Page 25 of Hold 'Em Tight

He grunts at the impact, but puts one arm around me and thumps my back.

“What's going on, Colt?”

Sighing heavily, he pushes away from me and puts his phone in his pocket, then fixes his glasses.

“I just have a lot on my mind, Don. Nothing for you to worry about.”

“Cut the shit, Colton John. I know you better than most. You hold everything in, while being there for the ones you love as they break apart. You're the glue that keeps this family together, but who's there for you?”

I love my best friend, but sometimes his whole martyr act pisses me off. I know I've been weak at times, and I'm still working through my shit, but he doesn’t need to be some fucked up version of Superman all the time.

He's cracking. The stress and pressure is getting to him, and I don't know how much of him will be left if he explodes.

He stares at me, and I can see the thoughts running through his head with every furrow of his brow and twitch of his lip.

“Please, Colt, just talk to me. We are all struggling here. You don't have to hide it. We know you're strong, and would do anything for the ones you care about, but I love you. You're mybrother from another mother. My bestie from different testies. My bro from another ho… I'll keep going,” I threaten, and then sigh as his shield cracks and he laughs, shaking his head.

“You're a moron, but I love you too, Donny… and thanks. I know that I have you and Rylee, Teo and Trevor, but I just need to work some things out on my own first.”

Groaning, I run my hands through my hair and pull.

“I feel sorry for Rylee. All of her men are a bunch of idiots that struggle to talk about their feelings. I think when we get back, we need some family sessions with Robin,” I muse and he shoves my chest, laughing again.

“Our girl is a saint,” he mutters and I nod, agreeing.

He looks back at the hotel and sighs. My stomach chooses that moment to grumble, loudly.

“Come on. Let's go get some dinner. I'm sure Mama has cooked a feast,” he says as I grab his hand, pulling him up the beach to the back door, where, coincidentally, Teo and Nando are waiting.

Teo gives me a look, and I shoot him a wink. Nando takes Colt's other hand and we walk to the bank of elevators.

“I am so happy you guys are staying the whole summer. There is so much I want to do while you're here,” Nando babbles as we get in the elevator, and Teo pushes the button to the living quarters.

My phone buzzes, and when I pull it out to check the message, I laugh. It's a photo of Cobbler and Peaches in Serenity’s arms.

Alex and her are watching them while we are here. There was a large discussion about bringing them, but ultimately, it came down to Nando being allergic.

I'll miss my boy like crazy, but Serenity will take good care of him. She is his Godmother after all.

The elevator doors open and Nando skips out, still talking a mile a minute as we follow him to their apartment.

I still think it was pretty cool of Rylee's mom to get them a place to stay. Even though Teo's uncle is gone now, I don't think they plan to move back to LA.

Though I'm sure they miss Brenna. I wonder what she's been up to. I'll have to ask Teo later.

I send Serenity a quick message, thanking her again, then walk inside. My stomach immediately growls and my mouth waters.

“Oh, Mama,” I groan, running over to the stove and giving her a quick kiss on the cheek.

She squeals and smacks me away with her dish towel, a rosy hue spreading over her cheeks.

Rylee laughs from the table, and I shoot her a wink. I then make my way over to her, pull her up from her chair and claim her lips.

“Don't be jealous, Cherry, you know you're my one and only.”

She gives me a smile, then pats my cheek a little too hard. I gasp and move away from her.

Her jade eyes burn and she purses her lips. Fuck, did I make her mad?