Page 12 of Hold 'Em Tight

“It’s okay to be happy, Adonis. Things are tough at the moment, but I have a feeling it won't last long. Now, how about some ice cream and you can tell me some of your favorite memories here at the zoo?”

Today was nice.Getting out in the fresh air, away from campus, but it's time to return to reality.

I pull into the parking lot of the cheer house and sigh. Does it make me a horrible person that I really don't want to go inside?

Rylee is doing a little better since last week, but she's still distant. And Trevor won't leave her side.

I get it. I have to share her, but I need her too.

No, Donny, you don't want to be clingy.

Fuck, why does shit need to be so damn complicated right now? Turning the engine off, I unbuckle and pop open the door.

There are a few girls milling outside by the pool, and I can smell burgers being cooked on the grill.

My stomach grumbles, but I need to change into some shorts if I'm going to hang outside. The weather is balmy tonight.

Maybe Teo and Colt will join me, and we can snatch my Cherry away from her footballer.

I walk up the path and nod at Ursula.

“Do you want any, Donny?” She moves, pointing toward the platter of burgers and hot dogs.

“Yeah, I'll take two burgers, no cheese. Thanks, Urs.”

I leave her and enter the house, the air conditioning immediately cooling me down. Alex and Serenity are in thekitchen laughing. She's making a salad, and he's standing behind her, whispering in her ear.

“How's Rylee?” I ask, leaning over to swipe some cucumber from her chopping board.

Serenity drops the knife on the counter and sighs. “I think she's a little better. She's strong. Lennox leaving threw her for a loop, but she will come around. Just give her time, Donny.”

I nod, swallowing the emotions down with my snack. My heart races and aches.

We all miss Lennox.

“Got it. I'm going to grab her and see if she wants to chill by the pool.”

I turn for the stairs.

“She's not here. Trev took her somewhere.”

Closing my eyes, I grumble under my breath. My shoulders slump and I sigh.

“Kay,” I mumble, then head for our apartment.

When I reach the bottom step, I know something's wrong. The door is wide open and it looks like a tornado hit our place.

Colton is sweeping up some broken glass in the kitchen, and he puts his hand up.

“Stop. Walk around,” he orders, and I see that there is more shattered china scattered around.

“What the hell happened? Did someone rob us?”

Colton sighs, placing the broom in the corner, shaking his head.

“Someone came today and packed up all of Len's things. Teo didn't take it well. He destroyed Len's room, smashed the TV, and then the kitchen, as you can see.”

I bend over and help him. “Where is he now?”