Page 69 of I Blame the Alcohol

“Does your family not celebrate it?”

“We used to.” Another shrug, “It was mom’s favourite holiday, so every year she would go all out on decorations, making sure Santa left everyone a surprise under the big family Christmas tree. After she died there just didn’t seem to be a reason to celebrate anymore.”

I frown, thinking over his response. Most families would have come together after such a terrible loss. The O’Briens used it as an excuse to withdraw from each other even more.

“Does it bother you?”

Mo shoots me a sideways glance, “Does what bother me?”

“The barriers the accident created within your family.”

He falls silent, his focus returning to the icy roads ahead. Mo’s expression remains detached as he thinks over my comment, like he’s a third-party observer rather than one of the affected family members.

It’s a little unnerving if I'm being honest.

“It would be nice to see a glimpse of the man my father used to be. Sometimes it feels like we lost both parents in the accident.”

I study the hard edge of Mo’s profile, his rugged features giving no indication of the emotions buried beneath.

“So, I guess sometimes it bothers me.” He shoots me a wry grin, “But really I owe you a thank you.”

I blink in surprise, “For asking uncomfortable questions?”

Mo shakes his head, “For bringing back the old Stella. It’s been a long time since I have seen her sparkle like she does now.”

“Sparkle?” The frivolous word sounds ridiculous coming out of his mouth.

“You know, the exuberant way she tackles life with as much glitter and pizzazz as possible.”

I chuckle, “That has nothing to do with me. Your sister’s sparkle is one hundred percent her own.”

“For sure, but you have helped bring it back. And it's really nice to see.”

Touched but unsure of what to say, I fall back against the leather seats. Stella and I have come such a long way, but it feels as though we have a much longer road ahead.

We’ve spent almost every night together since the pool seduction, which has been beyond amazing, but every morning I wake up to the sound of Stella choking on her past. Besides encouraging her to seek professional help, there is nothing I can do except provide emotional support.

Mo flicks on his indicator, slowing down as the exit for the city centre comes into view.

“It goes without saying what I will do to you if this relationship leaves Stella with a broken heart.”

I nod, meeting his hardened gaze, “I would expect nothing less than agony followed by a slow death.”

A car honks as we merge into the lane and Mo calmly flips off the driver.

“Always knew you were more than a pretty face, Ellsworth.”

Stella

CODY: Where are you?

The second I see his name pop up on my phone, my day feels infinitely times better.

It’s pathetic, really.

ME: I could ask you the same thing. You’ve been MIA all morning.

CODY: Did you miss me?

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