Page 398 of Redeeming 6

“I sure did, girls.”

“Yay.” Clapping enthusiastically, my bestie draped her arm over my shoulder. “We’re about to do some damage.”

134

Thwarted Reunions

JOEY

“Thanks for doing this,” I said several hours later when we pulled up at Rosewood Estate. “I know the kids are waiting, but I just…”

“You have your priorities in order, love,” Edel said when I climbed out. “Here, take this,” she said, thrusting a sleek mobile phone into my hands. “It’s fully charged with my number programmed in. When you’re ready to come home, just text me and I’ll come get you.”

“Will do.” I pocketed the phone. “Thanks.”

With a clear head and a heavy conscience, I pushed the rickety wooden gate inward and made the familiar trek up the garden path, stepping over dog shit as I went.

Jesus, someone needed to start cleaning up after Spud.

When I reached the front door, I tapped lightly and then quickly lowered my hood and straightened up. Swallowing my pride, if it even fucking existed anymore, I shoved my trembling hands deep into the pockets of my jeans and braced myself for the unknown.

When the front door swung open a few moments later, my heart sank into my ass.

“I thought you weren’t coming back for another few days.”

“I got back early,” I replied, straightening my shoulders as my heart gunned in my chest. “Is she here?”

Tony shook his head. “She’s gone out with Trish and Casey for a girls’ day. Won’t be home until late.”

My heart sank further.

“Are you clean?”

“Yeah, Tony, I am.”

“How long?”

“One hundred and seven days,” was my quiet response.

His eyes narrowed and I could see the disbelief written all over his face. “Show me.”

“Tony.”

“Show me, Joey.”

“I’m clean.” Exhaling heavily, I rolled up my sleeves and held out my arms for his inspection. “I promise.”

“No offense, boyo, but any promises that come from your mouth don’t inspire much confidence in me.”

I deserved that.

Absorbing my old boss’s disdain, I stood my ground, unwilling to turn around and walk away. Besides, feeling unwelcome wasn’t anything new for me.

I’d felt it my whole life.

“So, you’re clean and sober and back from the dead?” he said, eyes tracking the veins in my arms.

“I am.”

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