Page 88 of Addicted

She patted his back, the small thumps echoing in the living room. “It’s okay little brother.”

They took a minute to dry their eyes before Liam looked up at her shyly. “Does um…does everyone know about me and Owen?”

“Yeah. You know that you can’t keep a secret at The Pointe. Plus, you guys were kind of obvious.” She gave him a sly grin and Liam put a hand on his forehead, shrinking into himself.

“Oh my god.”

“No, no, don’t worry! Everyone is happy for both of you. You’re like the most popular couple at school.” She waved her hands, trying to ward off Liam’s rush of embarrassment.

“Okay, I guess.” He still wasn’t thrilled about being so transparent but nothing could be done. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for the second question. “What are they saying about my leave of absence?”

“That you’re taking a mental health break. I’m not going to lie, a few people found out about the panic attack, you know, the night you and Owen were making out in the office?” She winked and Liam turned beet red. “But that’s it. I haven’t heard anyone mention rehab but if they do I’ll immediately shut it down. You’re entitled tosomeprivacy in that place.”

“Good.” Liam nodded, a bit relieved that the hot topic at work wasn’t his addiction but his relationship with Owen and his panic attack, which meant he wasn’t one hundred percent mortified, only seventy percent.

Owen strolled in with a pen behind his ear and an empty water glass in his hand, on his way to the kitchen. Stopping by the couch he smiled.

“Everything going all right? Have you two bonded?”

“Stop.” Marci play-slapped his arm, and then her eyes went wide. “Oh!While you’re both here, I have news. Scumbag Zach was arrested last week. Someone he sold to overdosed and that person’s fatherhappensto be a high-ranking police officer so the entire force went after him. They charged him with so many things. So many. He’s going to prison for alongtime.”

Liam thought he would feel relief but just the thought of Zach left him shaky. He hadn’t fully worked through the assault and sometimes he’d get flashes of Zach towering over him, wanting him dead.

“That’s very good news,” Owen stated, sitting beside Liam and putting a hand around his shoulders, holding him close. “Although I wish I could rough him up a little-”

“Trust me, the feeling is mutual,” Marci interrupted.

“Should I file a report?” Liam asked as he leaned into Owen’s embrace. They still hadn’t gone to the police. Liam had been too distraught, too overloaded, and getting him through withdrawal and into recovery had taken top priority. Owen had photographed the injuries, in case Liam ever changed his mind, but that hadn’t happened yet.

“You don’t have to. Isaiah and the other bartenders went to the police to give their statements and they weren’t the only ones. There’s already a ton of people who can testify.”

“Speaking of Isaiah, how is it going with him?” Liam desperately wanted a subject change and knew that Marci would snap up any opportunity to talk about her man. Right on cue, a soft pink bloomed on her cheekbones and she twisted the end of her ponytail around one finger.

“Good. More than good. I can’t believe he’s real. We’re going to move in together next month.”

“Congratulations!” Still holding his empty glass, Owen toasted it at her.

“Thank you!” She mock-toasted him back. “Of course, we don’t move as fast as you two do, and can I say how glad I am that you two are together? I guess my gaydar was right!”

Owen placed a box directly in front of Liam, who sat tailor-style on the living room floor. Apprehension and a little fear raced through his system but he breathed in deeply, summoning calm in the way Linda - his therapist - had taught him. She was invaluable and Liam had appreciated how she pushed him until this week, when she suggested that he start going through the things from his parents’ house.

He wasn’t sure if he was ready but she assured him that he could take his time, starting with just one hour and treating himself after each session. That way, he would associate the experience and the things he unpacked with enjoyment and warmth.

“I thought we could get takeout when you’re done. And are you up for some couch snuggling and a movie?” With a grunt, Owen plopped down on the floor beside Liam.

“Are you suggesting some Netflix and chill?” Liam winked at him.

“Or that,” Owen chuckled, dragging the box closer to Liam. “You know, if cardboard had a favorite sport, it would be boxing.”

“Please-”

“And we should get rid of all these boxes before the next full moon or this place will become a were-house.”

“Oweeeennn…” Liam put his face in his hands.

“I’m just trying to think outside of the box here,” Owen’s voice cracked with stifled laughter as Liam shook his head, dropping his hands.

“This is supposed to be a happy activity but you’retorturingme!“ He couldn’t help but giggle.

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