27. Chapter 27
Chapter 27
Ace
I haven’t slept a damn wink. Scarlet’s words—“I love you”—are on a relentless loop in my head, refusing to let me rest. This shit just got real, a reality check I wasn’t ready for. I feel like the biggest asshole for just walking out, not saying a single word, not even a weak-ass attempt at a thank you. But what the hell do you say when someone lays it all out like that? When they actually tell you they love you. No one’s ever said that to me before—no one. And my first instinct was to bolt, to get the hell out of there as fast as I could. Fuck.
Rolling over in bed, I stare at the wall, fucking pissed at myself for treating her like that. The guilt’s gnawing at me, eating me alive. I can’t shake the image of her face as I walked out—hurt, confused, maybe even starting to hate me. And right now, I’m right there with her. I fucking hate myself for doing that, for leaving her when she didn’t deserve it.
Sitting up, I run my hands through my hair, trying to shake off the weight pressing down on my chest. I need to do something, anything that’ll drown out the mess in my head, but nothing seems to work. No matter what I do, her face keeps surfacing—those eyes, that raw look of vulnerability. It’s like she’s haunting me, and there’s nowhere I can go to escape it.
I should’ve stayed. I should’ve talked to her, explained how fucking confused I am. But no, I just left her there, exposed and vulnerable, while I ran like a damn coward.
The phone buzzes on the nightstand, and I find myself staring at it—half hoping it's her, half dreading that it might be. But it’s just a text from Kit, reminding us that we’re checking out of the hotel tonight. I toss the phone aside, ignoring it. I know I need to talk to her, but where do I even begin? What the hell do I say?
I sit on the edge of the bed, elbows resting on my knees, staring at the floor like it has all the fucking answers. The tour bus is going to be awkward as hell tonight if I don’t patch things up with Scarlet. There’s no way to avoid her on that cramped bus, and honestly, I don’t want to. I can’t run anymore. I need to face this, face her, and own up to the mistake I made by running away.
Dragging myself out of bed, I throw on some clothes, moving slowly, like I’m gearing up for a damn execution. Every step feels heavier than the last as I head out the door. The hallway outside my room is blindingly bright, too normal for what I’m about to face. My mind races, but all I can think about is what the hell I’m supposed to say to Scarlet. But no matter how hard I try, nothing comes. Every excuse I run through in my head sounds weak as fuck, and I know I need to do better than that.
The moment I arrive at her door, my stomach tightens. I know I’ve got to do this, but I’ve no fucking idea of what to say. I stand in front of her door for a second, just staring at it, trying to pull my shit together. Then, before I lose my nerve, I knock. The sound echoes down the hallway, and I hold my breath, waiting.
Nothing.
I knock again, a little harder this time, but still—nothing. Maybe she’s avoiding me. Hell, I wouldn’t blame her if she was.
I stand there like a fool for a minute, feeling the weight of my mistakes, before finally turning and walking away.
As Xander steps out of his room, his gaze meets mine as I stand awkwardly in the hallway. His eyebrows furrow, and a deep frown forms on his forehead when he notices me.
"Hey," he says, his tone cautious, like he’s not sure what to make of me just standing there. "What are you doing?"
"Not much," I reply, forcing a casualness into my voice, even though my insides are twisted in knots. "What about you?"
"Just heading down to grab a bite before going to pick up Poppy and Alex," he says, a grin spreading across his face at the mention of their names. He’s been buzzing with excitement about Poppy and Alex flying in.
I nod, struggling to summon some enthusiasm of my own.
“You heading down to grab something to eat?” he asks.
I hesitate for a moment, shooting a quick glance at Scarlet’s room, but then I decide to hell with it. Maybe spending some time with Xander will help clear the shitstorm swirling around in my head. "Yeah, sure. Let’s go."
As we make our way to the all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet, Xander keeps the conversation light, effortlessly chatting about random topics. “So, how’d things go with your sister last night?”
I let out a heavy sigh, the weight of our conversation washing over me again. “It was… intense. There’s just so much to unpack. We had years to catch up on, and it all came rushing back at once.”
Xander nods, his expression turning serious for a moment. “Did you manage to talk through everything?”
“Yeah,” I reply, running a hand through my hair. “She had a rough time in that house too. I don’t want her going through it alone. I’m thinking I’ll be there when she comes out and sets the record straight. We should face it together, you know?”
As we head into the restaurant on the second floor, I take in the chill atmosphere. There are only a few tables occupied. Toward the back, I spot Scarlet and Theo at a table for four, deep in conversation. Xander leads the way, my stomach twisting at the sight of her. I can’t help but wonder if Theo knows what I did last night.
As Xander settles into one of the empty chairs, I watch Theo and Scarlet look up. Scarlet's face lights up with that warm, radiant smile of hers. “Hey, Xander,” she greets him, her voice filled with warmth. Then her gaze shifts to me as I approach, and for a brief moment, I feel a wave of relief wash over me, hoping maybe she’s not pissed at me for last night.
“Hey, Ace,” she says, her voice steady, but there's an edge of something else there. Just as quickly, her eyes dart away, and she focuses on her breakfast, pushing the food around on her plate.
That small gesture hits me like a cold splash of reality. It’s clear things aren’t okay between us. Sure, she spoke to me, but that’s just Scarlet—always polite, even when everything is a mess. It serves as a stark reminder of how different we really are.
I slide into the seat next to Xander, trying to play it cool, but the tension in the air between Scarlet and me is thick and palpable. Theo sits there, silent, sipping his coffee while keeping a close eye on the two of us, as if he’s expecting the whole thing to blow up at any given moment.
