“I’ve got some Tylenol, if that would help?”
“It’s okay. I’ve got plenty at home. I’ll just go and see Mom.”
Richard stopped her before she walked into the kitchen. “What’s wrong?”
“Mom often adds bourbon to her coffee,” she whispered. “I don’t want her drinking around Jack.”
“Do you want me to check on her?”
“I’ll do it. Thanks for making tonight much better than it would have been.” And, with a sad smile, she walked into the kitchen.
Richard hadn’t had a close relationship with anyone who was an alcoholic. He couldn’t begin to understand what Paris and her mom’s lives must be like, but he wanted to help.
The only problem was, where did he start?
Paris walked into the kitchen expecting the worst. She wasn’t disappointed.
“What are you doing, Mom?”
Donna didn’t even look embarrassed that she’d been caught. “I’m adding a little something to my coffee.”
“I asked you before we left not to drink alcohol while we’re here.”
“I haven’t had anything to drink all night. A sparrow couldn’t get drunk on the amount of bourbon in this cup.”
“That’s not the point. When you drink, you get mean and nasty. I don’t want Richard or Jack to see you when you’re like that.”
“Is that why you haven’t invited me to Sapphire Bay? You’re embarrassed to have me anywhere near you?”
Paris took a deep breath and counted to ten. “You keep promising you’ll change. But, each time I see you, you’re doing the same thing over and over again. That’s why I haven’t asked you to stay with me.”
“I’ve tried to drink less, but it isn’t easy.”
“That’s why you need professional help. But you refuse to go into an addiction program.”
Donna’s eyes filled with tears. “I don’t need strangers telling me how to fix my life.”
“You need someone to help you,” Paris said firmly. She hardened her heart at the sight of her mom’s tears. They were Donna’s secret weapon. She’d use them mercilessly if she thought they’d give her what she wanted. “For most of my life, I’ve tried to make it easier for you to give up alcohol. I stayed with you when you were detoxing. I made sure there was no alcohol in the house, and I kept your drinking friends away. But nothing changed.”
“You aren’t my mother. I’ve never needed a babysitter.”
“If you stopped drinking, you’d see the harm you’re doing to yourself and everyone around you.”
“I’m not hurting anyone. Jerry loves me. He—”
“Jerry is an enabler.” Paris’s voice trembled with emotion. “He uses you to support his gambling addiction. Without your regular income, he would be homeless.”
Donna straightened her shoulders. “Jerry is my rock. He loves me regardless of whether or not I drink.”
Paris rubbed her hand across her forehead. “I don’t want to argue with you, Mom. We should go home.”
Donna picked up her bag. “Now that you’ve upset me, you want to pretend nothing’s wrong? I can’t believe how hurtful you are. You haven’t returned my calls or wanted to see me for the last three years. When I come to see you, you can’t bear to be around me. I see so little of you that I might as well not have a daughter.”
Richard opened the kitchen door. He took one look at Paris’ face and stood beside her. “I overheard some of what you were saying and called a friend. John has a spare bed in The Welcome Center. Do you want your mom to stay there tonight, Paris?”
She looked at her mom and felt as though her entire world had collapsed. It had been so long since she’d had to be strong around her that she’d forgotten how difficult it was. “I think that’s for the best. I’m sorry, Mom, but I can’t do this anymore.”
“This is ridiculous. You’re acting like a spoiled child.”
