Closer - A Connections Sequel [Ongoing]

Forty three

Sommer P.O.V.

"You excited to getaway?" Xavier tilted his head adorably towards me.

I exhaled deeply and leaned back in my seat. "Definitely. It's been a crazy couple of weeks."

"Hell yeah." He started the car. "It's been pretty rough on all of us."

"Jess will be making sure Alexys is attending all her appointments, and Carter and Val just wanna spend some alone time settling into their new house together..." I recounted to myself. "So fingers crossed things are all on the road to recovery now and we can relax a bit."

He nodded keenly, turning the ignition on before moving the gear into reverse. "It's a good time for us to stop and take a breath."

I smiled, leaning over to peck him on the cheek. "It was such a good idea, Xav. Thankyou."

"You're welcome sweet, sweet Sommer baby," he winked playfully before placing one hand behind my chair, glancing out the back.

I rolled my eyes and laughed before turning up the volume on the stereo. The familiar sound of one of my favorite songs filled the silence in the air, as a gentle breeze wrapped itself around the loose tendrils of my hair. I propped my feet up on the dashboard and slid my sunglasses down, a smile permanently plastered on my face.

Soon enough the suburban landscape and traffic of L.A. faded away into the distance and the rolling landscape of burnt orange and amber stone filled my vision. I pulled out my video camera and peeked my head slightly out the window. The sun's peak was at it's highest in the sky, reflecting off the tarmac with a ferocious heat even in the middle of fall. Specks of green desert bush littered the vast expanse of land as far as the eye could see. It was a classic all American sight. After capturing some of the scenery I turned it over to Xavier who rolled down the sun roof and threw up a hand and whooped. I laughed as I captured his free spirit through the lens. It was beautiful, the pure essence of us all alone on the road with this stunning landscape made my heart fill with the most effervescent happiness.

After a few hours of driving, it was time to make a pitstop so Xavier could take a break. We pulled over by a small gas station, filling up our car and grabbing a few snacks. I leaned against the hood as I waited for Xavier, pulling out my map. I could always use the gps on my phone (and to be honest, that's what we're using) but I thought it was cute to have a paper map too. It really made it feel like a proper road trip. I turned it in my hand and furrowed my brow, tracing along the line of the route we had to take in order to get to Arizona. It was a 7 hour drive, and we were down 2.5 hours already. I stretched my legs out and raised my arms above my head stretching my neck from side to side.

A sharp wolf whistle pierced the air. It startled me and I turned my head around to see who it was. I was the only one out here... I frowned. And then I heard a familiar chuckle and a familiar head of blonde locks duck out from the convenience store.

"Yes, you cutie! Do you come by here often?" Xavier winked, strolling casually towards me.

I shook my head and rolled my eyes in amusement, an action that I'm finding myself often doing more around him. "Of course it was you."

He stopped and stood between my legs, placing a hand on my waist as I leaned against the car. "I wouldn't let anyone else catcall you." He teased.

"Oh how romantic." I swooned dramatically.

"I know right?" He whispered playfully in my ear, giving it a little nip. I jolted upright a little in response before a small shiver ran down my spine.

I placed both hands on his chest before pushing him away from me gently. "Come on," I chuckled. "Time to start our second leg of the journey."

This time I hopped in the driver's seat.