I’ve done my research on how to do this properly and safely at home. I can’t go to rehab for one reason and one reason only. Stella. She would be taken away from me, and that would be equivalent to killing me. So, I’m doing this the risky way. But it’s been working so far.
But I look at the bad days as good days. They teach me how to cope with stress and my negative thoughts. That’s how I’m going to beat this—by learning how to cope.
“Just take it easy today, okay, man?” Axel says, bringing over a cold towel and placing it on my forehead.
If I wasn’t so tired, I would flick him for putting something so uncomfortable on me.
They stand around the bed with worried looks on their faces.
“I’m not going to drink anything. Go and do something.”
They haven’t admitted this, but I know they expect me to relapse. Setbacks are to be expected when you’re overcoming an addiction. I get that. But I won’t let that happen.
I don’t want to drink more than I do.
“We’re not leaving you alone. That’s dangerous.” Rowan shakes his head.
“Let’s watch a movie. It’s crazy out there anyway. Have you seen the front of the hotel? It’s swarmed with Times Three fans.” He shivers at the thought.
“Heard there’s a new Marvel movie out,” Rowan says, searching through the TV.
“Yeah!” Axel exclaims, rubbing his hands together. “Let’s find that. It looks sick.”
And as my two bandmates join me on the bed, which is way too small for our buff frames, they send me worried glances all afternoon, but I keep my gaze pinned forward on the TV as my body grieves the loss of alcohol.
CHAPTER32
AMELIA
It’s very late at night when we arrive back at our hotel. The herd of fans that was waiting for us when we left this afternoon has now doubled.
We try our best to make our way into the hotel as fast as possible, but I have to stop for some pictures and autographs. Our fans are not the paparazzi. Sometimes, I feel like there’s no difference between the two. However, our fans’ support and unconditional love mean the world to me, so I owe them a few minutes of my time.
Getting ushered into the lobby by one of our bodyguards, I let out a sigh of relief.
“I’m gonna need a hearing aid.” Elijah winces and plugs one ear once we’re in the elevator.
“I think we’re all going to need them,” Leonidas says while wrapping Trinity in his arms.
Elijah groans, looking at the couple. “Ugh, can you not be so lovey-dovey right now? You know it makes me nauseous with envy.”
“I told you, I don’t give a shit.” Leonidas shrugs, and Trinity sends him a small smile.
“I care.” Trinity shrugs away from her scowling boyfriend and squeezes my other brother.
Elijah immediately lights up with happiness and melts into her embrace. “I got your girl. I got your girl,” he sings playfully, grinning right at Leonidas.
“Yeah?” Leonidas smirks. “Your name isn’t the one she’s going to be screaming out tonight.”
A bucket of cold water has been poured over my head. Ew.
Elijah pushes his best friend back into her boyfriend’s arms and shivers. Disgust is evident on his face. “That won’t be happening!” Elijah yells as he keeps up with Leonidas’s long strides down the hallway. “We’re all sharing a suite, Leonidas Drakos. If you keep me up all night, I’ll tell everyone at the concert that the cause of me falling asleep onstage is because of you!”
He snorts while opening our door and holding it for all of us.
“I wouldn’t do that to you, Elijah.” Trinity places her hand on his shoulder in a supportive gesture.
“Yes, you would! You already did.”
