Page 47 of Five Summers

Ace: Where are you? Savannah said you left. What’s going on?

Xander: Yeah, won’t be back. See you at practice.

I slip my phone into my pocket, and glance back up.

“See that red sign there?” I say, pointing ahead to indicate the exact location I’m referring to. “They have the best burgers in town. Have you ever been there?”

I can already predict Poppy’s response even before she speaks. This area tends to attract a unique crowd. It’s difficult for me to imagine Poppy or her mother ever coming here.

Poppy skillfully maneuvers the battered green car through the crowded parking lot, bringing it to a stop as the engine sputters to a halt.

Exiting the car, we are met with the distant hum of traffic and the crisp air tinged with exhaust fumes.

As we step into the dimly lit burger joint, Poppy keeps her sunglasses on. An enticing scent of sizzling patties fills the air. I spot a snug booth hidden in the corner. The speakers reverberate with the energetic beat of rock music, infusing the venue with an electrifying atmosphere.

Poppy raises her glasses and scans the room, taking in her surroundings. The proprietor, Sid, is a seasoned heavy metal rocker. From time to time, he takes a break to entertain the customers, but I’ve only seen this happen when me and Ace go late at night. However, during the day the vibe totally changes. The lighting is brighter now and I didn’t notice how red the walls were until now.

Poppy settles into her seat, and despite the temptation to sit beside her, I choose the seat opposite her. Already knowing what I want, I give her the menu that's on the table. I watch her closely as she studies the menu. Trying to decide what to order, she wears a frown and anxiously bites her bottom lip.

“So, what do you recommend?” she asks, shifting her gaze to me.

“The triple cheeseburger with a side of fries and a chocolate shake.”

“Okay,” she says, placing the menu back on the table. “But I might go for a double. I don’t think I can fit my mouth around a triple.”

My thoughts turn dirty and I can’t help but smirk.

“What?” she says.

“Trust me, Princess, I’m pretty sure your mouth can get around anything.”

Her cheeks turn red as she looks around the room.

When I glance to my left, I see Tayla, the server approaching. I silently express my frustration because I was hoping she wouldn’t be working today, given that she typically works nights. This is gonna be super awkward. We hooked up a few weeks ago. I never called her after she gave me her number. I brought Poppy along today, thinking Tayla wouldn’t be working.

“Hey Xander,” she says, giving me a smile. “I've been wondering when we would catch up again,” she says, shifting her focus to Poppy. “So, who do we have here?” she asks, showing her irritation.

Ignoring her question, I snatch the menu and attempt to order without making eye contact. But then, Poppy's voice cuts in.

“Hi, I'm Poppy,” she says, introducing herself and extending her hand for a handshake.

Tayla hesitates before accepting it. “Tayla,” she replies.

To wrap things up and get Tayla to fuck off, I quickly place my order. “I’ll take a triple cheeseburger, fries on the side, and a chocolate milkshake,” I say, placing the menu back on the table. I take a quick look at Poppy. “And what do you want, Princess?”

As soon as those words leave my mouth, I know I’ve fucked up.

“Princess,” Tayla murmurs, before giving me a stern look. “Xander out of curiosity, does your girlfriend know about what happened between us a few weeks ago? Her focus shifts back to Poppy. “Well, did he tell you about that?”

A surge of tension washes over me, causing the hairs on the back of my neck to stand on end. My only desire is for her to fuck off and stop bothering Poppy.

“Well, first of all, Tayla,” I interject. “She’s not my girlfriend.”

“We’re not dating,” Poppy chimes in.

Poppy's words hold no significance as Tayla continues to glare at her with a hateful look.

“And let’s not forget, it was your idea. You wanted me,” I tell her. “It was just a hookup.”

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