Xander kicks off a light conversation about meeting up with Poppy and Alex, but I can barely focus on his words. My mind is fixated on Scarlet—on the way she won’t even glance in my direction. It’s gut-wrenching. I know I need to say something, do something to break this suffocating silence, but nothing feels right. Every word that comes to mind feels like it’ll only dig the hole deeper.
“So, uh... you sleep okay?” I finally manage to ask, my voice coming out weaker than I wanted it to. It’s a lame question, I know, but it’s all I’ve got in this moment.
Scarlet glances up, her expression unreadable, like I’m staring at a closed book. “Yeah,” she replies, her tone flat, devoid of any warmth. “You?”
"Yeah, I guess," I lie with a nod.
She goes back to pushing her food around on her plate, and the silence stretches out, thick and awkward. I can feel Theo’s eyes darting back and forth between the two of us as if he’s trying to figure out what the hell is going on. It’s awkward as fuck, and I can see him getting restless like he’s on the verge of asking what’s going on.
After a beat of awkward silence, Xander pushes his chair back and stands up. “I’m gonna hit the buffet,” he says, casting a quick glance my way.
I follow him, anything to break the stifling tension between Scarlet and me. We grab plates, and while Xander starts piling on food, I just stand there for a moment, staring at the spread of options in front of me.
“What’s going on?” he asks, glancing at me with that concerned look, a spoonful of eggs hovering over his plate.
I hesitate, struggling to find the right words. What the hell do I even tell him? I glance down at the food under the warm lights, feeling a knot tighten in my gut. There’s no way I can look Xander in the eye when I spill this. “She told me she loved me.”
“Fuck,” he says. “And I’m guessing you couldn’t say it back to her?”
I glance at him, shame washing over me. “No, I didn’t do anything except fucking bolt. I didn’t know what the hell to do.”
He goes back to piling food onto his plate. “I get it, man. It’s hard as hell to open up.” He looks back at me, like he knows exactly what I’m wrestling with. I can tell he wants to dig deeper, but I step away from him, cutting off any chance for him to press further.
I grab a few random things, not really caring what I end up with. Scrambled eggs, bacon, a couple slices of toast—whatever. By the time we make our way back, Theo and Scarlet have already left the table. The sight of the empty seats causes my stomach to twist with unease.
While waiting for Poppy and Alex, Xander and I are chilling in a quiet corner at the airport, a welcome escape from the bustling crowd. I can see the anticipation radiating from him. The way his eyes sparkle with excitement as he practically vibrates with energy. The way he constantly glances toward the arrival gate, reveals just how much they mean to him—these two are his whole world.
On the way here, I figured Xander would bring up the shit that happened with Scarlet, but to my surprise, he hasn’t said a damn word about it. Maybe he knows I’m not ready to unpack that mess yet, or maybe he’s just too caught up in his own excitement to care. Either way, it’s a relief not to have to dive into that shit right now.
“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 spots me, 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.
I grab my towel, and step out of the room, closing the door gently behind me. Alex waves goodbye to his dad, and we make our way toward the elevator.
When we reach the pool area, I spot Theo lounging in one of the chairs. His hair is still damp, and he’s sprawled out, looking completely at ease. The moment Alex sees him, he bolts forward, a huge grin on his face.
Theo’s expression transforms in an instant. A warmth spreads across his face, making it impossible to miss. He rises from the chair and strides over to Alex, his smile widening as he kneels down to greet the kid. It’s a simple yet profound moment, and it hits me just how much our lives have changed over the past year.
Alex has changed everything for us. He’s brought a new kind of joy and connection, especially between Theo and himself. I can see it clearly now—how their bond has grown, how Theo’s face softens whenever Alex is around. It’s a different Theo from the guy I knew before.
“Hey, buddy!” Theo says, scooping Alex up into his arms. Alex giggles as he’s lifted off his feet, his little arms wrapping around Theo’s neck.
If Theo's here, then Scarlet has to be nearby. I scan the area, searching for any sign of her. There's no escaping it now—it's time to face the music with her.
“Are you finally coming for a swim, old man?” Theo shoots me that grin, the one that used to drive me crazy back in the day. But now, for some reason, I actually welcome it.
I lift my gaze and spot Scarlet standing there, looking fucking incredible in a red bikini. Her tattoos are on full display. Our eyes lock, and I'm momentarily speechless, completely captivated by the ink on her sexy body. It’s impossible to focus on anything else—I don’t even realize Theo and Alex have already moved back to the chairs.
I know I need to talk to her. There’s a shitload of stuff I need to say, but right now doesn’t seem like the best time. Not with her looking like that, her body all hot and distracting. And definitely not with my damn dick practically begging for attention, especially not in front of Theo and Alex. But my feet move on their own, as if my body’s taken control. I make my way to the side of the pool where she’s standing, drawn to her like a moth to a flame.
She drops her head, focusing on something around her feet, and I can’t help but let my gaze wander down those long, fucking legs. I see the nerves flickering in her posture, and damn, I’m right there with her. I’ve played to eighty thousand people, but right now, I’m a fucking mess of nerves. Nervous because it’s her, nervous because I have this gnawing feeling that whatever we had is slowly slipping away.
“Hey,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady, but it comes out a bit hoarse.
When she looks up, her eyes lock with mine, creating a moment where everything around us seems to vanish. It’s just us. It feels like we’re the only ones that exist.
After a long moment, she looks away.
“Scar,” I say, my voice rough and almost hesitant. “We need to talk.”
She meets my gaze, and I see the heat in her eyes—a mix of frustration and something else I can’t quite pinpoint. “You don’t need to say anything, Ace. Your actions spoke for you.”
She steps aside when Alex and Theo approach, and I watch her crouch down to chat with Alex, her focus entirely on him. As she gets lost in conversation, I feel Theo’s gaze on me. The second I look at him, I realize the bastard knows exactly what went down between us—how she told me she loved me and I fucking ran.