Page 128 of Five Summers

“But you still did it, Xander. You followed through with everything you said you would. I’m sure your mom would be incredibly proud of you,” she remarks.

And at this moment, I find myself unable to speak. Emotion tightens my throat. Since the last time I was with Poppy, I haven’t discussed my mother with anyone. Not being able to talk about her has been difficult for me. But that’s the special thing about Poppy - she understands the loss of losing someone so significant in my life. She turns her head towards me, and I feel the weight of her stare.

“I’m sure your mom would be so proud of the success you’ve achieved. I bet she never imagined that when she gave you your first guitar, you’d become the envy of the world. Now, I'll say this once, and I won't say it again because I'm still mad at you for ditching me, but I've been keeping up with your success online. I'm super proud of what you've done. You did it. You pursued your dream.”

To hear her say that brings an ache to my heart, but I’m glad she has been keeping up with my progress and achievements. There have been countless moments when I achieved milestones and instinctively reached for my phone to call her, only to remember that I didn’t have her number because I threw my phone in the lake. Another regret of my life, and I’ve been annoyed at myself for years for another foolish mistake.

“So, will you tell me now why you never pursued your dream? Why were you working at the bar instead?”

Right away, I see her shutting down when I mention it.

“I don’t think it’s any of your business what happens in my life. Especially after you just walked away without ever wanting to know about it before,” she says, sitting up and hugging her legs close to her chest as if protecting herself.

She’s right. I really shouldn’t have asked, especially considering how long it’s been since we last spoke. But as she takes out her phone, I am captivated by her gorgeous face, illuminated by the screen. I quickly glance down and notice that she’s texting Ace.

Poppy: I found him. He’s okay.

It’s frustrating that Ace knows her number, but not me. I should be the one who has her number. A small voice in my head reminds me that I messed up by throwing it away. I’ll ask him for her number later; it’s the least he can do after all the crap he’s been pulling lately.

Poppy’s gaze remains fixated on her screen, clearly anticipating Ace’s response.

In a matter of seconds, it finally arrives.

Ace: Where is he?

I watch, curious to see if she will disclose my current location. I hope she doesn’t, as I can do without the chaos of the media, exposing my ridiculous disguise all because Reg wants to forcefully return me to the hotel, just like he did in the past when he contacted Neil.

Poppy’s fingers glide effortlessly across the screen, and I observe as she composes the following message.

Poppy: It’s under control. He’s fine. I’ll text you when he’s back at the hotel.

I smile, seeing that she hasn't changed a bit. She remains loyal, steadfast and doesn't let others sway her.

She locks her phone and places it face down on the ground next to her. After taking a moment to observe the peaceful surroundings of the park, the tranquility is abruptly shattered by the loud ring of her phone. She wastes no time and flips the phone over, and there it is. That asshole Reg calling her. Taking in a deep breath, she answers the call.

“Hello,” Poppy says.

“Where the fuck is he?” Reg’s voice roars through the phone, reaching my ears. I make a mental note to give him a piece of my mind when I get back.

Poppy moves the phone away from her ear, abruptly ending the call. Once more, she switches it off and is about to place it face down on the ground next to her. However, just as she’s about to do so, the phone suddenly lights up again, accompanied by her distinctive ringtone.

“Reg, just listen,” she says, her voice filled with frustration.

“Don’t you dare tell me to fucking listen. You had one job.”

Poppy disconnects the call once more, but this time she grips the phone, anticipating another incoming call. Without delay, the phone rings again, and she answers it. “If you persist in yelling at me, I’ll simply keep ending the conversation. However, if you’re open to having a respectful discussion, I’m willing to talk to you.”

I’m on the verge of bursting into laughter, as I can’t help but be in awe of her sassy attitude. Even someone as infuriating as Reg, a man who has intimidated countless others with his rage,is completely powerless against the feisty sass of my princess. Having her around will be entertaining, just to witness how she toys with Reg.

His booming voice is noticeably absent from the phone, implying that he might have to control himself this time. Instead, it is Poppy’s voice that I hear.

“Yes, he’s fine. And no, I won’t tell you where he is. You’re paying me to handle this, so please allow me the freedom to do just that.”

"Tell me right now where the hell he is," Reg's voice booms through the phone.

“I don't remember any part of the contract saying I have to keep you updated on everything.”

“For fuck sake, we’re paying you for-”

---