“I’d have tostaythere?” She gave her head a sharp shake. “No, absolutely not.”
“That’s the way the program works.”
“I don’t belong with those people! I’m not like them.”
“That’s the deal, Mom.” If there was a clincher, this next part was it. “It’s a luxury detox center in Beverly Hills. It’s where all the stars go, so you’ll be in good company. And I’ll be nearby and will visit as soon as I’m allowed.” He leaned forward. “Just think about how much better you’ll feel when you get out. You’ll be able to hold down a job—you used to like working at the bank, remember? You liked being around people. You can get back to that. I want that for you.”
A veil of fear fell over her eyes. Then the tears began to fall. “I—I can’t do it. I just can’t.”
“Why not?”
She gestured wildly. “The house. The bills. I can’t just leave it all for a whole month. Who would take care of Phoebe?”
He glanced at the dog. “I’ll take care of her. And I’ll handle your bills while you’re away and even until you get back on your feet, as long as you stay clean.”
“You talk like I’m some sort of lowlife addict.”
“That’s the deal, Mom.”
“Stop saying that!”
“It’s your choice. I’ll handle your finances while you get this under control. But the deal’s only good today. You can pack a bag andget in the car with me, or I leave and no more checks are coming.” It would be hard to carry out that threat, but he was determined to follow through.
“You’d really forsake me like that? I’m your mother! I raised you single-handedly.”
“I wouldn’t forsake you. I’ll always love you and be here for you. But I won’t support this lifestyle.”
“How could you do this to me?” Her voice was shrill. “You’re my son! You’re supposed to love me.”
A dull ache spread through his chest. But he wouldn’t back down. “What’s it gonna be, Mom?”
“You’re pressuring me! I need some time.”
He settled back in his seat. “Take all the time you need.”
She wrung her hands. Her eyes darted around the room. Long minutes passed while he waited. Finally she gazed at him with eyes full of terror. “It’s a nice place?”
“It’s top of the line. Only the best for you, Mom.”
She gathered the dog close. “And you’ll take good care of my Phoebe?”
“Of course. She can stay at my place.”
Mom seemed to weigh that out. Her throat dipped as she swallowed. Her lips turned down in a pout. “All right. I’ll go then. I don’t see as I have much choice since I can’t make it without those checks.”
Good enough. She didn’t have to be excited, just willing. Liam exhaled, a weight falling from his shoulders at her acquiescence. “Go pack a bag. Here’s a list of what you’re allowed to bring.”
Twenty minutes later they left the house, but not before his mom drained the two fingers of whiskey. Liam let her do it. She would need all the courage she could muster to walk through those doors.
Chapter40
On Wednesday Chloe braved the coffee shop—and soon wished she hadn’t.
From behind the counter, Veronica’s forced smile told her everything she needed to know. The other baristas barely glanced her way. Chloe’s stomach shriveled up like a raisin.
She’d planned to sit and enjoy her mocha with the newspaper, but now she couldn’t get out of here fast enough. “Could I get that to go, please?”
Without a word Veronica marked up the cup and took the next customer’s order.
