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He sits on the edge of the bath and clasps his hands together. He’s restless and it’s doing his head in. Just part of the other issue Dara left him with.
Chloe crouches down in front of him, scaring the hell out of him.
‘Sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you.’
‘I was miles away. Didn’t hear you come in. Did I wake you?’
‘No. You can’t sit on the bath all night. Come back to bed.’ She stands up and holds out her hand. Tate takes it and allows her to lead him back to the bedroom.
He turns on the bedside light and looks over at her as she lies down beside him. ‘Are you okay?’
She smiles at him and squeezes his hand. ‘Me? I’m fine.’
‘You don’t look fine.’ He tries to wrap his arms around her but she sits up and swings her legs out of the bed.
‘Do you want something to eat?’
‘Why haven’t you asked me about it?’
Tate can see her shoulders tensing at his question. He knew she was avoiding the whole Dara and drugs situation.
‘Asked you about what?’
‘Oh come on. You seriously expect me to buy that? Everyone wants me to be honest and talk and open up and bare my soul to the world. Is it too much to ask for a little honesty in return?’
She turns to face him and leans back against the headboard. ‘I’m scared, okay. I have no idea how bad this is going to get.’
‘You mean me?’
She nods and looks down at the end of the bed. ‘Gregg and the guys... they saw a part of what you went through the first time. I’m going into this blind.’
‘This isn’t anything like the last time. If it was, I wouldn’t be able to deal with it at home.’
She finally meets his eyes. ‘Do you want more? I mean do you want to use again?’
‘Yes, but that’ll ease. That’s why the guys have all this stuff planned. It’s not a constant feeling but when it hits it’s the only thing I can think about. The last time doing things like working out helped keep my mind off it.’
‘On a scale of one to ten, how bad is the craving when it hits?’
‘It’s a strong nine.’
Her face drops and, not for the first time, he feels shite for bringing her into this nightmare.
‘Oh. Do you really think you can get through this without rehab?’
‘Yes. With the support I have, I’ll be over the worst of it in a week or so, fingers crossed. I will absolutely understand if you want to keep away for the moment.’ He laughs to himself as another thought hits. ‘Or keep away for good. Fuck knows I wouldn’t blame you.’
‘I want to be here for you.’
‘You really sure? I’ve been told I’m a moody, awkward, difficult patient.’
Chloe laughs and some of the weight lifts from his shoulders. It seems like a lifetime since he’s heard her laugh. He hadn’t given her much to laugh about lately.
‘Yes, your mum did mention something along those lines. Actually, I’m fairly sure she used those exact words.’
‘Cheers, Mum. I think I’d prefer if you two didn’t talk.’
‘Too late for that I’m afraid. I’m having lunch with your mum and Bria next week.’
