maia lying on the coach holding her stomach. I noticed a box of Chinese food with chopsticks sticking out was on the coffee table in front of her and it was next to a similar box that looked untouched. My senses heightened.

I loved Chinese food.

"Jordi, you are a whore for anything that contains sugar," she sang, as she calmed down and reached for her box of takeout. Jordan glared at her, stuffing his face with the muffin and Maia winked at him, blowing him a kiss. I, on the other hand, went straight for the unopened takeout box that had my name written all over it. Once the perfection was finally in my hands, I sat down on the couch and ate.

Maia passed me a can of Coke and I thanked her. "Babe, thanks so much for bringing food," Jordan was eating what seemed to be chicken chow mein. He had finished the muffin and was now continuing to eat his dinner. "Oh please, it's my job to make sure you eat. Your mom would kill me if I didn't," Maia joked and Jordan laughed. I swallowed my food. "No seriously, thank you for saving our lives. Literally, if Jordan didn't have you as a girlfriend, we would probably be dead by now," I joked and she rolled her eyes with a laugh.

"Anyway, speaking of 'girlfriends'," Maia started and I gave her a side eye. She raised her hands. "I was just going to say that I have a girlfriend…" I relaxed, continuing to eat and she continued, "who would be absolutely perfect for you, Jace." I threw my hands in the air in disbelief then turned to her. She smiled innocently.

I sighed. "I don't know Maia…Kaelee and I just ended things permanently," I reminded her, referring to my ex-girlfriend. "Just as in two months ago and you've been throwing yourself into your music ever since," she clarified with a sassy tone in her voice and her arms crossed. I shrugged and she sighed. "Come on Jace. You need to explore what's out there," she pressed and I nodded. "You're right and I will," I agreed. "It's just that I really want to focus on music right now. That's one of the reasons why I broke up with her," I explained with a shrug.

"She's right, man," Jordan agreed with a nod from his seat at the sounding board. "You haven't been out in a while. You jumped head first into music- don't get me wrong, it isn't a bad thing but you need some balance. You're cutting everything off for music." He shrugged, putting his now empty box on the floor by his feet. I rolled my eyes. "Like what?" I tested him defensively.

"I don't know, like putting your phone on Flight Mode even when you're not in the studio. Like spending all of your time either here or in the confines of your home," He pointed out. "When was the last time you went to the gym? When was the last time you even spoke to a girl other than Maia?" he questioned me, eyebrow raised and arms crossed, daring me to answer.

I thought back to less than three hours ago. How I bumped into that beautiful girl. How time just stopped.

"Actually…that's the reason why I was late," I smirked proudly, arms crossed to my chest as well. He squinted his eyes, staring at me to see whether or not I was lying then once he realized I wasn't, he said, "Go on." And so I told him the story of the girl with the beautiful emerald green eyes.

"Did you get her name?" Maia asked and I cringed, giving them the answer. Jordan burst out laughing. "Jace, man! You spoke to this girl for so long and you didn't even leave with her name or her digits!" He laughed incredulously. "Really?" Maia asked, a little confused as well and I sighed as I replied; closing my eyes, pinching the bridge of my nose. Not believing it myself. "Yeah."

"Man, that's when you know it's been too long," Jordan piped in, finally calm and stable after his laughing fit. I hated to admit it, but he was right. "So wait, can I still set you up with my friend or what?" Maia asked, scrolling through her phone this time. I didn't answer. Instead, I pursed my lips in thought and she sighed. "Oh come on. I promise you, she's so beautiful. I did a shoot with her just today," she explained. "Is she a photographer?" I asked intrigued and Maia shook her head. "No, she's a model and I have known her for a couple of years now. She's funny and sarcastic and I could go on and on and on but I want you to have your own impression of her," Maia smiled at me genuinely.

I ran a hand through my hair, still very adamant on not budging. "Jace, can't you see?" Mafia began and I gave her a weird look. "You bumping into that girl is a sign," she nodded. "It's a sign that you must move on and that there are plenty of women out there," she insisted and Jordan shrugged. "She's right man. Maybe it's time for you to move on officially."

"Fine," I sighed. "I'll meet your friend. You can invite her to the album pre-launch party that's in a couple of days or whatever," I gave in and Maia beamed. "Already on it!" then she typed away on her phone- I'm assuming messaging the model friend. I took a deep breath. "How close did you say you were again?" I asked and Maia groaned in response. "Alright, I think it's time we finish the song so that there can actually be an album to launch" Jordan laughed and I got up without a word and stretched.

I guess, she's right. Maybe this was a sign that I should start scoping around for some female companionship. I mean, this is the first time I've even been merely attracted to a girl ever since I officially broke things off with Kaelee. Maybe me seeing this girl was just what I needed to get myself into my old self again- the me that doesn't feel lost without Kaelee.

I moved to sit on the chair next to Jordan at the sound desk. We put all the components that we had together and listened and when the song ended, I went into the booth and started recording "ah"s and "oh"s to add to the song. We played the song over and over again adding what was needed in order to finish this song tonight. I really wanted to finish the album before Sunday, which was the day after tomorrow, so that I can have it ready at least a couple of days before the pre-launch party.

"I think we can call it a night Jace," Jordan said, while stretching then he cut the track. We were about halfway through the next song, all we had to do was add backing vocals and harmonies. I rubbed my eyes, "No, I think I want to finish this song and then I promise we can go," I compromised, because I really wanted to finish the song. I hate leaving the studio with a song unfinished and I knew if I left now, I'd just try and figure out what I can add to it instead of getting some shut eye. "Dude, it's like two in the morning," Jordan groaned and lifted his phone with the time on it to back him up.

I sighed. "Please man," I pleaded but he let out another yawn, crossing his hands over his chest. I sighed again, "Okay, if we finish this song now then we don't have to come to the studio tomorrow," I said. "You mean today," he corrected and I nodded. He let out a deep breath then he shrugged. "Fine. We won't get back into the studio after this," he nodded. "Well, not until tomorrow," I ensured and he rolled his eyes. He took a sip of his Red Bull and I opened another can for myself and took a long swig.

"I'm so glad I told Maia to leave," Jordan laughed and I smiled. "She would've been board out of her mind by now or passed out on the couch and I would've had to wake her up or something," he smiled, talking about his girlfriend. I smirked at him and he gave me a questioning look. "You are so whipped man," I laughed and he shrugged, unfazed about my comment. "So? At least I have a girl to go home to."

"Touché," I nodded. I stared at the can in my hands in thought. I mean, having a girl to go home to is a bonus but I do t think I'll ever admit that out loud. At least not now.

My mind flew back to the girl I bumped into yesterday and I smiled. Then my thoughts went off to that model friend of Maia's. I mean, if she's as amazing as Maia putting her out to be, I was willing to try it out.

Even if it wasn't specifically the emerald-eyed beauty.