“It’s not your fault, what your motherdid.”
Nathan waved it off. He’d probably heard it loads before. “You don’t have to do that. I’ll let you get back toRafe.”
“He’s cooking a big meal tonight,” Eamonnsaid.
“Lots ofhamburgers and French fries?” Nathan asked in his own American accent, which actually soundedAmerican.
Beneath the joke though, there was an ocean of cold misery, one that Eamonn couldn’tignore.
“You need help, Nathan. You have aproblem.”
Nathan nodded inacquiescence.
“I’m going to call yourfather.”
“Oh, he won’t like this. He and the wicked stepmother are set to go on a cruisetomorrow.”
“He’ll come,” Eamonn said firmly, even if he had to go to London and drag him out of his penthouse apartmenthimself.
“Thank you for coming, E. Can you please not tell anyone about this? Please,” he pleaded, grabbing Eamonn’s jumper. “I have a reputation as a first-rate arsehole tomaintain.”
“Ipromise.”
Nathan saw his reflection in a window. “Jesus fuckingChrist.”
They waited in the fancy market with food from the hot bar. People gawked at Nathan, all bruised and bloodied. Once Eamonn got Nathan situated at a table with water and some food, he textedRafe.
Am majorly delayed. Something happened with Nathan. He needed help. Can’t get into it, but will be back soon – with butter! I am sosorry.
It took Nathan’s dad close to an hour to meet them, and despite Nathan’s prediction, his father seemed worried, not annoyed. He couldn’t imagine seeing your child in this state and feeling so helpless. He took Nathan back home that night and told Eamonn that he was getting him into a rehab facilityimmediately.
Eamonn made the trek through the rain back to Stroude. Rafe never textedback.
