64. Chapter Sixty-Four
The next morning, we’re all pumped and ready for our trip to the zoo. I can’t help but smile as we wait for Theo to arrive. Xander sits next to me in the foyer, wearing his blonde wig and red cap. When people walk by, they can’t help but stare at his crazy outfit. Makes me wonder if his eccentric outfit attracts more attention than if he were simply being himself.
My mom once again complained about Xander talking to his son last night. Seeing their bond grow makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. It’s clear that Xander is just as eager as I am to connect with our son every evening. I’m pretty sure my mom will make things even more difficult when they finally meet face-to-face.
This morning Mrs. B messaged me to let me know her daughter passed away. And that she was sorry that she wouldn’t be able to care for Alex as her family needs her. I swiftly responded, assuring her it was fine and expressing my condolences for her loss. This news really saddened me, and all I could think about was how I wished I could be there by her side, offering her comfort, just like she is always there for me.
I’m not looking forward to the conversation I need to have with my mother tonight. I need to ask her if she can take care of Alex for the remaining time I’m away. I wonder if there will be any restrictions put in place for her to do it, like Xander not having anything to do with his son. But if it comes down to that, I’ll just go home. I’m sure Xander will lend me the money if it comes down to that.
Glancing down at the floor, my mind is occupied with our conversation last night and how excited Alex was when Xander told him we had plans to go to the zoo today to see the kangaroos and koalas.
Xander leans back in his seat. “What’s wrong, Princess?”
I lift my head. “Just thinking.”
“About?”
“Alex staying with my mom until I get back. Initially, I thought it would be okay with Mrs. B looking after him, but now...”
“Now you’re worried about him.”
“Yeah, you could say that.”
“I’ve been thinking about that, too. Not about him being with your mom, but about meeting him. I thought maybe we could fly back home during the five-day break while they set things up in New Zealand.”
“Seriously?”
“Yeah, why not? I can”t wait to meet him. Plus, I wanted to talk about a few things.”
“Like?”
“Besides your mom living there, is there anything holding you back in that crappy town?”
“No, I lost my job.”
“Just a thought, but how about you and Alex come live with me in my house? What do you think?”
We both divert our attention to a person standing in front of us and the moment I look up, I’m on the verge of bursting into laughter.
“Fucking hell,” says Xander.
Standing in front of us is Theo, sporting a completely ridiculous disguise. He proudly displays a thick, seventies porn stache, which compliments the hideous sideburns. To complete the outfit, he rocks a black cap, letting his wavy, dark shoulder-length hair peek out.
“What do you think?” he queries, turning his head from side to side, so we can evaluate everything.
”Did you just get off some seventies porn set,” Xander says.
“Why? What’s wrong with it?” Theo runs his finger over his mustache.
“You look fucking ridiculous,” Xander says.
“Can’t look any worse than you, asshole.”
“Are we good to go?” Xander asks, getting up from his seat.
Neil comes forward and takes the lead, and I can”t help but notice the big guy is smirking at Theo. He walks ahead, leading the way toward the car Kit arranged for us.
The car swiftly transports us from the hotel to Circular Quay, passing by the bustling city streets. Our next adventure begins as we board onto a ferry that will take us to the zoo. Throughout the entire journey, Neil stays close by, keeping a watchful eye on all of us.
Unfortunately, Theo”s stomach churns uncomfortably during the ferry ride to the zoo, prompting us to move outside in search of relief in the refreshing breeze. As we step outside, I am immediately captivated by the sparkling, glimmering water, its surface mirroring the radiant glow of the sun. I gaze towards the Harbour Bridge, the iconic structure stretching across the water, and ponder if Nate and Ace are still strolling along its majestic path. Xander stands right beside me, and together we take in the breathtaking view of the picturesque landscape. Meanwhile, Theo sits behind us, constantly grumbling for the remainder of the journey.
As we arrive at the zoo, the sounds of laughter and chatter fill the air, while the sight of children running reminds me of Alex. I wish he could be here with us, savoring every moment of this experience. I wish he could witness it all—the kangaroos and the koalas that he adores so much, instead of just seeing them in a photo. I want to give him everything. I want him to have a life where he can follow his passions. To grow into a young man knowing that the world is full of endless opportunities. That’s my wish for him as he continues to grow - that he embraces every opportunity that comes his way.
Xander and I stroll through the zoo, hand in hand, while Theo, our knowledgeable guide, effortlessly educates us about every animal we encounter. I wonder if he had a similar love for animals as a child like Alex does.
As we spend our time here, heads turn as people catch glimpses of the guys in their amusing disguises. Unable to resist, I take a photo, a keepsake that will always bring a smile to my face.
