Recovery Read Free Page B

wouldn’t return and catch him in mid-conversation. She knew exactly who Tony was and didn’t hesitate to tell either of them what she thought about their dealings. Tony thought it was funny that a little slip of nothing like her was so fearless. Tony was never known for his benevolence and one day Oceane’s luck would run out, so he did his best to keep them far away from each other. Fifteen minutes later he decided that coast was clear and made the call.
    “Max, where’ve you been, man?”
    “I’ve been around, doing gigs and planning the wedding.”
    “Oh, yeah, the little spitfire been keeping you on lock down?”“No, you know I only use when I’m working on new material.”
    “Right…so what can I do for you?”
    “I need an eight ball, as fast as you can get it here.”
    “For you I’ll make it twenty minutes.”
    “Thanks, man.”
    Maxim disconnected and rushed out of the apartment to the ATM located at the corner store.
     
    * * * *
     
    3 hours later
     
    Maxim was surrounded by papers lined with lyrics and notes. The block that had plagued him for a month had been removed.  His hand cramped as he paused from jotting down a new song and glanced at the clock.  He needed to get rid of the last of the blow before O got home.  If he remained engrossed in his work when she came home she’d assume it was inspiration that drove him. Maxim shook the cramp from his hand and went to the bathroom to set up the last lines on the counter. He picked up the rolled dollar he’d used earlier, placed one finger on his left nostril and inhaled with his right.
    He wiped the traces of white away from his nose, cleaned the mirror, unrolled his dollar and returned it to his wallet. Perfect, all the evidence had been disposed of. Pleased, he moved to leave the bathroom when the tremors shook his body. His eyes rolled into the back of his head and blackness took over.
    He came to with a gasp.  O’s worried face inches from his own.
    “W-what happened?”
    “You overdosed, man.”
    The sound of Tony’s voice made has disorientation even worse. What would Tony be doing here with Oceane?
    “When I came home and found you on the floor I panicked. There was blood oozing from your nose and froth on your lips. I panicked and called Tony. He came over and administered an adrenaline shot.”
    “You should be as good as new in a few days, Max; I’ll leave you and your old lady alone now.”
    He nodded, not moving his gaze from Oceane’s face as Tony’s footsteps faded into the background. The sound of a door closing echoed in the quiet space.
    “I refuse to turn a blind eye to this any longer, Max. You have a problem and until you can admit that and get help, the wedding is off and you can’t stay here. I can’t come home to this again.”
    “O, this was a flu—”
    “I said I don’t want to hear it anymore!” Her composure broke as she spoke to him in a steady stream of French that made his heart drop. This was not something he could charm his way out of. She was serious.
    “You have the weekend to get yourself together and then I want you out or enrolled in a twelve step program!”
     

 
     
     
     
    Chapter Two
     
     
    Present
    The thought of what he’d done under the influence still chilled him. He needed to complete these last songs so he could kick his habit. Determined to finish the album, he held onto the hope for the future he’d glimpsed tonight.
    “Soon we’ll be together, love.” he said bending to kiss Oceane’s cheek.
    Reluctantly he left the bed, dressing and hurrying out the door while he still had the ability to leave.
     
    * * * *
     
    Right on time, he thought as he entered his apartment, making a bee line for his room. He grabbed his black and white Fender Strat, and headed out to the living room with a notebook, and a vial.
    “Max, what are you doing?” Reed asked as he looked up from the three lines he’d laid out on the table in front of him. He’d been so involved in his