67. Chapter Sixty-Seven
Although I’m feeling sore between my legs after a long and wild night with Xander, I wouldn’t want it any other way. I can tell you, that man sure knows how to please a woman. Although walking is uncomfortable, I know I’ll long for his gentle touch tonight as he lies across from me in the narrow bunk bed.
I’m pretty sure Xander could tell I was feeling down last night because of my mother constantly interfering and her belief that she knows what’s best for me in my life. I know Xander could sense it by how quiet I had been on our way to the hotel. When he surprised me by going back to Walter’s restaurant to grab a burger, I couldn’t help but smile from ear to ear. It’s incredible how, despite being apart for so many years, Xander has become so in tune with my emotions. He used to have a sense of when I felt insecure or experienced similar emotions, but now it feels as though he can almost read my thoughts. He understands me on a deeper level than I ever thought possible.
The countdown is on. With just a little over a week left before Xander, and I fly home so he can meet our son, I’m filled with excitement to see my little boy again. The ache of missing him is so intense that it feels like a part of my heart remains in the States. Xander and I have spent countless hours discussing every detail of our future together, a future that I thought would never happen.
The idea of sharing our lives as a family and moving into Xander’s house fills me with immense joy. It’s the life I’ve always dreamed of - the three of us together. However, as the years passed and Alex’s birthdays came and went with no acknowledgment from Xander, it felt distant and unattainable.
My doubts grew even stronger when I came across tabloid images of Xander with models and actresses. But after spending five and a half weeks with the band, I know the truth. Reg would manipulate Xander like a canvas, painting vivid stories to generate media buzz about the band. Now I realize how foolish I was to question Xander’s love for me. All these years, his love for me has remained unwavering. The way he interacts with our son further solidifies my belief that we are on the path to creating a strong and loving family.
Yesterday evening, Xander informed the band that he will be flying back home after their final concert in Brisbane. He explained to them that Kit has organized a flight for us to head back to the States and reassured them he would be back in time for sound check in New Zealand.
I was stressing about how the band would react to their frontman’s absence, especially as they start their tour in a foreign country. They were super excited for Xander to see his son.
I really like the guys in the band. Surprisingly, all the guys have a newfound sense of joy now that Reg is no longer around. I can’t help but laugh at the way Ace’s annoyance grows as Theo continues his mischievous antics. Nate is such a sweetheart, with his kind and caring nature.
Just last night, I had the pleasure of observing Nate in the green room. He was engaged in a conversation with a young boy, who was merely nine years old, accompanied by his parents. The sheer excitement radiating from the boy at the opportunity to meet his idol, Nate, was truly overwhelming. My heart swelled with warmth as the boy shared his dream of emulating Nate, confidently stating that he could flawlessly match Nate’s beat to all of his songs. But the most heartwarming moment occurred when Nate handed the young boy his drumsticks. The pure joy and happiness emanating from that little boy nearly brought tears to my eyes.
As the guys gather in our hotel room to work on the specifics and rehearse one of Xander’s new songs, I text Kit and invite her for a drink. Kit, along with Neil, are always up for a drink.
Catching up with Neil and Kit they tell me about rumors going around about Reg. It seems that Lionel told Kit that Ace was in charge of the band until he found a new manager. And that every request from the band is to be fulfilled. It seems like Lionel is taking the boys seriously. I suppose he would, especially when the label’s main money maker is on the verge of leaving.
Neil revealed to me today that witnessing Xander’s connection with his son has served as a source of inspiration for him to forge a similar bond with his own son. He asked Kit for assistance in locating his son, hoping to reconnect with him. Despite knowing it might be too late, Neil remains hopeful. However, he’s concerned that his son may reject him, especially since his stepdad has played a large part in raising him.
Kit also informed me that once the band is done in Australia, Lionel instructed her to book Reg on the earliest flight back, which happens to be the same one Xander and I will be on. However, there’s a catch - the label will cover the cost of our tickets, but they insist on Xander and me flying first class, leaving poor Reg to endure the cramped seats of economy. Right now, Reg has no idea, and Kit will probably have to handle his complaints when he finds out about the seating.
Standing in the left wing of the stage, the powerful sound of the crowd’s thunderous roar fills the air and sends shivers down my spine. As Xander commands the stage, the energy in the air becomes palpable, buzzing with eager anticipation. The way he effortlessly connects with the eighty thousand people here is truly mind-blowing.
Singing in front of people always makes me feel anxious, but for Xander, it’s as if he was born to do this. Back in our teenage days, I could picture him singing in front of thousands of people, and now, witnessing him on this stage, there is no way I would allow him to sacrifice any of this for us.
