Page 105 of Five Summers

“Because...” The employee pauses, and I quickly glance around. The surroundings are filled with luxurious, shiny cars that exude prestige, making my green clunker look more like an abandoned vehicle. I roll up the window, totally ignoring him. Without hesitation, I push open the door, causing him to take a step back as I get out of my car.

No matter how tempting it may be to snatch one of the many flashy cars out here, I make sure to lock up my trusty old shitbox. Despite its lackluster appearance, it holds immense sentimental value for me. Sadly, I cannot afford insurance, so the thought of replacing it would be an unbearable financial burden.

"Miss, I told you to move your car," he says, chasing after me as I walk towards the hotel entrance.

“I don't give a damn about what you want. It's there now, so just deal with it," I say, throwing the words over my shoulder.

“Miss, you’re not listening to me.”

“And you’re not listening to me. My car is going to be there for at least twenty minutes. I’ll move it once this meeting is done. That is, if the old junk starts,” I throw out, chuckling, trying to get under his skin. So what if my car isn’t up to par? This is just how my life is, and he’ll have to deal with it.

With confidence, I stride through the automatic double doors that effortlessly slide open.

When my name is called, I immediately turn to the left and see Reg and Ace sitting at a table. The table is placed against a glass window, which provides a beautiful view of a lively garden. On the round glass table, there are two coffee cups and a noticeably large yellow envelope. As I walk closer, both men get to their feet.

“So happy you could join us,” Ace says. “Do you want coffee?”

I give a nod, and a server comes over. Ace makes sure she takes my order. It’s hard to fathom that the person sitting beside me is the same Ace I used to know in school. He appears softer, more compassionate, and thoughtful. “I was hoping you’d reconsider,” Ace says, grinning.

“Honestly, I’m still uncertain. But if I choose to go through with it, it’ll be for my son.”

“Alright,” Reg says, opening a folder. "I received the papers this morning. It’s pretty straightforward, as you can see.” He slides the papers in front of me. “On the first page, you’ll find a list of demands. If you agree, you can sign on the second page. I assure you, the amount we’re offering is quite generous.”

As I wait for my coffee, I read the page. Right at the top, I see my name and my position - Band assistant. Below that, there’s a list outlining my duties.

When I see something I don't understand, I pause and look up at Ace. “What exactly does it mean to be available when the band needs me?” I inquire.

Ace locks eyes with me and explains, “If Xander spirals, we’ll need you to help calm him down. Of course, there may be times when we can handle it on our own. But, given Xander's recent behavior, we might need you in the beginning.”

I take a moment to think and then pose the question. “But what if in the end, I don't make any difference to Xander and last night was just a one-time thing?”

“Poppy, trust me, if you hadn't stepped in when Xander got all fired up last night, things would've gone terrible with the label. We would've lost everything. I’ve known Xander for most of my life and what I saw last night just confirms that you're the only one who's been able to get through to him in ages. He listens to you.”

“The next clause states you must not engage in any sexual activity with any of the band members,” Reg explains. “Break this rule and the contract is non-negotiable. You'll be asked to leave with no payment.”

“You don’t have to worry about that?” I reassure Reg, looking directly at him.

“Alright,” he says, diverting his attention to the paper and flipping to the following page. "Here's the amount we're willing to pay you for completing the task. If you're happy with everything in this agreement, just sign on the line below.”

As I reach for the pen on the table, I steal a glance at Ace, who nods in approval. Two hundred thousand dollars. That’s the exact sum stated at the top of the contract. This amount has the power to transform our lives completely. A strange blend of excitement and worry wash over me as I sign my name. Thoughts of Xander still linger in my mind, but I remind myself to stay strong and keep my guard up against his charms, just as I did last night. Yes, I can do this.

Once I sign, Reg quickly gathers the papers and tucks them into his briefcase. As I reach for my coffee and take a sip, I continue to contemplate whether I have made the right decision. Yet, the idea of offering Alex a better life in a better home and neighborhood reassures me I am indeed on the right path.

"Here's the cash you wanted," Reg says, sliding the yellow envelope over to me.

"Thank you so much," I say, happily accepting the envelope and tucking it away in my handbag. “This will totally help with the rent and cover some expenses for my son while I'm gone.”

“Right. Welcome to the tour," Reg says, his hand outstretched towards me, but his tone leaves me uncertain if he truly wants me here.

With that, Reg stands up and makes his way toward the elevators, leaving Ace and me alone. It dawns on me that I’ve never really had a proper conversation with Ace before, and I can’t help but ponder what Xander might have shared about me with him throughout the years.

“Is your son gonna crash at your mom’s while you’re gone?”

“No, he’ll stay with someone else,’ I say, grabbing my coffee. “Hey, I forgot to ask, what date do we fly out?”

“October twenty-fourth. It’s two weeks away. I’ll text you the details about what time a car will pick you up for the airport.”

I nod as I put my cup back on the table.

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