“Thank you. For everything,” I say, hoping they can see how sincere I am.
“Anytime,” Kate replies, giving my arm a reassuring squeeze. “That’s what friends are for.”
“And, Kyle,” Lindy says, “promise us that you’ll keep stepping out of your comfort zone sometimes on this trip. We don’t want you to miss out on any amazing experiences.”
I nod, taking her words to heart. “I promise.”
Chapter Seven
Axel
Standingoutonmysuite’s oversized balcony, my body is still tingling from the private massage I had earlier. The masseuse’s skilled hands have helped me unwind and I’m feeling relaxed. I spent the afternoon curled up on the couch, watching movies and letting my mind drift away from the pressures of my life. The thought of extending this holiday beyond the cruise is tempting—just to be somewhere I can truly escape and be myself without the weight of my responsibilities.
A gentle sea breeze caresses my face, as the sun descends towards the horizon. I take a deep breath, inhaling the salty air, when my phone buzzes on the table behind me.
It’s an unknown number and I’m tempted to ignore it, but when it continues to ring, something compels me to answer. When I find out it’s Rick, I’m immediately on alert. Fuck, I hope he’s doing okay in rehab.
“Hey, Rick,” I say cautiously.
“Axel, you’ve got to get me out of here.” His voice trembles then raises. “You’re off on some fancy cruise, and I’m stuck in this hellhole!”
Guilt gnaws at me. It’s true; I’m enjoying the luxuries of this trip while he’s struggling to overcome his demons. But we both know he needs professional help.
“Rick, you know I’m only trying to do what’s best for you. The clinic is the best place for you right now.”
“Easy for you to say when you have everything. It’s all your fault.” He hiccups. I can practically see the tears streaming down his face.
My heart aches for him. He’s had a rough go of it, and I feel like I’m abandoning him. When I left home to pursue my music career, I never imagined I’d be leaving him so vulnerable or the path he’d eventually take.
“I know you haven’t had it easy. Mum wasn’t exactly a role model, was she?” Dad buggered off when I was born, and we have no idea who Rick’s father is. Mum was… well, she was a disaster.
“Tell me about it,” Rick says, his voice softening. “She was high more often than not.”
“She was,” I agree, feeling a familiar anger rising up within me. Fuck, it makes my skin crawl thinking of how she’d left Rick to fend for himself, how he’d bombed out of school and then started down the same route she was on. It’s no wonder he has abandonment issues. “I came and got you as soon as I found out. You know that, right?”
“Of course I do.” He sighs. “But it’s still hard, you know? I’m no fucking better than her.”
“Rick, listen to me. You’re not like her. You’ve made mistakes, sure, but you’re trying to fix them. That’s more than our parents ever did.”
“Maybe,” he admits, his voice small and uncertain. “But sometimes it feels like I’m destined to follow in her footsteps.”
“That’s bullshit and you know it. Your life is what you make it, little bro,” I tell him firmly. “You’re the only one who can decide your future, but you can’t keep running from your problems. Listen, Rick. I know it’s hard, but you need to stay in rehab. You can’t keep using, mate. Alcohol and weed now, but who knows where it could lead? It’s going to kill you. Just stay there a little longer, please.”
There’s a long pause on the other end of the line, and I hold my breath, waiting for Rick’s response.
Finally, he speaks. “I know you’re right, Axe. I just…I don’t know if I can do it.”
I grip the phone tightly, melting at his use of my nickname. “You can, Rick. I believe in you. And I’ll be here for you every step of the way.”
There’s another pause, and then Rick’s voice comes through the line. “Okay. I’ll stay. For now.”
I let out a sigh of relief. “Thank you. I know it’s not easy, but you’re doing the right thing.”
We say our goodbyes and end the call.
I take a deep breath and head inside the suite. I know Rick needs the help of professionals, but it’s hard not to feel like I’m letting him down, even from miles away.
IpromisedWrenI’djoin them for dinner tonight. I have to make up for leaving the meet-and-greet earlier than planned and they want me to be seen in public.Like providing proof I’m on this cruise.Dinner’s at one of the intimate and exclusive restaurants, so I’m not overly worried about the crowds but I’m expected to show my face. I guess I couldn’t get away with hiding in my suite the entire time.
