Page 75 of Hold 'Em Tight

“You look like shit,”Teo says while we walk to practice. I had a test today and didn't have enough sleep to get through it. I may need to ask for a retake.

I'm really starting to hate my business classes. I kinda want to switch majors. Spending time with Robin has me thinking I might like to be a therapist. Maybe one that helps abused children.

I chug my third coffee of the day and grunt.

“Didn’t sleep well. Do you think Colt will let me skip practice?” I ask, then laugh.Yeah, right.

“I doubt it. He’s excited to try some new routines.”

“Fuck yes, I am so happy Sabrina is on our team. I found some of her old competitions online, and she's talented. Plus, she's nice, and not a twat like the others.”

He laughs and smirks. “Rylee was ranting about something Ursula said, and it wouldn't surprise me if Colt moves her to thebottom of the pyramid. She's trying too hard to be the new Missi, and that's not going to happen,” he grumbles and I agree.

“Yeah, been there, done that, and we're not going back.”

We reach the gym and my phone rings. I dig into my bag, pulling it out. It's another number I don't know.

“Want me to wait?” Teo asks, and I shake my head.

“I better take this. Tell Colt I'm going to be a few minutes late, but to start anyways.”

He nods as I answer the call. “Hello.”

“Good afternoon, I am trying to reach Adonis Baros?”

“You got him.” My voice cracks and my hand begins to shake. Why is this happening now? I don't think I can handle anymore shit on my shoulders.

“My name is Timothy Bane. I am your grandfather, Marshall Baros’, attorney. The hospital has been trying to reach you with no luck. Your grandfather passed away early this morning.”

I gasp and my knees shake. I lean against the wall for support. I know I shouldn't care that he's gone. He was a monster. The leader of my nightmares, but he was the last living member of my father's family. Now, I'm completely alone. The last Baros.

“Son, are you there? I'm sorry to deliver such news over the phone, but unfortunately, we are on a tight deadline.”

“Why?”

“I'm sorry?”

“Why are you calling me? We didn't have a relationship. I appreciate the courtesy call, but it wasn't needed.”

“Can you meet me at my office? I just have a few things to go over with you, and then we can wrap up his estate.”

“I have cheer practice right now, but I can come after for a few minutes. I have plans later.”

We discuss his location and the time to meet, then end the call. I don't know why it even matters that I meet with him. My grandfather was a selfish, sadistic, cruel bastard. I cut him out of my life the day my grandmother passed away.

She wasn't perfect, but she tried to shield me and love me any way she could. I wasn't the only one abused and afraid.

The gym doors open and Rylee sticks her head out. “Hey, everything okay?” she asks, giving me her brilliant smile that makes my day brighter.

“Yeah,” I murmur, then follow her inside. Colt is losing his mind, trying to figure out our new formation.

This is what I need to focus on right now. I can't think about this shit. My head and my heart are competing against logic and sadness.

I remind myself that he was the devil, and did things to me that have left me forever changed.

I can break down later.

“Adonis,thank you for meeting with me on such short notice,” Timothy Bane, my grandfather's attorney says, walking over to shake my hand. “Have a seat.”