Page 140 of Finding Our Reality

“For what?”

Kristie just shrugs.

Fuck this shit. I’ve seen it too many times. With my parents. With Trash. With all of his friends.

With Carrie.

I run my fingers across my belt, wishing I was wearing my normal utility belt. “What are you on?” She turns to me, trying to open her eyes wide, but she’s definitely unsuccessful. “Oxy? Kickers? Fluff?”

Kristie reaches over and grabs a tube of lipstick from the countertop. Spinning it in her hand, she wobbles on her feet and opens her mouth to lie. “I hurt my back exercising last week. I wasn’t thinking and took a pain pill before coming tonight.”

I fold my arms across my chest. “Bullshit.”

Kristie starts crying. “I just wanna go home. I’m not feeling well.” She turns to Lulu, playing the sympathy card. “Ella, please don’t tell Dad. I wasn’t thinking. I shouldn’t have been drinking. I’m sorry.”

Sighing, Lulu turns and starts shoving all the stuff back into Kristie’s purse.

I clear my throat. “You’re not buying this, are you? She’s lying. She’s been on this stuff forever. She’s an addict.” I don’t bother lowering my voice. I could not care less if I hurt Kristie’s feelings.

“Of course, I’m not buying it.” She looks over my shoulder, watching as Kristie tries to apply the lipstick. Tries and fails. “But she can’t stay here. Not in the shape she’s in. I’m ready to be done with this. I don’t want anything derailing tonight.”

I lean against the counter. “This has to be addressed. She needs to get help. She’s an addict,” I say again.

Lulu nods. “I know. And I’ll make sure she talks to Phillip first thing tomorrow and gets help…just…not tonight. I’m ready to move on and live my life.” She leans her head against my shoulder. “Liveourlife.”

I kiss the top of her head. Her shampoo smells like coconut and strawberries. “So, what do you wanna do?”

“I can’t leave, it’s nearly time for me to give the announcement about Dr. Bussman permanently taking over Dad’s practice. Can you take her home?”

Kristie reaches out, taking her purse from Lulu. She looks like a clown version of a street hooker. Smeared eye makeup, lipstick on her teeth, stained dress. She’s given up on the paper towel. Fortunately, it looks like her hand has stopped bleeding. “I don’t wanna go to my house, Ella. Can’t I go to your house? I’ll just sleep on the couch. You know I’ve always loved it there.”

Sneaky bitch. “No. Holt lives there, and you know it,” I say.

Lulu runs her fingertips up my spine. “Holt’s visiting friends this weekend, remember?”

I side glance at her. “It’s still not a good idea, Lulu.”

“Please, Ella. Please,” Kristie begs.

Lulu reaches around and fondles her scar. In the middle of her train of thought, there’s a soft knock on the door. “Ms. Hill? It’s me, Marissa. They’re ready for you.”

“Thank you, Marissa. Please tell them I’ll be right there.” Scowling, she caves to Kristie’s pathetic plea. “Fine. You can sleep in my bed; I don’t live there now. But do not touch one single thing in Holt’s room. Do you understand?”

“Yes!”

I grab Lulu’s elbow. “This isn’t a good idea.”

She bites her lip, thinking. “It’ll be fine. It’s just for one night.”

Happy with her win, Kristie grabs the martini glass from the toilet and finishes off her drink. “Kristie! Are you kidding me right now?” I toss my hands in the air.

“You have to stay with her. She doesn’t need to be by herself.”

I whip my head toward Lulu so fast I nearly give myself whiplash. “I know you did not just suggest that. I may be a cop, but I’m not a babysitter. Especially for addicts. I did that enough with my parents and my brother. You know that.”

She frowns. “I do know that. But look at her. She can’t even keep her eyes open or walk straight. It’s just for a little while. I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

“We rode together. You want me to leave you stranded here?” I nod at her hand. “I’m pretty sure that ring on your finger means I can’t do that.”

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