Page 5 of Sin With Me
My gut tightens at what she must’ve heard from the other caller. “Did the previous guy not make it?”
She swallows thickly. “I’m not sure. The operator disconnected when she confirmed paramedics were on the scene.”
“What was his drug or weapon of choice?” I ask curiously.
“You know I can’t share that confidential information.”
Her sadness pours through the speaker and it breaks my heart.
“Okay, let’s get your mind on somethin’ happier,” I suggest, hoping she’ll take the bait so it takes my focus off my own tortured thoughts. “Tell me what you did today.”
“We’re supposed to be talkin’ about you,” she counters, her voice back to sweet and tender. “Why don’t you tell me about your day instead?”
“Only if you tell me about yours after?” I counter.
She sighs, but I hear the smile in that one calm breath. “Okay, fine.”
“Hello, you reached the Haven Grace prayer crisis hotline. How can I assist you in prayer today?”
“Delly!” I cheer and then hiccup.
“Luke?”
“Mm-hmm. I’m so glad you picked up.”
“Are you…drunk?”
“Eh, kinda.”
Considering I’m slurring my words, it’s no surprise she quickly caught on.
“How much have you had to drink?”
“Fuck, I dunno. Lost count.”
“It’s seven in the evening on a Wednesday.”
“Okay, and?”
“How’re you this drunk already?”
“I thought this was supposed to be a judge-free zone?” I quip stupidly.
She clears her throat. “This is, Luke. I’m just tryin’ to figure out what happened to cause you to be this drunk so early. Did you harm yourself?”
“No…unless you count the substance abuse. I took a few fireball shots, too.”
Which is still burning my stomach.
“Do you drink often?”
“Uh…yeah.” I breathe out a laugh. “But it’s better than cuttin’ up my thigh, ain’t it?”
“Are you at home?” she asks without responding.
“Yep. Why? You wanna come over?” I ask seductively.
“No, I wanna make sure you’re not gonna drive drunk.”