As another song reaches its end, I watch him take deep breaths, his gaze sweeping over the crowd. He makes his way across the stage, where Nate sits behind his drum set, eagerly waiting for Xander’s cue. Xander takes a drink before returning to the microphone. I’ve memorized the band”s set list and there are only two more songs left before the climactic final performance.
In the past, hearing him sing it would stir a hint of sadness. However, now it symbolizes so much more. It’s true what he says. It’s our song. Despite the fans claiming it as theirs, it will always be ours. It’s the thread that connects us in our special way.
Casting a glance my way, Xander flashes that sexy smirk.
A hush falls over the crowd as eighty thousand individuals collectively hold their breath. With eager anticipation, we all wait to see what he’s about to say.
“We have a new song to share with you,” he announces.
The crowd’s excitement reverberates with a deafening crescendo, filling the air with a powerful roar. The moment Xander raises his arms, the crowd grows quiet as they hang onto his every word.
“This song is special to me because I wrote it during a really hard time in my life. I felt the absence of someone special. So, this song goes out to anyone who”s felt the heartbreak of losing the most important thing in their life.”
The crowd erupts in cheers, and the stadium is bathed in the glow of thousands of phones as Xander turns his head and signals to Ace. Ace effortlessly glides his fingers over the strings, creating a tender melody that gains momentum as Nate and Theo join in.
Throughout the entire song, Xander keeps glancing at me, his gaze lingering, before turning back to the crowd to continue singing. The song is so powerful and moving, evoking a sense of sadness and emotion. It undoubtedly captures the moments and feelings he experienced when he left all those years ago.
As I listen to the lyrics, tears start flowing down my cheeks because of the songs raw and vulnerable nature. It feels as if he has truly let his guard down. The moment the song ends, the crowd erupts into a thunderous chorus of cheers, the sheer force of the sound vibrating through my entire being.
Standing with a smile, Xander extends his hands, immersing himself in the atmosphere. He turns his head to his bandmates, all of them sporting smiles as they soak up the energy from the crowd. This is their essence, what they thrive on - being seen as godlike, living out their dreams of reigning supreme in the music industry.
I am in awe as I observe them. That broken boy from the past, the one who resorted to stealing chocolate bars to survive, has undoubtedly made it, just as I always knew he would.
In the midst of the crowd’s ongoing cheers, Nate begins to count in the next song, and the setlist continues according to plan.
As always, a nervous energy sets in whenever it’s time for the last song. My anxiety heightens as I observe Xander grabbing the stool and my dad’s guitar, slowly making his way toward the microphone. It’s a poignant moment, not only because of the emotional connection to the song and my deep affection for this man, but also because a part of my dad is up there on that stage. He’s living out a dream that always held a special place in my father’s heart - performing in front of thousands of people.
“This one is for us, Princess,” he says, his eyes meeting mine. In that instant, I sense the undeniable love he has for me. It emanates from him, erasing any doubts I once had - a love that I once questioned and never fully grasped. But now, I will never doubt it again, not with the sincerity in his eyes and the heartfelt way he expresses his love for me.
As he sings the opening lines, a serene and somber atmosphere settles in the air. The voices of the crowd merge, generating a harmonious sound as if all eighty thousand people in the stadium have congregated for this one moment. Their combined singing overpowers Xander’s voice through the speakers. It transforms into their song, a moment they all rejoice in - a shared encounter that belongs to every single one of them.
I take a few steps to the side to get a better view of the crowd. Their phones are raised high, illuminating the air with flickering lights as they passionately sing along with Xander. I know that this is a moment that I will remember for the rest of my life. Turning my head to look at Xander, I see Ace, Theo and even Nate with drumsticks in hand moving forward to stand beside him and witness this incredible sight. With arms draped over one another’s shoulders, they form a tight-knit brotherhood, fully embracing the profound significance of the moment they have brought to life.
As the song nears its end, Nate seamlessly returns to the drums, while Xander delivers the final chorus with an epic flare, marking the last show in Sydney. The stadium pulses with an electrifying energy, echoing with thunderous cheers.
“Thank you, Sydney. We love you!” Xander declares, before putting the microphone back into the stand. The rest of the band members come forward and stand next to Xander.
Amidst the enthusiastic cheers, they graciously wave to the crowd, expressing their gratitude one last time before making their way off the stage. Xander takes the lead, and the rest of the band effortlessly follows suit. It’s a common sight - they consistently walk behind Xander, as if he effortlessly commands the stage. However, there is no trace of envy or ill will among them, only a sincere and deep respect.
As soon as Xander reaches me, he gently lifts me up and embraces me tightly, pressing his lips against mine in a passionate, intense kiss. It’s overflowing with raw emotion, leaving me momentarily breathless.
