Page 77 of Sixty Days Of Summer

“Daddy!” Alex’s voice slices through the air before I even spot him. He comes barreling toward Xander, jumping into his arms with a squeal of delight.

Xander holds him in a warm embrace, and it strikes me once more just how profound Xander's world is. It’s as if he’s crafted this perfect little life, a whole universe that belongs solely to him. Watching this moment unfold makes me acutely aware of what I’ve been missing in my own life.

Poppy strolls toward us, a smile beaming from ear to ear. She’s rolling a suitcase behind her—nothing too big, just enough for a few nights on the road. This is Alex’s first time staying on the tour bus, and before all the shit hit the fan, he had challenged Theo to a Mario Party showdown. Knowing Theo, he’s probably been practicing nonstop, annoyed as hell that a kid can kick our asses every damn time. The thought makes me smirk.

“Uncle Ace!” Alex shouts as soon as he spots me standing next to Xander. Xander sets Alex down and strides over to Poppy, his face lit in an adoring smile.

I crouch down to greet Alex, flashing him a smile and feeling grateful for the kid’s infectious energy. “Are you ready for some fun on the tour bus?”

But my eyes can’t help but shift to Xander and Poppy. The way Xander pulls Poppy close, their kiss is intense and full of passion, like they’re in their own little universe. For a brief second, I’m reminded of what real love looks like, and it hits me hard, twisting my gut. They have this connection that feels unshakeable, a bond that makes my own shit with Scarlet seem even more complicated.

When Xander finally pulls away from Poppy, they walk over together, Xander wheeling her suitcase. As soon as Poppy spotsme, her face lights up with a smile, and she steps forward, pulling me into a hug.

“Hi, Ace,” she says, her voice overflowing with genuine warmth. It feels nice, like a little reminder that not everything is heavy and complicated.

I can’t help but marvel at how things have changed. Back in school, Poppy was the girl everyone overlooked, but now she’s grown into this incredible woman. Less than a year ago, she was raising Alex on her own, fighting through every challenge with a strength that’s damn impressive. I regret not getting to know her back then; maybe if I had, I’d have seen the amazing person she is sooner. She’s made Xander happier than I’ve ever seen him, and that’s something I’ll always appreciate. It’s like she breathed life into him again, filling in the cracks with love and laughter.

Walking towards the exit, Alex’s small hand holds mine tightly as he chatters excitedly about everything and nothing. Poppy and Xander walk close behind, their fingers entwined, lost in their own conversation.

"Where’s Uncle Theo?" Alex asks.

I glance down at him, giving him a smile. “Uncle Theo’s back at the hotel. He knows you’re coming today. He was talking about you earlier this morning, saying he can’t wait to see you, buddy.”

Alex beams up at me, clearly pumped about reuniting with Theo. “I can’t wait to beat him at Mario Party,” he says, practically bouncing with anticipation. It’s clear Theo's gaming challenge is the highlight of his day.

Neil leads us out to the car, and we climb in. Poppy and Xander take the seat together, while Alex and I settle across from them.

Poppy glances over at me, her smile warm but her eyes filled with concern. "How are you holding up, Ace? With all that media mess from the interview. Are you hanging in there?"

That's Poppy—no beating around the bush, just straight to the point.

"Yeah," I say, forcing a smile. "I'm getting there."

As the car moves forward, Xander reaches out and threads his fingers through Poppy’s. My eyes follow the simple, intimate gesture, causing a knot to tighten in my chest. I’ve done that with Scarlet a few times, felt that connection, that grounding. As I lift my gaze, I observe them, engrossed in each other, speaking softly, creating a bubble where only the two of them exist.

A question lingers at the back of my mind: Can I ever have this with Scarlet? That ease, that certainty. The thought is heavy and unshakable. It’s a reminder of everything I risked by running away from her, and now I’m left wondering if I’m just too fucked up to let anyone in.

Why can’t I let my walls down like him? Xander and I were both broken assholes who’ve come from fucked-up childhoods, but while he’s managed to climb out of that pit, I’m still trapped in it. I need to change how I deal with shit. I need to let someone in, just like he let Poppy in all those years ago.

The thought eats at me. I watch Xander and Poppy share a laugh, their eyes sparkling with something real and unguarded. It seems as if they have established a fortress of trust, a refuge where vulnerabilities are safe, and it evokes a sense of longing in me. What would it take for me to break down my own barriers? To stop hiding behind my anger and fears?

Alex’s voice breaks through my thoughts, pulling me into his world.

“Have you been to the pool, Uncle Ace?” he asks. “Mom says I can go for a swim when we get there.”

“Nah,” I reply, forcing a smile. “Haven’t been there yet.”

His eyes, so much like his father’s, lock onto mine. “Will you come for a swim with me?” he asks, the simple question bringing a smile to my face.

“Yeah,” I say, nodding at Alex. “I’ll come for a swim with you.” At least this way, it’ll give Xander and Poppy some alone time together. Knowing Xander like I do, he’s probably itching to get her alone for some private time. Plus, having Alex around, it’ll keep me from drowning in my own thoughts.

The car comes to a halt in front of the hotel, and as we exit, Alex is right beside me, chattering away about the pool and all the fun he plans to have. His enthusiasm is infectious, but as we walk past Scarlet’s door, my mind drifts. I can’t shake the thought of her being just on the other side of that door. My pace falters for a moment, my hand instinctively clenched, but I force myself to keep going.

Alex finally breaks away, darting into the room with his parents. His chatter fades as the door clicks shut behind him. I head to my own room, the silence pressing in as I prepare for our trip to the pool. It’s a small escape, but right now, it’s the distraction I need.

A few minutes after I’ve changed into my swim trunks, I hear a knock at the door. My heart skips a beat, hoping it’s Scarlet. But when I open it, I see Xander and Alex standing there. Alex, with a towel slung over his shoulder, is practically bouncing with excitement, dressed in his swimming trunks, floaties strapped to his arms, and swimming goggles perched on his head.

“Thanks for taking him, Ace,” Xander says, his grin wide, clearly eager to get back to Poppy.

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