Page 68 of A Long Way Back
“You’re supposed to be doing what I want.”
“More what your parents want.”
“Fuck you,” Tay snapped.
Ink went to cook the pasta. He didn’t like being cruel, even if it was to be kind. He hoped going cold turkey was the best way for Tay to get rid of his addiction, but if things went wrong, he’d call for help.
Every few minutes, he slipped back to the bedroom to check on Tay. Being surreptitious wasn’t easy because even when he only looked through the crack of the door, Dog reacted by pricking up his ears. Tay just lay there facing the window.
When Ink caught the sound of Tay leaving the room, he came out of the kitchen.
“I’m going to the bathroom, okay?” Tay snapped.
“You need help?”
Tay rolled his eyes.
Ink’s phone rang while he was setting the table. Tay’s mother. Had Tay called or texted her? If so, what had he said?
“Hello, Mrs Robertson.” Ink braced himself.
“How are things going?” She sounded normal.
“Great. Trampolining tomorrow. Trapeze the day after. Lion taming the day after that.”
She laughed. “Tay sent me pictures from the bus tour. Thank you for persuading him to leave the house.”
“I want to help him get better.”
“And we appreciate that, even if Tay might not appear to.”
Ink heard Tay leave the bathroom and raised his voice. “Tay’s really grateful for my help. He’s already saying he doesn’t know how he could cope without me. Well, those aren’t his exact words, but I’m pretty sure that’s whatfuck offmeans.”
She chuckled. If Tayhadmessaged her, she didn’t know the truth. If she did, she wouldn’t be chuckling.
“Try to persuade him to let you go in with him to see the consultant,” she said. “I’m not sure he’s been admitting to how difficult he’s finding things.”
“I don’t think he’ll want me holding his hand.”
“Even so, I do.”
“Right.” Ink had to fight the urge to laugh.
“Enjoy your evening. Try to get him eat healthily. Steak is fine once in a while.”
“Right. Bye.” So Tayhadcalled her.
Tay came into the kitchen and sat at the table. Ink put the coffee in front of him.
“Your mum wants me to go in with you when you see the doctor.”
“Does she?” Tay snorted.
“She doesn’t think you’re being honest about how you feel.”
Tay glared. “Oh, I can be honest. I feel like shit and you’re a fucking wanker. I can’t stand the sight of you. Just fuck off and die.”
“Want a glass of wine?”
