“What about your dad?”
“Grandma said he left because of mom’s drinking. I was really young when he left, so I don’t remember anything about him.” Paris’ blue eyes were clouded with worry. “Welcome to my dysfunctional family.”
“It could be worse.”
“How?”
“If your life was different, you might never have come to Sapphire Bay, and we wouldn’t have met.”
Tears filled her eyes. “You found the silver lining.”
“I learned from the best.” Richard wrapped her in a hug. “Whatever happens, you’ll always have Jack and me to look after you.”
“What if mom doesn’t stop drinking?”
“That’s her decision. She knows there are consequences to what she’s doing.”
“I’m not sure she does.” Paris rested her head against his chest. “What would I do without you?”
Richard kissed the top of her head. “You don’t have to worry about that. I’m not going anywhere.”
The next morning, Paris walked into The Welcome Center, nervous about what could happen. She’d hardly slept last night and, when she had, her dreams were full of the times her mom was drunk.
She didn’t want to live without her, but they couldn’t carry on like this.
Pastor John walked into the reception area. “Hi, Paris. You’re here early.”
“I wanted to see Mom before I open The Flower Cottage. Thank you for finding a room for her.”
“It was no problem. We keep a room for emergency accommodation, and no one needed it. If you want to talk about what happened, I’m here for you.”
Despite giving herself a stern talk about staying strong and not letting her emotions override what she wanted to say, Paris’ eyes filled with tears. “Thank you.”
John wrapped his arm around her shoulders and led her into his office. “Sit here for a minute. I’ll get you a glass of water.”
By the time he returned, she’d wiped her face and steadied her racing heart.
“Feeling better?”
“I am. I was awake for most of the night. If I don’t get enough sleep, I get emotional.”
“Why didn’t you sleep?”
“Did Richard tell you why my mom’s here?”
“He said she’d arrived unexpectedly and needed somewhere to stay. Before Donna was given a room, we asked her the same questions we ask everyone who stays here. That’s when she told us she has a drinking problem. Is that part of the reason you’re upset?”
Paris nodded. “I’ve spent most of my life looking after her, but I’m tired of worrying about whether she’ll be all right. I’ve tried getting her help. I’ve ignored the lies she tells to cover up her drinking. I’ve given her money to get her life back on track, but nothing helps. It never will until she stops drinking. I came here to tell her I can’t see her until she’s sober.”
“How do you think she’ll react?”
“She won’t like it.” Paris blew her nose. “I used to worry I’d end up like her. I’d joke that my superpower was pushing people away. Every relationship I had was based on how fast I thought I could leave. Until now, the only person I never gave up on was Mom.”
“That’s because you love her. Donna said she lives in Santa Fe. I’ll ask her if she wants me to suggest a counsellor she could see.”
“Thank you. I’d better let you get back to work.”
“Do you want me to come with you?”
