AllFreeNovel
Share Us
After being discharged, I stride into my house, eyes scanning the living room for any remaining drugs or alcohol. There, on the coffee table—a half-empty bottle of whiskey and a baggie of coke. I snatch them up and carry them to the kitchen, dumping the contents down the sink.
When everything is disposed of, I collapse onto the couch, chest aching. Going cold turkey is going to be hell. But I have to do this. For Diane. For myself. I’m already craving a drink. How long before I give in, go out, and buy more? I know I could use all the help I can get, and there’s only one person I can think of who can help me.
I grip the phone in my hands, heart pounding, as I dial Bob’s number. What if he doesn’t want anything to do with me after everything that’s happened? I can’t blame him if that’s the case. I was a terrible friend and betrayed his trust by letting him down time and time again. We used to be so good together. Best friends. We used to play golf, work out, and talk about everything. He was there every day, by my side, when Laura was in hospital. After she died, I began to spiral, but Bob tried to help me through it, and for a while it was okay. He was patient, gentle, and encouraging. It eventually got on top of me, and when weeks of drowning in alcohol and sleeping pills became months and then years, Bob decided he’d had enough, and we lost touch. If there is one person who is truly able to hold me accountable now—it’s Big Bob.
The phone rings once, then twice. I’m about to hang up when I hear a gruff, “Hello?”
“Bob, it’s Brian.” My voice shakes.
There’s a heavy pause. “Well, how about that? It’s been a long time.”
I exhale in relief. “Too long. Look, I know I have no right to ask this after how I treated you, but I need help. I’m trying to get sober, and I can’t do it alone.”
“I had a feeling you’d come around one of these days,” Bob says. “You were always too stubborn for your own good.”
I let out a weak chuckle. “You got that right.”
“The important thing is you’re ready to make a change,” Bob says. “I’m here for you, buddy. Whatever you need. You just say the word.”
Tears prick my eyes. I don’t deserve a friend like Bob. “Thank you,” I whisper.
“Don’t thank me yet,” Bob says gruffly. “Getting sober is going to be the hardest thing you’ve ever done. But if anyone can do it, it’s you.”
“I’m going to beat this,” I say with conviction. “For Diane. For myself. I’m done with the booze and the pills. I want my life back.”
“That’s the Brian I know,” Bob says. “Now, the first step is finding a good trainer and nutritionist to get you back in fighting shape. I’ve got some recommendations…”
As Bob talks, warmth and gratitude spread through me. I’m not alone in this. I have my best friend back, and together, we’re going to win this fight.
Bob rattles off a list of names, but one in particular catches my attention: Tanya Nugent. “She’s one of the best trainers in the city,” Bob says. “Specializes in strength training and nutrition. She’s helped a lot of people in your situation get back on track.”
“She sounds perfect,” I say. “Do you have her contact info?”
Bob gives me Tanya’s phone number and email address. “Tell her I referred you,” he says. “She owes me a favor or two.”
“I appreciate this, Bob,” I say. “More than I can say.”
“Don’t thank me yet,” Bob repeats. “Thank me when you’re six months sober and back to your old self. Now get to work!”
We exchange a few more words before I end the call. I stare at the slip of paper in my hands with Tanya Nugent’s information scribbled on it.
With a surge of determination, I pick up my phone and dial the number. It rings twice before a smooth female voice answers. “Tanya Nugent.”
My heart skips a beat at the sound of her voice. It’s sultry, husky, and feminine. She sounds young. “Hi, Tanya. My name is Brian Russo. I was referred to you by Bob Willis. I’m looking to get back into shape after some…health issues, and Bob said you’re the best.”
There’s a pause, then Tanya says, “Big Bob, the MMA fighter?”
My friend’s old reputation precedes me, even now. “That’s right,” I say.
“Well, aren’t you an interesting case,” Tanya muses, a hint of intrigue in her tone. “When would you like to schedule a consultation?”
Her interest gives me a spark of hope. “As soon as possible,” I say. “I’m ready to get started.”
“I have an opening tomorrow afternoon if that works for your schedule?” Tanya asks.
“Tomorrow is perfect,” I say. “Just tell me when and where.”
“Let’s meet at Java Junction at 4 p.m.,” Tanya says. “We can discuss your goals and medical history over coffee, then, if we’re a good fit, we can decide on a customized training plan.”
