“Ya know, Abigail, I know this is a place for addicts, but I didn’t think being addicted to D-I-C-K would count.”
“Well, S-L-U-T-S do feen for it when they don’t get it after twenty-four hours,” the girl sitting by Nick says.
Nora nearly spits out her piece of bread as Dax and the Army girl laugh. Nick looks at me, then back to his plate of lasagna.
I push my seat back so fast it almost topples over.
“F–U-C-K you.”
“Mel,” Abigail pleads, but it’s too late. I'm already heading up to my room to grab some more liquor. I’m almost to the door when Abigail tugs at my arm, turning me around.
“What?” I spit.
“Don’t let Dax get to you. He’s just a bully.”
“Oh really? I didn’t see you or anyone come to my defense. How about you go back and join your perfect life? I’ll be in my room thinking about dick.”
I turn around and try to slam the door shut, but she stops me.
“Is that what this is about? You're upset that I’m getting married and having a baby?”
“No, that’s not what this is about. I would think my friend would at least step in and say something to those assholes. Just because my stepdad has money doesn’t mean I have a perfect life.”
“I never said that.”
“You don’t have to, I know you think it. It’s obvious. And you know, you would think, since I was there for you when you were going through some hell last year, you would be there for me. But now that I’m going through shit let's all shit on me.” I say with magic hands, emphasizing my point.
“That’s a lot of shit in one sentence.”
I bit my lip to stifle a laugh because I know Abigail isn’t the enemy. But I wish she had stuck up for me around her friends. And I know she is getting married to an NFL player, but when he betrays her, I’ll be the first one to say I told you so, and I won’t feel bad about it, because there’s no way a hot NFL player will stay faithful. No man is faithful, especially men with money and power. So the jokes on her.
“Mel, if you are going to stay here, then you really have to go through the program. You have to actually get clean.”
“What does that mean?”
She grabs the water bottle from my desk and sniffs it. “It means I’m not dumb, I know you are drinking. And there are people in here who could have lost their children because of alcohol, and bringing that into the house is too much of a risk for some of the people in here. It’s like asking for them to relapse. And you know how Blake died, so why would you even do that to me?”
“Oh God, when did you become Miss Goody-Two-Shoes? It’s not like I’m pregnant. I just like to have fun. I’m not offering it to anyone.”
“That’s even worse. Why would you want to drink alone?”
Because I want to numb the pain, my past.
“I’m just bored,” I say instead.
“Then it may be time to get a job, find a hobby. You know I’m not one for handouts.”
Although you're marrying a fucking NFL player now.
“And you could always help me plan a baby shower and wedding?” Abigail smiles. Her curly blonde hair is pulled up in a ponytail, and her baby bump is starting to show. I really am happy for her, but I’d be lying if I didn’t admit a small part of me is jealous.
I let out a long sigh. “You’re right. I’m sorry. I would love to help you plan all that, but speaking of job, I was hoping you would let me work here. You know, be a counselor, mentor, or whatever they call those people. If I do go back to school, I’m thinking of majoring in healthcare. So it would be good practice with all that nurturing doctors and nurses do.” I put on my most convincing smile. I figured working here would be better than some gas station or Walmart.”
“Uh, well,” she pauses. “The only people who get paid here are the psychologists and those with degrees. And yes, they are mentors here as well, but they are only here because they got clean or they helped control their E.D problem or addiction. So they want to help others do the same by being here.”
“Are you serious? How am I going to find a job? I haven't worked since I was seven years old. I don’t even have a resume. And I doubt I can add child acting. No one gives a crap about that here.”
“I’ll talk to Colt. Maybe he has some friends who need help. And I’ll also list some places I think you can try. But in the meantime, can you finish having dinner with us and celebrate my birthday? You know how I am about my wishes.”
