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“Can he do an outpatient program? I’m not sure he’ll agree to go inpatient since that will take him away from Aiden.”
“I thought about that and specifically talked to Harlow about that very thing. She found a really good outpatient program and even called to make sure they could take him. Dropped Stone’s name to grease the wheels. But he’ll probably need a medical detox first.”
“I assume that means he’s assisted in his detox with medicines? How long will that take?”
Boone nods. “Harlow said it could take five to ten days depending on how bad the symptoms are, and that would be done inpatient. Then he can move to the outpatient program.”
I pick at a piece of turkey hanging from my sandwich, popping it into my mouth as I consider this. If there’s ever a safe time for my dad to make a stab at getting sober, it’s while Aiden’s doing well. The stress of an uncertain future is what drove him to binge. The hope Aiden’s most recent test results give make this the best time to talk to my dad about it.
“I honestly don’t know how to broach the subject with him,” I say before taking a bite. My starved stomach rumbles with satisfaction. “It’s easy when I’m angry at him because the words just sort of come out, but anger isn’t the way to do it.”
“How much is Aiden aware of what’s going on?” Boone asks.
“He knows. I try to not overwhelm him with this stuff but if he asks, I’m transparent about it. I won’t lie to him and at almost twelve, he’s pretty savvy about Dad’s issues. I talked to him a little last night about getting Dad into rehab. I think after he showed up at the hospital drunk, it’s become more imperative.”
“Maybe it should be a family discussion then.”
“And you?” I ask hesitantly because he’d offered before. For the first time ever, I want to take someone up on their offer of help.
“I will if you want me to.” Boone’s gaze locks onto mine, an intense stare that says he’s in this with us. “I’m the one who brought it up to your dad and I don’t mind lending my two cents.”
“He respects you. We talked about him showing up at the hospital drunk and he remembered the talk you had with him in his bedroom. It’s given him something to think about.”
“Then count me in,” Boone says easily. “I’ve got a morning practice tomorrow but I could do any time after.”
“Evening? I work until six.”
“Sure,” he says and we iron out details. While we munch on our sandwiches and chips, we discuss the best way to bring up the subject so Dad doesn’t feel like we’re ganging up on him and agree to all meet at the hospital at six thirty p.m.
When we’re done eating, my inclination is to get back to work. Payroll is calling but I can’t help but ask Boone, “Why do you do this?”
Boone arches an eyebrow. “You mean help you with your dad?”
“I’m curious to know more about that, of course, but I mean visiting kids in the hospital. Particularly the cancer ward. That’s kind of a tough way to give back to the community.”
A smile plays at Boone’s lips, which I can’t help but notice are full and soft looking surrounded by his beard. “My mom, Patty, is an occupational therapist and while I was in junior high and high school, she worked at the hospital with kids. Not just kids with cancer, but those who were inpatient for whatever reason. She got close to many of them and she’d talk about them at home. She’d be so happy when one got discharged and she’d be devastated if one died. I saw how important it was to her and I wanted to do something that honored her. She did so much for our family when my dad was battling his addiction and I wanted to show the same kindness that she did because it was always so important to her. She’s the strongest woman I know, although you’re kind of giving her a run for her money.”
I flush from the unexpected compliment. I’d been entranced by the beautiful way he chose to honor his mother with his free time, so much so that I wasn’t ready for him to call attention to my sacrifices.
It’s my nature to hide away from such a spotlight and I duck my head.
“I didn’t mean to embarrass you,” he says quietly, and my head snaps up to look at him. “I’m just in awe of everything you do for your family and at such a young age. I know it’s not easy.”
“Honestly, it’s all I’ve ever known,” I admit with a mirthless smile. “After my mom died when I was twelve, I became Aiden’s mother. When he got cancer, I was fifteen and my dad fell apart so I became father, mother and breadwinner. I’m twenty-two now and I’m father, mother, breadwinner and business owner since my dad’s not consistently able to help out with the deli.”
“You’re amazing,” Boone says. I want to turn away from his scrutiny but his gaze holds me in place. “I’m going to move you into first place as the strongest woman I know. But you can’t devote your entire life to others and not have something for yourself. What do you do for fun or relaxation?”
My eyebrows draw inward as I try to think of something to tell him so I don’t seem totally lame. I come up empty though. “I don’t have time.”
Boone’s eyes flash with something I can’t quite identify. A combination of ire and empathy that swirls, then turns into determination. “We’re going to have to change that.”
CHAPTER 5
Boone
After donning mypaper gown, mask and gloves, I knock on Aiden’s door. I hear his voice call out, “Come in.”
I find him lying in bed watching TV. His smile lights big when he sees me.