As the band members pass by, they warmly pat him on the shoulder before heading to the green room for the meet and greet. The dynamics in that area have also changed since Ace took charge. The absence of the pressure that Reg used to exert is noticeable. Even though groupies still seek moments to hook up with the band, it feels more relaxed.
I still feel uncomfortable when groupies offer their breasts for Xander to sign, but I understand it’s part of being a rockstar. I observe as he flashes his signature sexy grin, takes photos with them, and gives away merchandise. But what I have noticed is when he’s finished mingling with them, I see the disappointed look on their faces knowing that they won’t be with Xander tonight. Above all I trust him. I never want to end up like my mother.
When the meet and greet is over, Neil guides all of us towards the tour bus. Reg is already inside, engrossed in his laptop, not bothering to acknowledge us as we all board.
The guys exchange a look, suggesting that the upcoming trip to Brisbane won’t be a pleasant one due to all the tension caused by Reg.
“If you’re riding on this bus with us, Reg, don’t expect to get the good room,” Nate says, walking past our bags at the front of the bus, where they are always placed when we board.
We all stay there, watching Nate, wondering what he’s doing as he moves towards Reg’s room. From the corner of my eye, I catch sight of Reg turning his head to watch Nate. Not a single word leaves his mouth as Nate enters his room.
As I peer through the open doorway, I see Nate snatching Reg’s bag from the bed and fling it out the door, landing at Ace’s feet. Without wasting a moment, he retrieves the expensive suits that are hanging in the compact closet before making his way out of the room. “This room is no longer yours,” he declares, casually tossing the suits onto the couch. “It’s now reserved for family. Our family.”
Reg stays silent, his attention returning to his laptop. I notice him swallowing.
“Xander and Poppy, you guys are family. Why don’t you guys take the room?” Nate suggests.
“I’m happy to sleep in the bunks,” I say, not wanting any special treatment since I’m not the big money maker here. I’m not the one out on that stage, pouring my heart out every night for the adoring fans.
Xander steps forward, grabs our bags, and claims the room.
“Well, I guess that settles it,” I say, making my way towards the room. “Thank you for the room.”
Xander grabs my hand and pulls me into the room.
Wasting no time, Xander closes the door and pulls me down on the double bed. As we lie together, he wraps his arms around me and snuggles his face in the crook of my neck. “I love you,” he whispers, holding me close. He’s been telling me that every day since he confessed his love for me. And every time he says it, I just fall harder for him.
“I love you too,” I tell him, and the loving look he always gives me when I say those words is something I will always treasure.
In the days that follow, Xander and I find our connection growing stronger as we engage in meaningful conversations and make it a priority to speak with our son every night. I can see the love and excitement reflected on Alex’s face, just as it is on Xander’s.
During our journey to Brisbane, we make our customary stops at unique little towns along the way. Ace proposes that it is now Xander’s turn to step into the limelight and reveal the truth of what happened. As Xander conducts all the interviews for the next two days, the guys keep me entertained. Theo and I take the opportunity to explore the local ice cream parlors, while Nate ventures out to discover the local restaurants. We all, including Xander, have a delightful lunch together. Sometimes, it’s just Ace and me strolling the streets, browsing through the shops. Despite his usual grumpy demeanor, he attempts to engage in small talk. It’s a bit awkward, but I appreciate his efforts.
What truly stands out is that Xander is the one who holds the band together.
With each passing day, I feel a surge of excitement as we get closer to reuniting with our son. But bringing back all the stuff we”ve collected is gonna be a real challenge. With the long-awaited reunion drawing near, Xander’s emotions are a whirlwind of eager anticipation and nervous apprehension.
During our stay in the hotel in Brisbane, Xander plans a few intimate dates just for the two of us. Being a fan of simplicity, he surprised me one night by ordering room service as soon as we got back to the hotel.
While we enjoyed our meal together, we indulged in a binge-watch session of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. The trip down memory lane brought tears to my eyes, and Xander laughed before he gave me a loving hug. That’s when he confessed he’s addicted to the show, which earns him some playful teasing from the guys back home. Xander also said that he has hooked Theo on the show, and the two of them often share beers while watching the entertaining antics of the Beverly Hills bitches.
Sometimes I pinch myself just to check if this is real. My life was completely different just six weeks ago, crazy right? I never imagined being so happy. I love this guy more than I ever thought possible. Along with my son, he is everything. It’s truly mind-boggling that the person I once saw as using people to get what he wanted, and my longtime school crush, turned out to be the one who loves me deeply and makes me feel whole. It’s funny how life works out sometimes.