Page 675 of Rock Me All Night
"Really?"
He murmurs a yes into my ear.
"Say it again."
"You ready to come, baby?" His fingers trail over my hip. "I can arrange that."
"No. Well, after you say you love me."
"I love you."
"I love you too."
He slides his hand between my legs and makes good on his promise.
* * *
Once again, Pete takes charge. He's incredible at getting shit done. He sends me to shower, makes coffee, calls Aunt Zoe and arranges a meeting time.
He even makes breakfast. Sort of. There are bowls of cereal and milk on the table.
It's good he knows his limitations.
He drives us to the hospital in his luxury rental car. It's visiting hours, but we need to wait for Aunt Zoe. We all need to be on the same page. Dad gets one more chance, that's it.
Nervous energy races through my body. I soak in all the comfort Pete can give me. It's a lot of comfort. He rubs my back, holds me, whispers in my ear that it's gonna be okay.
Finally, Aunt Zoe arrives. She looks less polished than she usually does. Her short brown bob is messy. Her cardigan is wrinkled.
"How are my favorite girls—" She hugs Madison then me. "Given the circumstances?"
"Okay, given the circumstances." I motion to Pete. "This is my boyfriend, Pete."
He looks at me and raises a brow. "I'm your boyfriend?"
"You aren't?
"No. I am. Just glad you knew."
Aunt Zoe looks at us with confusion.The kids today. She introduces herself then sits between me and Madison.
"There's really no question." I pull the brochures from my purse. "We have to tell Dad he has two choices—he can get treatment or he can deal with this alone. But it only works if all three of us are willing to pull the plug."
Pete rubs my back. It's easier getting through this with him here, knowing I have back up. I'm not light but I'm not heavy either.
"I can do it." I can't bring myself to look at my aunt or my sister as I make the claim. There's no way they're going to believe me. I clear my throat and look into Aunt Zoe's hazel eyes. "I don't want Dad to die alone, but I'm not watching him drink himself to death. Period."
Zoe purses her lips. She looks to Madison then to me. She nods. "I agree."
Madison nods. "Me too. But what do we do?"
"Let me lead." I push myself to my feet. Okay. I can do this.
Pete squeezes my hand as we walk to the hospital room. The hallway is a strange mix of beige and blue. The yellow fluorescent lights do little to make the place look more attractive.
The door is open, so I knock on the frame. "Dad?"
"Jessie." His is equal parts weak and ashamed. He knows he's been caught. "What are you doing here?"
