Page 193 of Five Summers

Xander

Asudden knock at the door causes me to jolt awake.

“We’ll be landing in thirty minutes, Mr. Williams,” announces the new air hostess, using that detested name of mine.

When I don’t respond, she knocks again.

“Fine, I got it,” I grumble, amazed that I managed to sleep through the entire flight. But then again, it’s not surprising considering the lack of sleep at Poppy’s old apartment and then the events from last night. I desperately needed to catch up on two days’ worth of sleep.

Rushing through a shower, I quickly get into my seat, ready for the plane to land, all the while glancing at my phone. My phone buzzes, and a message from Kit appears, informing me that a car will be arriving soon to pick me up. The message also includes a list of tasks that I need to attend to. However, I momentarily set those thoughts aside as I fixate on a photo Poppy sent me. It captures her and Alex happily enjoying breakfast in the kitchen, and I’m completely absorbed in the moment. My heart yearns to be back home with them.

As the plane starts descending, the roar of the engines fill the cabin, and soon we touch down onto the runway, jolting slightly. As I disembark, I make my way towards the waiting car, its engine humming softly.

In no time, I’m at the hotel, in the elevator, keen to get to my room.

Stepping out of the elevator, I am greeted by the heartwarming sight of my bandmates lounging on a spacious couch in the hallway, each one absorbed in their phone. The sound of the doors opening immediately captures their attention. I can’t help but notice the genuine smiles that appear on each of their faces as they turn to look at me.

Theo is the first to get up. He puts his phone away and comes towards me.

“Finally, you’re here!” he says, giving me a brotherly hug with a friendly slap on the back. “How was it?”

“It was great,” I tell him.

“Good to hear,” Theo replies, stepping aside to let Nate and Ace take their turn.

They each give me a heartfelt hug, their embraces filling me with a profound sense of camaraderie before we all begin our journey down the hall toward my room. As we make our way there, they pelt me with questions, eager to know everything.

“What’s the little guy like?” Nate asks.

“He’s amazing, the most remarkable kid I’ve ever met,” I reply, sliding the card into the door lock and patiently waiting for the green signal before pushing it open. “He has a real passion for animals. He and Theo will instantly connect.” I walk in, casually tossing my belongings onto the generous queen-sized bed as the guys make themselves comfortable on the couch.

“Perfect. He can join me when I watch the documentaries,” Theo says with enthusiasm.

“Yeah, he’ll enjoy that.”

“How did the move go?” Ace inquires.

“Poppy’s stuff hadn’t arrived by the time I left,” I answer, walking over to stand in front of the three of them. “You wouldn’t believe where they were living; it broke my heart.” I glance at Ace. “Do you remember that burger joint we used to go to?”

He nods.

“It was two blocks past that.”

“Damn,” Ace says, shaking his head.

“What does that mean,” asks Theo.

Before I get a chance to respond, Ace cuts in. “That area is pretty rough. Xander and I would always avoid it when we were younger because of the neighborhood.”

“Yeah, but Poppy seems strong,” Nate comments.

“Yeah, she is,” I say, pulling out my phone to show the photo Poppy sent earlier today. It hits me that I’ve become one of those guys who excitedly talks about their family. But honestly, I don’t fucking care. These two people have become my everything. And hey, if the guys weren’t interested, they wouldn’t have asked.

I hand the phone to Ace, who takes a moment to study it. “Fuck, he looks like you,” he remarks, passing the phone to Theo, sitting beside him.

Nate leans in to get a better look.

“I know, but I see bits of Poppy in him too,” I say.

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