Page 126 of Five Summers

People walk arm in arm, and Neil and I step around them onto the lush green grass. Filled with curiosity, I can't help but wonder where he might be going. People lounge on comfortable blankets, their silhouettes illuminated by the soft glow of the park lights, adding a touch of mystery.

I steal a glance at Neil, noticing how his eyes dart around, taking in the sights as he walks.

We walk past all the pretty flowers and find a more private spot. A couple cozily sits on a bench, wrapped up in each other’s arms. There's this other couple with their kids playing happily close by. I pause for a moment as the children run past me, their laughter filling the air as they chase after one another. It makes me miss Alex even more. I make a mental note to call him once I return to the hotel.

Hastily catching up to Neil, I nearly collide with his back when he suddenly halts. His finger points to the left, drawingattention to someone lying on the grass, their hands relaxed behind their head. I have doubts about it being Xander, especially because the person on the grass has blonde hair and wears a cap, which is visible in the faint light from the nearby park lamp.

I have the urge to tell Neil that it’s not Xander, but the more I observe him, the more I start to consider the possibility that it might be.

As I was showering in my hotel room earlier, I pondered the notion of reconciling with Xander. Considering that we will be working together for the next eight weeks, now might be the perfect time to put that idea into action. I know it won’t be easy, given our complicated history, but it’s something I feel compelled to do. It's time to let go of all the old grudges and move on. It’s time to move forward. Being in his presence might just mend my broken heart. The hard part is trying to look at him without feeling the painful ache of missing him. Pushing aside my hurt is the only way to move forward and get on with living my life.

I slowly walk closer, not knowing if it's really Xander.

Chapter forty-nine

Xander

As I lie on the grass, I casually cross my legs at the ankles and simply relax, taking in the breathtaking view of the stars above.

I’ve heard in this part of the world, the stars are bigger and more breathtaking, and the view certainly lives up to all the hype. This is my one and only chance to escape and enjoy some alone time before the crazy schedule of upcoming shows and the tour bus ride across Australia.

I just need a moment to sit, think, and calm my racing thoughts.

I know that the minute I step back into the hotel, Reg will completely lose his shit. It’s always the same whenever I do something like this. He’ll demand to know where I’ve been. And as always, I’ll respond like I always do, by telling him to fuck off.

Raising my hand, I scratch underneath the blonde wig. I know it must look completely ridiculous, this unconventional choice of a blonde wig. However, I always bring it along during tours as it grants me the precious opportunity to escape and enjoy some alone time. It’s the only time when I can think freely, without the relentless pressure of meeting everyone’s expectations.

Whenever we go touring, I never fail to stumble upon places like this, where I can truly indulge in deep reflection. It brings back memories of the moments when I would sit on the rock, pondering life’s mysteries, and reminiscing about my dear mother.

Suddenly, a voice breaks through my thoughts.

“Hey.”

My heart races as I recognize the voice. I turn my head to see Poppy standing just a few feet away.

“It is you?” she says, a smile spreading across her beautiful face as if she has caught onto my secret.

I remain silent, simply watching her as she comes over and sits beside me.

“Nice cap and wig, by the way. You had me fooled,” she says. “But Neil knew it was you.”

Observing her as she leans back on her elbow, I check out her tits, noticing that they are slightly bigger than before.

“It’s nice out here,” she says, scanning the area.

A strand of hair falls across her face, and as she raises her hand to brush it aside, I catch a glimpse of a tattoo on the inside of her wrist. It reads the name “Alex.”

“Alright, spill it. Why are you out here?” she asks.

I turn my head and gaze up at the stars. Even though I’m not looking at her, I can feel the weight of her stare. I place my hands on my chest, closing my eyes, relishing the comforting sensation of her presence nearby.

“Okay,” she says. “All we need now is a bottle of whisky to complete the night.”

Glancing at her, I glimpse a remorseful expression on her face, as if she instantly regrets her words. Swiftly, she diverts her focus back to the sky above.

“Reg is looking for you,” she casually mentions.

“Yeah, so,” I add, “I don’t care.”

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