Page 35 of Addicted to You
Britt looked at her boyfriend and tilted her head.
He shrugged before turning to me. “Sure.”
We stepped outside, and I slid the door closed behind me.
He stood by the glass railing, so I walked over and rested my forearms on the ledge. “Yesterday was a bit intense with everyone showing up, but I wanted to thank you for finding the information on that rehab place in Malibu.”
“Of course,” he replied. “Glad you decided to go.”
“I’m a bit nervous about it, to be honest.” My confession surprised me. I wasn’t used to feeling vulnerable, especially in front of someone I didn’t know all that well. “I really didn’t think partying would lead to me going to rehab.”
He placed his hand on my shoulder. “I don’t think anyone ever expects things to get out of hand, and being nervous is completely normal. Just remember, you have all of us in your corner. Your parents and sister love you so much; they’ll do anything to support you. And I’m just a phone call away.”
“Thanks. I appreciate everything you’re doing for me.”
“Not a problem. We’re practically family.”
Two days later,the sun had barely started to rise when Malachi and Jesse showed up at my front door, ready to take me to rehab. Elliott was already at my apartment, having arrived about five minutes after my parents, Britt, and Cash had left the previous afternoon.I couldn’t help but believe they had done some plotting behind my back to make sure I wasn’t left unsupervised.
I’d spent the rest of my time at home packing the small number of things I was allowed to take to the facility and tying up some loose ends since I wouldn’t be around for a month to pay bills and take care of basic shit like that.
As we pulled out of my apartment complex, I was grateful I didn’t see any paparazzi around. Elliott, Jesse, and I didn’t garner as much media attention as Malachi, but ever since my overdose, I couldn’t go anywhere without a few trying to get me to comment about what had happened. It was the main reason we were leaving so early, and hopefully, they’d move on to another story before I returned home.
The rehab facility was about forty miles away on the coast, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. When we pulled up, I was surprised to find the place looked even better than the photos in their brochures. With its Spanish-style architecture and landscaped gardens, it would have been easy to mistake it for some millionaire’s beach house.
“Man, this place is beautiful,” I said from the backseat as Jesse pulled to a stop in front of the building. “It’s hard to believe I’m here for rehab.”
“Yeah, it is,” Malachi replied. “But it’s also the best place for you to get better.”
“Yeah, man. We’ve got your back. Just focus on getting well, okay?” Jesse added.
Even though I was fucking up the tour, something they’d all warned me not to do, it didn’t appear any of them were upset with me. “I know. Thanks, guys. For everything. And I’m sorry about the tour.”
Elliott turned around. “You and your health are more important than any tour.” It was something he’d told me a few times since I’d left the hospital, but I still hadn’t let go of the guilt for messing everything up.
Malachi nodded. “Absolutely. We’ll be here for you, no matter what. The fans will understand.”
That wasn’t something I was as confident about, but I hoped it was true. “I appreciate it, really. I’ll see you guyson the other side.”
With my bags in hand, they gave me a few more words of encouragement before a staff member greeted me.
“Silas Hale?” a woman with a kind smile asked as she approached our group.
“That’s me.” I stepped forward.
“I’m Sarah, and I’ll be getting you checked in today.”
I gave each of the guys a hug goodbye.
“Remember, we’re just a phone call away.” Elliott clapped me on the shoulder. “Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need us.”
“Will do.” I followed Sarah through the glass doors.
Once inside, we stopped at the reception desk, where two staff members appeared to be waiting for us. “Wendy is our daytime receptionist, and Walter here is part of our security team,” Sarah explained. “He’s going to do a quick search of your belongings, and then he’ll take your luggage to your room.”
I expected to be led away before he opened my bags, but they explained they conducted their searches in front of the patient for liability reasons. It was a little odd watching someone rifle through my stuff, but obviously, they had to make sure people weren’t trying to sneak in drugs and other shit.
When he finished, Sarah and I headed down a hallway to a small office.
