Cool air wafted over his skin as he entered the house. It smelled pleasantly of lemon and books. On the coffee table sat a pair of red readers and thePress-Enterpriseopened to the real estate section. His gaze stopped on a glass tumbler sitting on the end table with two fingers of amber liquid.
“Hush now, Phoebe! What brings you to Riverside? Are you visiting your dad? Can I get you something to drink?”
“No, thanks. I actually just came to see you.”
Her eyes lit at his words. “Isn’t that nice.”
Finally calming down, the dog jumped onto the couch and curled up at her side.
“Have a seat, honey. I was hoping to go to the grocery, but money’s a little tight right now.”
“Yes, I got your text.”
“And you drove all this way. You’re so good to me.”
Liam took a deep breath, gathering his courage. “You might not think so when you hear what I came to say.”
“Well, that sounds foreboding.”
“We have a situation here, Mom. It’s obvious you’re not doing so well, and I want to help you.”
“That’s awfully sweet of you, honey. But once I get my finances squared away, I’ll be just fine.”
He pinned her with a look. “You’re not fine, Mom.”
She chuckled nervously. “Is this about my drinking again? Adults drink, Liam. For heaven’s sake, don’t be such an alarmist. I’ve got it under control. I only drink when I’m stressed or sad.”
His gaze flickered over to the glass on the table. “Which one are you right now?”
Her lips pressed into a hard line. “I’m stressed about my finances, as I already told you.”
“So if I just cut you a check, you won’t need to drink anymore?”
“There’s no need to be sarcastic.”
“You do realize that drinking to numb your pain is exactly how people become alcoholics.”
“Oh, lighten up! I don’t drink all day. I don’t even drink every day.”
He found that hard to believe. “I didn’t come to argue with you, Mom.”
“Well, that’s a relief.”
“I came to offer you a deal.”
Wariness shadowed eyes that were the same color and shape as his own. He braced himself for battle.
“What kind of deal?”
“I’ve done some research and I’ve found a very nice recovery center that will make room for you.”
“Recovery center? Is that likerehab?” She scoffed. “How many times have I told you—”
“The money stops, Mom. I won’t give you another dime unless you go.”
“What kind of deal is that? How do you expect me to live without an income? That’s just cruel. This isn’t like you at all! Did your father put you up to this? If he’d just wise up and come back to me, everything would—”
“Dad knows nothing about this.” Liam steeled his resolve. “The recovery center has an excellent thirty-day treatment program. They can help you. When you get out you’ll be able to—”