When we reach the Australian animal enclosure, I eagerly feed pellets to the kangaroos. Xander grabs his phone, capturing them as they eagerly munch on pellets in my hand.
Throughout it all, Xander eagerly shows me the photos he’s taken, each one capturing a moment of pure happiness that he knows will bring joy to Alex. Seeing Xander like this, the desire to create these precious moments for our little boy fills me with deep gratitude for his dedication to our family.
As we continue to explore the exhibit, we spot a few Koalas peacefully snoozing high up in the towering trees. Unfazed by the challenge, Xander continues his quest until he discovers one close enough to capture on camera.
By the time Xander finally captures a photo he is satisfied with, our stomachs rumble with hunger. It’s lunchtime.
Xander takes hold of my hand and guides me back along the path towards the main entrance. Walking beside him, Theo engages in conversation about their upcoming radio interviews this afternoon. Before their discussion shifts towards branching out on their own, Xander mentions to Theo that he has Walter’s demo on his phone and that he should check it out because it’s really impressive. By the sounds of it, Walter might get his big break after all.
Watching Xander and seeing the man he has grown into makes me proud. He’s such a kind and caring person, always thinking of others. He’s changed so much from the boy I remember. It’s common for fame to inflate egos, but with Xander, it’s clear that he’s motivated by more than just that. He strives to be the best version of himself, and I genuinely admire that. I genuinely like the person he has become.
As we arrive at the eatery, Neil takes the lead, carefully surveying the surroundings before kindly holding the door open for us to enter. The place is bustling with people, the aroma of the rich food mixing with the lively conversations. We skillfully navigate through the crowd, hoping to find an unoccupied table. After what feels like an eternity, we finally spot one and I quickly take a seat, feeling a wave of relief wash over me as I finally give my tired feet a well-deserved break.
After Xander consults with Neil and me about our food preferences, he and Theo head off to place the order, while Neil remains at the table with me. As we engage in small talk, our conversation revolves around the animals we”ve encountered during our time at the zoo.
Xander and Theo waste no time and swiftly return, balancing large trays of mouthwatering food. Burgers, fries, donuts, drinks. It all looks so good. While we eat, we pass around our phones, sharing the vibrant photos we snapped earlier in the day.
After finishing our meal, we venture outside, searching for a shaded spot in the grassy area to escape the heat. While Xander and I enjoy the cool shade, Theo momentarily vanishes, leaving Neil to stand at a respectful distance, giving us privacy, his gaze fixed in the direction Theo went.
“Thank fuck,” Xander says, sitting on the grass. ”I finally get you alone,” he says, as he grasps my wrist and guides me to sit between his legs. “I swear that idiot never stops talking.”
As I sit down, he lovingly wraps his arms around my waist and gently pulls me back, so I am nestled against his chest.
”You wouldn”t change him if you could,” I say, a smile forming as I think of Theo and his quips.
”Nah, probably not,” Xander says, his warm breath tickling my neck, as he gives me a gentle kiss.
We stay quiet, taking in the scene as people walk by.
”We should visit this place again, but with Alex next time,” suggests Xander.
“Yeah, I’d like that,” I reply.
As I turn my head to look at him, his lips meet mine in a tender kiss.
When I turn my gaze back, I spot Theo making his way towards us, balancing three enormous ice cream cones - two chocolate and one strawberry. He savors the sweet taste of the strawberry-flavored one before making his way over to Neil, offering him a chocolate cone. Then he comes over.
“Here you go, Spitfire,” he says, offering me the last chocolate cone.
“Thank you,” I say, leaning forward to accept it before it dribbles down the side of the cone due to the heat.
“Where’s mine, asshole?” Xander asks.
“You have that interview in a few minutes,” Theo responds, sitting on the grass next to us.
“Shit,” Xander says, leaning to the side so he can retrieve his phone from his pocket. “I forgot about that.”
I savor a mouthful of chocolate ice cream, letting out a groan of pleasure. Xander observes me closely, smirking, and I know exactly what’s running through his mind.
With a smile, I offer him a taste of my ice cream. His mischievous gaze remains locked on me as he leans closer. As I observe him licking the ice cream, I can decode all the inappropriate thoughts running through his head.
His eyes widen in surprise as the burst of chocolate flavor overwhelms his taste buds.
“It’s good, isn’t it,” I remark.
”Yeah, I”ll get one after the interview.” He leans forward to kiss my cheek before he gets up.
“Don’t worry, fucker,” Theo says, a mischievous grin spreading over his mouth. “I’ll show her a good time.”
Annoyed by Theo”s antics, Xander doesn”t even have time to respond before his phone rings. Xander swiftly swipes the screen and brings the phone to his ear, shooting an intense glare at Theo. Despite the tension, Theo still laughs out loud.
