Page 21 of Irreconcilable Attractions (Westwend Boys #1)

“It’s five o’clock somewhere.” I cheersed the air.

“Yeah, there is definitely something wrong.” His face was full of concern.

I laughed darkly.

“What gave it away? The shit attitude or the beer?” I muttered, popping the top and taking a long sip.

“Well, honestly?” Colton hesitated. “The beer.” He eyed me as I took another long pull from it.

I couldn’t blame him. I wasn’t much of a drinker, and didn’t even so much as look at a drink menu when Colton and I visited the places in town that did serve alcohol.

It was mostly a social thing, but even then I really only partook at work events, the occasional party, and whenever Charlie convinced me to be his drinking buddy.

But, coming home with a six-pack on a regular Thursday afternoon? That was hardly my norm.

“Damn, so you’re telling me I’m grouchy all the time?” I scoffed lightly.

“No, that’s not—You know what? No. I’m not going to let you side track me. It’s fine if you don’t want to talk about it, but can you at least tell me you’re okay?” Colton seemed to be genuinely worried, which made a stab of guilt hit me in the chest for being so evasive with him.

I sighed and sat myself down on the couch beside him. Leaning back, I threw my arms over the back and stared at the paused still on the TV. I could feel Colton’s stare boring a hole into the side of my head.

Working my jaw, I took another pull from my beer before I looked at him.

“I’m fine. Everyone is fine. I’m just… really messed up in the head right now.” His eyes were still scanning over me but I could tell his posture had relaxed.

“Do you want to talk about it?” He asked gently.

Did I? I didn’t really know what to say if I did. I went to open my mouth to tell him I was good and we could keep watching whatever he had been before I came home but, instead the words spilled out.

“The woman who gave birth to me called me today. She’s a real piece of work and thinks just because she pushed me out she deserves the title of mother.

” I could hear the anger laced in my words and I chewed on my lip.

“I’m not discounting how difficult birth must be, but she was never there growing up and only calls me when she needs me for something with her new husband.

But, she thinks I’m being petty by not calling her my mom. ”

Colton’s eyes softened in a way that I couldn’t tell if he was pitying me or if he was saddened by what he heard. “That sucks.” He whispered.

“Yeah.” I took another sip of my drink.

I sat there for a moment trying to decide if I wanted to tell Colton everything.

It didn’t take me long to come to a decision.

Colton had trusted me with something important about himself.

I wanted to honor that moment and show him I reciprocated that trust. Spilling my guts, I shared everything about my birth story, my parent’s divorce, and even about Toni and Lucy.

Colton sat there, listening to me as I unloaded all my past trauma onto him, never interjecting or making comments.

It was kind of eerie how silent he was as he listened to me ramble on.

“Sorry, I’ve just basically trauma dumped on you.” I groaned, putting the empty glass on the coffee table.

“Dude, no.” Colton sat forward, his voice almost stern. “It sounds like you really needed someone to listen. I’m happy to do that for you.”

I smiled at him, a warm sensation coming over me. Was I getting buzzed off one beer? “I really appreciate that.”

Colton twisted his lips inward and then blurted, “Can I say something now?”

I nodded in assent.

“Your mom—well, no, not your mom—the lady that birthed you.” He started.

“Cecilia.” I supplied.

“Cecilia,” he reiterated, “Sounds like a grade-A bitch who feeds on drama and parental neglect.”

I snorted out a laugh .

“I’m serious!” He scoffed, rolling his eyes. He looked back at me and sighed. “I’m really sorry she was so shitty.”

I pressed my lips into a half-smile and shrugged one shoulder. “Toni really made up for it. Not saying we didn’t fight, because we did. But it was always trivial stuff. And she always told me how much she loved me when it was all-said-and-done.”

“I’m really glad you had her.” Colton murmured.

My eyes locked onto his for a moment. They were so green, like little emerald orbs inside his skull.

“You turned out to be a really great guy despite it all, Derek.” Colton’s voice was soft and serious.

I grinned lazily at him. “Thanks, man.”

“Yeah, of course. I’ll tell you over and over if it will help.” He smiled back.

My mood was already significantly better than when I had walked through our front door this afternoon. Colton’s kind reassurance and the attentive way he listened eased something inside me.

“You’re one of the best friends I’ve ever had.” I admitted, watching him closely.

“Even Brooks?” He seemed to be shocked at that confession.

I laughed, nodding my head.

“Even Brooks. But don’t tell him that. I don’t need to be loved-bombed just so he can one-up his little brother.”

Colton snickered, his grin infectious.

“You’re definitely one of the best friends I have too, Derek.” Colton lazily dropped his head into his hand propped on the back of the couch.

Somehow, even though I’d just said those exact words to him, it stung hearing them back. It was a reminder of what we were to each other. Where we needed to stay .

Friends.

“Well,” I shook my head, “obviously beer makes me emotional.” Groaning as I stood, I collected my bottle from the table. I’d finished off the one, but the desire to keep going had disappeared the more Colton and I talked.

Colton let out an amused hum.

“I kind of like sappy Derek. Maybe you should drink more often.” He teased.

“Yeah, you like it now, but wait until I’m sloppy drunk, and relentlessly telling you how pretty you are.” I joked, tossing the empty glass into the recycling bin.

“You think I’m pretty?” Colton had a look on his face like he was trying to project an air of smug confidence but his smile gave him away. It was his customer-service one.

“Sure.” I admitted, shrugging some. “You’re an attractive guy.”

Damn, apparently one beer really could loosen my lips. Why had I said that?

Colton sputtered out a laugh that sounded almost forced.

“Maybe it is a good thing you don’t drink more, I can’t imagine a sloppy Derek.” He mused as he stood. The way he kept his head down had his hair falling to obscure his face.

“Well, I’m going to go get ready for my shift. Good chat, bud.” He muttered as he turned abruptly.

I couldn’t explain the urge that came over me, but I suddenly needed to see him. I wanted to know the expression he wore after I told him the truth—that he was attractive and I was attracted to him. Well, I hadn’t exactly said that part, but it was still true.

“We good?” I called after him.

“Yeah, we’re good.”

It was only the briefest glimpse of his face but it was all I needed.

Colton was blushing. And it was so damn cute.