Page 159 of Hooking Up
She's asking because of the PhD thing.
Not because she knows I've been through rehab. Because I go to meetings. Because I have a tenuous relationship with said meetings.
She has no idea I'm on shaky ground.
That I've ever been on shaky ground.
I muster all the confidence I have. I need to do this for him. I need to help him convince his parents. "It's hard to find accurate statistics, but most suggest that rehab in combination with a twelve-step program works best. Addiction is always difficult. Most people try to quit a few times before it sticks. But having a support network helps."
Walker moves into the room with two trays of food. One of chicken curry. One of rice.
His mom smiles. "Walker mentioned you love Indian food. We're excited to have him over. And to meet you. Walker has never introduced us to anyone. We thought, maybe…"
"Jen." His dad rubs her hand. "Go easy on the poor girl. Were you thinking about marriage in grad school?"
She nodstrue.
Walker sets the trays down, returns to the kitchen for more.
I try to pick up where I left off. "It's important having people who support you. Friends. Family. And other people who understand what you're going through."
His parents nod along, hanging on every word.
"Will she be back tonight?" I ask.
His mom stares at her glass. "She goes out for coffee after meetings sometimes. She knows to text when she's finished at eight."
They seem like they keep her on a short leash.
So how did she end up at Walker's place high last night?
"Does Sabrina work? That can help, having purpose, feeling like you're part of the world." It's what made the difference for me.
Her mom nods. "Yes, she works at a boutique at the Grove. She loves it there."
She must get into trouble after work. Or before. Or when she says she's working but really goes out with old friends.
It's easy to give into temptation.
It's possible last night really was one little slip. It's possible she is doing well.
"You should ask her manager for her schedule." Walker places a glass of water in front of me then takes his seat. He motions to the foodlet's eat.
"We're trying to treat her like an adult," his mom says.
He fights a frown. "You got my message?"
"Of course. But…" His mom picks up the serving spoon and scoops basmati rice onto her plate. "We're not throwing Bree back in rehab because of one slip."
He presses his lips together.
"I understand you don't approve of the way we handle things, but we're trying to give Bree her space. She has to come to this conclusion on her own." She sets the spoon back then scoops chicken tikka masala onto her plate.
"That is true." I take the serving spoon, focus on filling my plate.
Walker leans back in his chair. Presses his palms into his thighs. He waits until I'm done serving myself then grabs the spoon, fills his plate.
He stabs a piece of chicken with his fork. "You're right." He makes eye contact with his mom. "We need to treat Bree like an adult. She says this is one slip up, fine. But if she does it again, you need to give her an ultimatum—she gets clean or she's out of the house."
