Read Online Look After Me by Elena Matthews - Free Book Online Page B

huge frame, embracing me in a warm hug. After a few beats she pulls away, the worrisome look still looming in her eyes. “How are you feeling now? Are you okay?”
    “I’m fine, Grace. Honestly, I’m fine. I wasn’t, but I am now. Addison helped,” I say with a smile, my eyes solely on Addison.
    “Thank you so much, Addison,” Grace begins. “You’ve obviously gone out of your way to help Sebastian today. I’d hate to think what would have happened without your help.”
    “I honestly didn’t do anything. Sebastian already had it flushed down the toilet by the time I arrived. I was just here for guidance. That’s my job.”
    “Well, nevertheless, thank you.”
    An uncomfortable silence surrounds us. The three of us glance at one another, awkwardly smiling until Addison breaks the silence with a cough before she grabs her jacket from the back of the bar stool.
    “I should really get going, but it was lovely to meet you, Grace.”
    “You too, Addison.”
    I walk Addison to the front door. Once she’s stepped into the hallway, she turns back to me. “So you’ll be at the NA meeting tomorrow?” she asks as she hikes her purse over her shoulder.
    “Yes, seven pm?”
    “On the dot.”
    “Thank you again for coming over.”
    Addison beams with a coy smile as she waves her hand. “It’s no problem, Sebastian. I’ll see you tomorrow.” I watch her walk towards the elevators and step inside. She gives me a small wave before the doors close.
    I wander back into the apartment and help Grace with the groceries. “Are you really okay?” Grace asks.
    I look up from the bag of groceries. “No, but for the first time since I’ve left rehab, I think I could be. I’m gonna go to Addison’s NA meetings, and we’ve set up regular follow-up sessions.”
    Grace turns to face me fully, leaning against the edge of the counter, her arms crossed in front of her chest. “That’s great. I kind of feel like a shitty sister, to be honest. I didn’t even realize you’ve been struggling. I’m sorry for that.”
    Shaking my head, I walk the few steps towards her and pull her into my arms, resting my chin on the top of her head. “Sorry, sis, that was all on me. I hadn’t been honest with you. I’ve been struggling since Lily’s birthday and like a typical guy, I thought I could just ignore it. But today with the coke . . . well, it just proved how out of my league I am when it comes to real life. To be able to overcome my drug addiction for good I need to work hard on my recovery, starting with my NA meeting tomorrow. So please don’t feel bad that your brother is an ass and didn’t tell you how he was feeling. You’re not a mind reader.”
    She pulls away as she looks up at me. “Do you want me to stay for a couple more weeks? I’m kind of worried I’m going to be leaving when you need me the most.”
    I shake my head. “I love you so much for asking but no, you have your life waiting for you in Charlotte. Addison is a great support. With her guidance, I think I might be okay.”
    “Are you sure? I can easily take another two weeks off work.”
    I grasp her hands tightly, looking down at her with confidence. “Yes, I’m sure. I know I’ve been in denial, thinking I could handle my shit without help, but today put into perspective what I have to lose. I want to kick this drug habit before it’s too late. I want to do this for my daughter. I’m no use to her if I’m not on this planet. I want to watch her start kindergarten, and graduate high school. I want to walk her down the aisle on her wedding day. I want to be a part of her life and I can’t do any of those things if I’m dead. So from tomorrow, I’m going to go to my NA meetings, keep my follow-up appointments with Addison, and I’m going to put my life back together. I owe it to my daughter.”
    We continue unpacking the groceries and I help Grace prepare for dinner. As I’m chopping the tomatoes for the salad, I hear Grace say, “She’s