As we indulge in our ice-creams, Xander distances himself from us and the noisy crowd.
“You make him happy, you know,” Theo speaks up. “He was the biggest pussy when I first met him.”
I tear my gaze away from Xander and shift my attention to Theo.
“So, what’s the deal with you two now?” Theo inquires. “Have you sorted everything out?”
“So, what’s the deal with you and Nate? You don’t hear me asking about that?”
Theo laughs out loud. “Okay. I’ll give you that one.”
He takes a few more bites of his ice cream, leading me to believe that’s the end of the conversation. But then, he surprises me by speaking up again. ”He told me all about you,” he confesses.
“He told you about me?” I can’t help but wonder just how much Theo knows about our shared history.
“Yeah, but not at first,” he says, while licking the ice cream melting down the side of the cone. “Back in the day, Nate and I threw these parties just to have a good time, and I gotta admit Xander was a real hit with the ladies. But he had no interest in hooking up with them. Instead, he”d just get completely hammered. Honestly, I thought he might’ve been in the closet and didn”t want anyone to know.”
I can’t help but burst into laughter.
“So I asked him, and that”s when he told me about you. It finally made sense why he couldn”t hook up with chicks. I got it because I”d been there. I told Nate because I knew he would get it since he went through something similar.” He pauses, his voice catching a bit. “There you go, Spitfire. I’ve got the whole backstory.” He goes back to eating his ice cream.
“Back it up. You walked away from someone too. What is it with you guys?”
He shakes his head. “No, we didn’t let her go. She died suddenly.” His gaze shifts, and I notice his eyes start to water.
“Oh, Theo, I’m so sorry,” I say.
“It’s alright, Spitfire.” He looks at me and offers a small smile. “No way you could’ve known.”
I pause for a moment before bringing up another topic. “I noticed that you and Nate seem to have a close connection. I saw you in his bunk bed.”
With his ice cream now finished, he shifts his position, stretching out his legs and crossing them at the ankles. He then leans back, propping himself up on his elbow. “I was wondering if you saw that. Just to clarify, there”s no romantic thing going on between us. We don’t fuck each other or anything like that. Nate is like my rock. Despite my tough childhood, he has been my best friend for as long as I can remember. We practically lived next to each other growing up. Whenever I couldn”t handle my nightmares, I”d secretly go to Nate”s house. After a while, he started leaving the window open for me, knowing I needed someone when my mind went crazy. I was just a kid, around nine. So, I”d crash in his bed. Having him by my side was comforting because I knew I had someone I could trust and I wasn’t alone. Even now, those nightmares pop up, but having him around helps me cope. It helps me get through them.”
Theo’s story touches my heart, as it reveals a side of him that contrasts to his usual cheerful demeanor. It’s hard to believe that someone so happy could have experienced such a challenging childhood, which has evidently had a lasting impact on him.
Reflecting on my upbringing, I realize that my life has never been as tough as his. I only had to deal with an overbearing mother who projected all her insecurities onto me, nothing compared to what this guy must have gone through. But Theo bears the scars of that childhood. Growing up a few houses away from Xander, I witnessed the hardships he faced and how he continues to grapple with feelings of low self-worth. It’s truly heart-wrenching to imagine what Theo must have endured in his life.
“Well, I’m glad you have Nate,” I add.
“Me too,” he says.
We both look up as Xander approaches. He exhales deeply, a frown evident on his face indicating that something is bothering him.
“That doesn’t look good,” Theo says as he sits up.
Xander joins us, plopping down on the grass next to me. He stays silent for a moment, his intense gaze fixed on the ground.
“Don’t worry, man, she didn’t fall for my charms,” Theo says teasingly, attempting to lighten the mood.
Xander lifts his head and looks at Theo. “It’s out. Reg didn’t do shit to keep it quiet. They asked me about the fifteen-year-old girl.”
“Fuck, bro,” Theo says as he leans forward. “What did you say?”
“I told them everything. That our manager set it up, you know, like he’s been doing for years just to get some publicity. I didn’t hold back. I even texted Ace to give him a heads up about what went down and that the label might reach out to him because shit is about to hit the fan.”
“What did Ace say?”
“I haven’t heard back from him yet,” he replies.
“We should go and sort this shit out now,” Theo says, and I hear the worry in his voice. “We should get together and come up with what I should say because they’ll ask me the same questions later. Fuck.” He looks down at his watch. “I’ve got an hour and forty-five minutes. We need to sort this shit out.” He’s up on his feet, ready to go.
Xander and I stand up.
Neil takes the lead as he walks ahead.
“Poppy and I have to go to the gift shop to grab a few things,” Xander says, slipping his hand into mine. ”Then we”ll sort this out, Theo,” he reassures, patting him on the back with a comforting touch.