Page 123 of Five Summers

“Reg,” Nate says. “Cut her some slack. She just fucking got here. She doesn’t know how things work around here.”

As I observe from an outsider’s standpoint, it appears that Nate and Theo have developed a closer relationship with Xander. It makes me wonder what might have happened over the years for Ace to become more distant. If my memory serves me right, Ace and Xander were inseparable, like brothers, relying on each other for support in every aspect of their lives.

Reg remains silent for now, studying the three men. Their expressions show a readiness for a fierce confrontation. There’s an undeniable sense of unease beyond what just happened with me not joining them in the car. It’s as if there’s an additional layer of tension lingering in the air.

Without uttering a single word, Reg swiftly retrieves his phone from his jacket pocket and unlocks it.

I look up and see Theo smirking at me.

“Spitfire,” he whispers.

I'm completely confused about why he calls me that.

I discreetly sneak a peek at Xander and notice him gazing out the tinted window. Intrigued, I watch him for a moment, finding his side profile just as captivating as his front view. His long lashes catch my attention as I watch him blink. I can't help but notice the defined edges of his jawline as my eyes wander over his face. Suddenly, it seems like he senses my eyes on him as he turns his head. In a hurry, I redirect my attention, only to catch Theo and Nate watching me. My cheeks flush with embarrassment at the thought of them watching me check out Xander.

The hotel is the fanciest I’ve ever seen. The room is practically the same size as my apartment. After enduring that terrible place for three years, being surrounded by luxury makes me feel like a queen. The queen-size bed is so inviting, it's practically begging me to crash as soon as I checked in this afternoon. But instead, I resist the urge because I know it would mess up my sleep to adjust to this new time zone.

It's crazy to think that it's already tomorrow here like I've time-traveled into the future.

After I shower, I throw on some tights and a comfy top, then flop onto the bed. Right when I'm about to call Alex, there's a knock on my door. Opening it, I’m totally surprised to find Kit standing there.

“I know it's early, but I need a drink. You wanna come?”

To be honest, all I feel like doing is sitting down, flipping through the channels, and perhaps indulging in the mini bar. Earlier, I noticed some crisps and peanuts that I was quite eager to munch on. However, this is my opportunity to connect with someone outside of the band on this tour. It wouldn’t hurt to go downstairs for a few hours and have a drink.

"Sure, sounds good," I say, walking over to the bed to get my phone that I threw when I heard a knock at the door.

Kit turns away and waits for me by the elevator.

As I walk up, I see her pushing the elevator button over and over. As soon as I get there, the doors slide open, and we step inside.

“I bet Reg had a total meltdown when you got in the limo,” she says, keeping her eyes on the bright red floor numbers going down.

“You can say that,” I add.

“I know what it's like when Reg gets angry. He can be quite an asshole.”

“Yeah, I'm starting to see that.”

“Neil’s meeting us at the bar. He might seem scary, but don't be fooled. Once you get to know him, he's like a little puppy dog.”

“More like an angry bear scoping out a picnic basket,” I say, laughing.

Kit smiles. “You’ll see what I mean. He really is just a gentle giant.”

As the elevator bell dings and the doors open, we step out onto the second floor. Kit leads me through a set of double glass doors. It's like being transported into a classic Hollywood film, with its old-school piano bar charm.

At the heart of the room, an exquisite grand piano commands attention. I’m brimming with excitement, eagerly awaiting when the enchanting melodies fill the space, creating an ambiance that is simply magical. The melodic notes producedby the piano never fail to enthrall me; they have always held a special place in my heart. However, a tinge of sorrow lingers within me, as I no longer have the pleasure of feeling the keys beneath my fingertips since I sold my keyboard.

As we approach the bar, Neil sits alone with a half-finished beer, engaged in conversation with the bartender.

Kit slides onto the stool next to him, and I climb onto the one beside her.

“Yeah, I bet,” says the bartender. “Tell me, what’s the weirdest request you’ve ever been asked?”

“Well, there was this woman in her forties who told me she’d give me a blowjob if I would sneak her into Xander’s room.”

“No shit.” The bartender laughs.

---