Page 104 of Five Summers

“I’m totally confused. Why do they want you to go on tour?”

As I sit at the table, a deep sigh escapes me, as I feel the weight of the night settling upon my shoulders. “Well, tonight there was an incident. Xander’s father unexpectedly showed up and caused trouble. Xander was furious when he saw his dad. Ace and another guy attempted to calm him down, but he refused to listen. It was only when I approached him and intervened that he finally stopped. I know it might have been foolish of me to get involved. I should have just stayed out of it. However, seeing his father there and knowing what he’s been through, I couldn’t just stand idly by and do nothing.”

Mrs. B takes a seat beside me. “So, let me get this straight, Xander only stopped when you told him to?“

“Yes.”

“And the others told him to stop, but he wouldn’t listen?”

"Yep, that's right," I say, feeling kind of confused about where this conversation is going. “What’s your point?”

“It’s nothing,” she says, a mischievous smirk playing on her lips, hinting at an undisclosed secret. “You should think about it.”

“Think about what, exactly?” I inquire, rising from my seat and making my way towards the kitchen. Unsure of how to proceed, I pick up a dish towel from the kitchen counter and neatly place it on the hook.

“Consider going.”

I turn around, staring at her as if she has grown another head. A laugh escapes me, finding the idea completely ridiculous. “Eight weeks? How in the world could I ever be away from Alex for that long? It’s just not possible.”

“So how much are they offering you?” She raises an eyebrow, intrigued.

"I can have whatever I want," I say, leaning against the kitchen counter with my arms crossed. “Ace said to name my price.”

“Can’t you see, Poppy? Remember, a few years back when you said you wanted to find a special place for Alex to have amazing childhood memories? You wanted him to have a big backyard to play, ride a bike, and have a tree swing. This is your chance to make that dream come true.”

“No. I can't be near a man who didn't want me or our child.”

“Just put that aside and focus on the result. Eight weeks isn't that long if you really think about it. If you pass on this chance now for a better future, will you regret it later? Alex is fine to stay with me.”

She was correct. I must consider the larger perspective. There's a chance I could get enough money to buy a house in a more desirable neighborhood. Then Alex can hang out with other kids his age and learn how to ride a bike. The currentsituation here is extremely dangerous, so it is too risky to let him venture out into the hallway. Can I truly accomplish this? Can I spend eight weeks with Xander? Is it possible for me to stay strong and resist his charm?

As I turn my head to think, a large cockroach scuttling across the floor in front of me abruptly captures my attention. Just the sight of it sends shivers down my spine. This place is truly unbearable. Within days of moving in, I realized that coming here was the biggest mistake of my life. However, I had no other option but to stay, as I couldn’t go back to my mother’s place. I couldn’t subject Alex to the constant negativity and relentless criticism of Xander. I longed to provide him with a much better life than the one we had while living at my mother’s house.

This place was meant to be a temporary fix until I could find a better alternative, but unfortunately, that never happened. I now have an incredible chance to rectify the situation. I have this amazing chance to spend eight weeks on something I don't want to do, but it could change our lives and give us a place to call home.

I quickly squash the cockroach, getting rid of the disgusting creature. If I never have to come across another one again, I would be happy. Just seeing a cockroach crawling on the edge of my bed two days after moving in made me feel disgusted and repulsed. I need to get out of this place.

As I glance back at Mrs. B, I notice her watching me. And she’s right. I can handle this for eight weeks. All I have to do is stay focused, keep my guard up, and make sure I keep my distance from Xander.

I walk over to the trash can, grab the card, and then my phone. It’s already past two. It’s late, but I send a text anyway.

Poppy: Hey Ace, it’s Poppy. Alright, I’m game, but I’ve got a couple of conditions. First, you need to offer me a dollar amount I can't refuse. Also, I need $10,000 upfront to cover rent and support for my son while I’m gone.

After sending the message, I gently set my phone down on the table, knowing well that I won’t hear back until tomorrow.

Mrs. B gets up from her seat and says, “You’re making the right decision, Poppy. You’re thinking about your future.”

My phone makes a noise, and Mrs. B glances at it. I snatch my phone and check the message, reading it aloud.

Ace: Cool, let's meet up at the Astor Hotel tomorrow at 10.

The next morning, after leaving Alex with Mrs. B, I make my way towards the hotel. Uncertainty fills me, and I do not know what to expect. I couldn’t sleep at all last night, constantly questioning if going back to Xander’s realm is the right choice. But deep down, I have a firm belief that whatever awaits me aftereight weeks will be worth it. I keep reminding myself that I’m only doing it for the money, and that’s the only reason.

Pulling up in front of the hotel, I switch off the engine and feel a surge of nerves wash over me. Leaning forward, I take a deep breath in an attempt to calm myself, but before I can fully compose myself, a sudden knock on my window startles me. Glancing over, I see a hotel employee dressed in their uniform. Eagerly, I roll down the window, wondering if Ace or Reg had sent them to guide me.

“Sorry, but you can’t park that vehicle here.”

“Why?”

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