Ember Read Free

steps out, but I don’t move right away. Instead, I continue to stare at the house exterior, psyching myself up to go inside.
    What if I see Mason? How will I feel?
    “Rox?” Lacey leans back into the car. “You ok in there?”
    I slowly nod my head and stretch out my sweaty palms.
    Lacey places her hand on my shoulder. “None of the guys are here. You have nothing to worry about. I promise you.”
    I look into her eyes and believe her. Taking a deep breath, I follow her out of the car and feel grateful that she’s holding my hand right now.
    We step inside and I take the chance to look around. Fucking hell, this place is something else. I always wondered how the other half lived, and here I am.
    I hear the noise of feet running against the wooden flooring somewhere in the large house.
    “Is she here?” I hear Ria’s voice.
    “Roxie’s here!” I hear an excited Paige.
    The sound of both their voices, makes my nerves disappear. I can’t believe they’re here. No wonder I couldn’t get a hold of them back home. I can’t help but join in Lacey’s laughter as we watch both Ria and Paige race towards me. Their faces show how happy they are with their wide smiles, and their hair flows behind them, red and blonde, as they both crash into me.
    They crush me in a tight cuddle. I hear their sniffles as they cry and, over Paige’s shoulder, I see Lacey watching, and she’s wiping her eyes. Crystal appears from around the corner and smiles at the scene as she soothes Lacey. I’m a little embarrassed to see Crystal, because she met me when I was at my worst, and I hope she doesn’t think that’s the real me. I have a lot of shit to cover now that I’m back.
    As my own tears start to fall, I motion them over with my hands around Paige and Ria, and we all cry as we stand there, huddled together. It feels so fucking good to have my girls with me again. I knew I was making the right choice in coming here.
    ***
    After the tears have subsided and we’re able to have a proper conversation, the girls lead me out to the pool area and I’m in heaven. The large pool sits in the middle with a Jacuzzi on the end. Luxury seating is on our side as we step out of the house and on the opposite side stands a bar under a cave like wall. It’s weird, but fucking awesome and, again, very Cole. This is like something right out of a freaking movie!
    The girls go to sit on the padded sun loungers as Lacey and Crystal head towards the bar area, so I sit down next to Paige.
    She smiles at me with tears still shining in her bright green eyes. “I’m so happy you’re ok.”
    “Me too,” I reply honestly. God knows what would have happened if I was still drinking...I’d probably have moved onto worse things, and that fucking scares me.
    Lacey and Crystal both return with ice cold drinks carried on trays and hand them out. I notice that none of these drinks are alcoholic, obviously for my sake, and I wish I could tell them that it’s fine and that they can drink in front of me, but I would be lying. I don’t think I’m ready for that just yet, fresh out of rehab and all, so I keep my mouth shut and lean back in my chair. Honestly, I think I’m a little scared to see alcohol. I’m frightened that I will fall and that’s the reason I stayed a little longer at rehab than I had to, and right now I need to take care of myself; but it’s not only me I need to worry about. Yes, I’ve been to rehab and I’m now sober, but it’s only the beginning, and I don’t want to push myself. I have to remember what I was taught back in rehab and not let my craving win over me. I will beat this.
    I take a much needed sip as I watch Lacey take her seat next to me. She seems at home here and I’m happy for her. God only knows the shit I’ve put her through these past months. 
    “How are you feeling?” Ria asks.
    “Better now.” I manage a small smile, but they all see straight through me.
    “How are you really feeling?” Paige