Page 105 of Sweet on You
“She did that?”
Sarah nodded. “She’s tough as shit, but sweet. I like her… she’ll make a good stepmom for Liv.”
I chuckled and suddenly wanted to get the hell out of this jail as fast as possible to find her. “Why’d you say no to bail?”
“I know it seems crazy to want to stay in jail… but, in here? I get good medical care. And it’s free. I go to group therapy, we have NA meetings in here daily. And there’s less temptations than when I’m out in the world. Getting drugs in here is scary and dangerous and it’s just… this is weird, I know, but it’s a little like rehab anyway and no one has to go into debt for it. Forme.”
“But… you’d be more comfortable at home, wouldn’t you? Or in a rehab—”
“That’s the point. Maybe Ishouldn’tbe comfortable right now. You hit the nail on the head, Lex. Addicts are the most selfish people in the world. And I’m tired of being selfish. I’ll be fine in here. It’s only for a couple more weeks until my trial, and my lawyer thinks I’ll get a year jail time with some time served and community service.” She paused, looking me in the eye. “I’ll be okay in here for that time. I can stay clean in here, I know it.” She pointed her chin to the window. “It’s out there I’m afraid of.”
I nodded, completely understanding what she meant. Temptations are constant out there. Even in rehab, in most cases you can just check yourself out whenever you want. “Will you consider coming to stay in Maple Grove after? I have a sponsor lined up for you. We can find a cheap place for you to stay—”
“I’ll think about it. But for now… go home. Take care of our daughter. And marry that girl before she moves on from your dumb ass.”
I laughed at that, and she slid the photos back over to me. “And take these with you. I don’t need them.”
I nodded, taking the stack of photos and handing her the one of Olivia covered in peas and a few of the happier ones of Olivia smiling. “Keep these. As a reminder of why you’re going through this pain.”
Sarah nodded and sniffed, swiping her eyes with her sleeve. “I’ll, um, I’ll do my best to stay clean.” She ran her finger down Olivia’s face, stopping at her smile. “If there was ever a reason, this face would be it, right?”
I smiled. “I can’t imagine a better reason.”
