Page 82 of Poolside

Careful to keep his eyes on the road, Tommy reached into the backseat and grabbed the hoodie he’d tossed on the seat. He passed it to Chuck. “Take a nap while we’re driving,” he told him. “Or at least close your eyes for a little while.”

He caught Chuck out of the corner of his eye, bunching up the hoodie and shoving it against the window before curling up in as much of a ball as he could. Tommy melted just a little bit, something warming in his chest at the thought that he could providesomethingfor Chuck in that moment.

Eventually, Chuck’s soft snores filled the car. Tommy took a deep, relieved breath, and picked up his phone to make a call.

* * *

David’s car was already parked out front when Tommy pulled into Chuck’s driveway.

He turned off the ignition, glancing over to see Chuck was still sound asleep. Carefully, he climbed out of the driver’s seat, closing the door as softly as he could behind him.

David met him in front of the car. “What the hell’s going on?”

“I don’t know,” Tommy answered honestly. “Whatever it is, he’s not okay.” All of a sudden his throat tightened and his eyes burned with the pressure of holding back tears. “Fuck, Hughes, I just want him to be okay.”

Big arms surrounded him right as wetness spilled down his cheeks. “Come here,” David said, tugging Tommy close to his chest in a tight hug.

It was too much for Tommy; he’d been clinging to strength in the face of Chuck’s unexpected breakdown, driven by determination to get the man he loved home and into a safe place. To get him the help he needed.

He’d been scared, so fucking scared, and it was that fear escaping him now as he wept into David’s t-shirt. It was a relief to know he wasn’t alone in this, that he had someone there who loved Chuck just as much as he did.

“We’re going to get him the help he needs,” David murmured, his chin resting on Tommy’s head. “I’ll drive him to see his doc and then we’ll go from there, okay?”

Tommy nodded, gathering himself with a ragged breath.Fuck, he didn’t want to leave Chuck, hated the idea of letting him out of his sight, but if there was anyone else in the world he could trust to look after Chuck, it was David.

He stepped back, wiping his eyes with the back of his hand before glancing at his car. “Wanna drive mine so you don’t have to wake him up?”

David nodded, accepting Tommy’s keys. “I’ll text you, okay?”

“Thanks. Let me grab my shit and then you’re good to go.”

Tommy was reaching into the back seat for his duffel when Chuck stirred. “Tommy?”

“I’m right here, baby.” Tommy opened the passenger door and placed a hand on Chuck’s shoulder.

Chuck blinked big blue eyes at him, a confused frown on his face. “What’re you doing?”

“I’m grabbing my stuff so David can take you to see Dr. Mahoney.”

His frown deepened. “Where are you going?” There was a hint of panic in his voice.

“I’m going to stay here and check on the cats. Make sure they’re fed. I’ll be here when you get back.” Tommy offered a small smile.

“But—”

“I’m just a phone call away,” Tommy reassured. “I’m not going anywhere. Call me and I’ll be there, got it?”

Tommy watched them drive away with a lump in his throat and worry twisting his stomach into knots. Muttering a curse, he made his way up to Chuck’s front door, finding the spare key and letting himself inside.

Immediately, all three cats were winding their way through his legs, their soft hair tickling his shins as their meows and yowls filled the room.

“Hey kids,” Tommy said, leaning over to scratch Angel’s head, only to be interrupted by Bones butting against Tommy’s hand. Sir Mix-A-Lot, ever a classy gentleman, was content to rub his cheek against Tommy’s ankle. “Your dad’s going through something right now, but I’m going to make sure he’s taken care of, okay?”

Angel looked up at him and meowed.

“I know, I know, he’s the best there is,” Tommy responded, nodding at the little cat. “He’s the best of all of us, really.”

He gave out a few more minutes of affection to the cats before straightening, wincing at the creak of his knee. “Come on, you three. Let’s get you some food. Not sure what kind of shape your dad’s going to be in when he gets back, so I figure the least I can do is take care of you.”

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