Page 96 of Five Summers

My father looks around the room at the many people watching. “This is the fucking hotshot at his best.” He looks back at me with that smirk, that same one he always gave when he was satisfied with the beatings he gave me.

How dare the asshole come here asking for a handout, when I’m the one who has put in all the hard work? It's seriously mind-boggling that he would even dare to refer to me as his son after all the cruelty he inflicted.

Reg and Ace attempt to drag me away, but it’s already too late. I open my mouth, prepared to express clearly that he has never been a father. And how he will forever remain the asshole who made my life a living hell.

“Xander!”

I hear her voice and instantly freeze as she gently places her palm against my chest.

Ace and Reg release their grip on me, and both look down at Poppy, who is standing in front of me.

“Not here in front of everyone,” says Poppy.

Her voice has a profound effect on me, especially when she speaks my name. However, it’s the sensation of her hand on my chest that sends shivers through my entire body, just like it did years ago when she used to touch me. Her touch has a grounding effect on me.

As she draws near, I take a deep breath in. I shift my gaze downwards and meet her captivating blue eyes, feeling a lump in my throat. Surprisingly, there is no hint of hatred in her eyes, contrary to what I had expected when I first saw her. What strikes me the most, though, is how she has become even more beautiful than I remember. There are a few additional freckles sprinkled across her nose. However, she doesn’t allow me to admire her face for long, as she redirects her attention back to my father.

“Back off, now,” she warns my piece of shit father. She then directs her gaze towards the security guard, who has been silently observing the entire situation unfold. “Warren, remove this person from the bar immediately, or I will involve the police.”

Approaching the scene, Warren, the security guard, whose bald head and substantial muscular build cannot be ignored.

“Listen here, bitch,” my father angrily retorts. “This is between my son and me. It’s got nothing to do with you.”

I take a step forward, fully prepared to deliver a punch to my father’s face for calling Poppy by that name. But Poppy removes her hand from my chest and boldly steps forward, confronting him with her gaze. It’s the same Poppy I remember from our school days but now she’s bolder, more self-assured - always ready with a sharp retort.

“We know what kind of asshole father you were to Xander. Now get the fuck out of here, or I’ll have your ass thrown in jail.”

It’s truly unbelievable to see Poppy in the first place, but it’s even more surprising to watch her defend me, especially after what I’ve done to her.

Warren, the useless security guard, takes hold of my father’s arms and spins him around.

“You self-righteous prick,” my father yells at me, his voice echoing through the room. Warren forcefully shoves him towards the exit, and the shocked crowd parts, making way for him to be escorted out.

As everyone watches my dad get kicked out, I can't take my eyes off Poppy. I can’t believe what she just did. Not after everything that went down between us.

Poppy’s gaze meets mine briefly as she turns around. In that moment, a surge of emotions overwhelms me, as memories flood my heart. However, she immediately looks away and walks back to the bar.

The murmurs of the crowd sound in my ears, their penetrating stares fixed upon me.

“You alright, man?” Ace inquires, standing by my side as Theo and Nate approach.

Nodding, my mind goes blank, and I can’t find the right words to say. I simply wish to follow her, but I am unsure of how to express myself. It's all too much to handle, and I'm in desperate need of a drink.

“Damn, who’s the blonde spitfire over there?” Theo asks, his gaze fixed on the bar.

I open my mouth to tell him to drop it, but I don’t get a chance because Ace answers for me.

“That’s Poppy Reeves,” Ace says, glancing over at the bar where Poppy is now serving drinks. “She used to go to our school.”

Hearing her name, Theo glances my way. “You mean that Poppy,” he comments.

I nod to confirm, and Ace gives me a puzzled look because I didn't tell him anything about Poppy when he asked. But I’ve already told Theo everything.

"Fuck!” Theo mutters, knowing all about our history.

Chapter thirty-seven

Poppy

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