Lily had checked herself in when she’d fallen off the wagon after several years of not drinking. She lost her son in a car accident and gave in to the urge. I understood now that addiction never really left you. You just learned how to live withit and cope, doing your best to live life without your vice. It wouldn’t be easy. I knew it would be worth the work.
After giving Lily a hug and wishing her well for the future, I said goodbye to the orderlies on duty before packing up my things. Even though part of me was afraid to leave, afraid I would fall right back into my old habits, I was ready to get out of here and get back to my life. To be with my friends and Auryn. To get ready to celebrate graduation after these years of hard work.
When I left the building, I felt alive with the possibilities ahead. Everything I’d ever wanted was within my reach. I truly believed that, and I’d never been more excited.
Athena waited outside for me. Helping me with my things after dragging me into a huge hug.
“It’s so good to see you,” she gushed. “I’ve missed you so much. You look amazing.”
“I missed you too.” I grunted as she squeezed me tighter. “I can’t wait to see all the girls.”
“They’re meeting us at Francisco’s. We thought it would be a nice place to hang out.” Athena hopped back into her car, turning down the music that had been blasting.
“I don’t even care where we go. I’m just happy to be out with you guys.” I climbed into the car on the passenger side, eager to see my friends.
My good mood continued to improve when we arrived. The rest of my friends engulfed me in hugs, making me feel more loved than I had in a long time.
“How did it go in there?” Codie asked, a gleam in her eyes. “I still can’t believe that Auryn went in after you. That man is head over heels for you, girl.”
My cheeks began to hurt from the huge smile I couldn’t shake. “He had his own reasons for going in. He wants to get clean too.”
Storm cocked her head to one side, considering this. “Maybe. But he never would have gone in there if you weren’t there first. He couldn’t stand to be away from you.”
We got settled around a table large enough to seat the five of us. The server quickly came over to take our drink orders. Even though I never had a problem with alcohol, I was trying to abstain from everything for a while. I was still gradually coming off the Oxy and didn’t want to add more intoxicants while trying to get my head on straight.
Instead, I ordered a root beer float, eager for something sweet and tasty. When it came time to order our food, I chose a personal sized Alfredo lasagna. After eating whatever was supplied for so many days, I wanted some delicious comfort food.
“So how did everything go in there?” Luna asked, swirling spaghetti around her fork. “Or do you not want to talk about it? We don’t have to.”
“No, it’s okay. I don’t mind. It was actually a lot better than I expected. Except for one little incident.” I was wary of saying too much. I knew that I could trust my friends. Most of them had seen the darker side of their Kings already. Still, I didn’t want them to know anything that might incriminate them. “Let’s just say that there was an altercation between Auryn and one of the orderlies.”
Codie nodded knowingly. “I heard about that. Good thing he was there. It’s scary to think someone that dangerous was working with vulnerable people.”
I told them a little more about my therapy sessions and the program I was on to reduce and eventually eliminate my reliance on the Oxy. The whole topic felt too heavy for a happy dinner, so I quickly switched the subject.
“Graduation is getting close. Do you all have your dresses picked out?”
That launched a whole new conversation about attire. The graduation ceremony would be pretty basic, but the party after would be wild.
“I found the most gorgeous dress online,” Athena gushed. “It’s pastel blue with a jagged skirt and a neckline that will make my tits look phenomenal. I already ordered it. It should be here soon.”
“I’m still undecided. I did some browsing online but couldn’t find anything I loved. Maybe I’ll have to take a trip to the mall.” Storm stirred the ice in her drink with her straw, making it clink against the side of the glass.
I was more than happy to sit back and listen to my friends talk about what they would be wearing for the big graduation after party. The thought of getting dressed up and feeling good in my skin was exciting. I hadn’t been excited in quite a long time.
“The after party is going to be a riot. I can hardly wait. So many hotties to choose from. I need to enjoy it while I can. That might be my last opportunity to enjoy a buffet of men.” Sighing wistfully, Athena feigned disappointment.
The rest of us rolled our eyes at her, some of us scoffing. Storm nudged her with an elbow and laughed. “You better make the most of it. Once you’re out in the real world, you may actually meet Mr. Right. Your college days of playing the field will be over.”
“Mr. Right Now you mean,” Athena laughed. “There’s no rule that says I have to settle down with only one guy just because college is over. I love that you guys have found your person. I want all of you to be happy. However, I also want me to be happy. And that means enjoying all of the sexy men I can get my greedy little hands on.”
Codie chuckled, sipping from a glass of sparkling wine. “You sound just like Auryn. And look how that worked out for him. Now he’s love’s bitch.”
Athena waved a hand dismissively. “Oh please. He found his perfect match. I’m starting to think that person doesn’t exist for me. I’m cool with that. I can still have fun.”
“Oh, he exists,” I said. “You need a guy who is as wild as you are. Someone who can keep up with you. You’ll find him when you least expect it.”
“The day I find a man who can keep up with me is the day I get married. Such a creature has to be rare. A total unicorn. If he exists, I’m locking him down.” Wiggling her brows, Athena popped a cherry tomato from her loaded salad into her mouth.
