The woman laughed, but it finally hit me at the familiarity in the woman’s smile. This was his mother.Holy shit.
She shrugged. “Maybe.”
“You don’t mean that,” I said. “Drey, we should—”
“Did you want me to walk you to detox? I can do that for you.”
“Rather have a nice, hot meal.”
“Once you’re sober, the mission will do that for you.”
Why wasn’t he helping her? She needed food.
“Always the one for tough love, huh? Damon would help me.”
“And what he’s done for you has helped you so much, hasn’t it?” He waved at her. “You’re high only a few hours after leaving the hospital after passing out from dehydration. His kind of help doesn’t help you.”
“But he loves his mother.”
Drey stepped forward. “He’s not the only one.” He looked at me and said, “Come on. Let’s go.”
I reached for his hand. He was really going to leave her in this state?
“Drey,” his mother said as she clutched his forearm. “I—” A tear slid over her cheek. “I need—”
Drey stopped but made no move to get out from under her hold. He looked straight ahead, though, and his jaw clenched.
She dropped her hold on him.
“Mom,” he whispered. “You know I’ll do anything I possibly can for you. I’d drop everything to get you to detox.” He drew in a deep breath. “I love you. No matter what, I love you. I want you clean and sober. I want you in my life. I want to know you.” He finally looked at her. “There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you to help you get clean. And if it means walking away from you right now, leaving you freezing in the cold, I’ll do it. I’ll do itbecauseI love you. I can forgive anything you’ve ever done. Iwillforgive anything you’ve ever done. Get sober, Mom. That’s all I ask. I’ll visit you every day in treatment. I’ll find a way to pay for it. Anything, Mom. But you have to want it. I can’t do that for you.”
“Drey,” his mom gasped.
He nudged his finger beneath her chin. “I love you, Mom. Youcando it. You’re strong enough. I’ll help.”
“We’ll help,” I said.
His grip on my hand tightened. “We’llhelp.”
Tears streamed down her face, but she stepped away, shaking her head.
“You know how to find me when you’re ready,” Drey said, his jaw tight. “I’ll be there.”
With that said, we walked away from his mother.
And I loved Drey that much more.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Drey
Icouldn’tletgoof Sarah’s hand. I was afraid she’d vanish. The way she came out of nowhere and met me at the hospital, right when I needed her most. She was a miracle I didn’t deserve, but wanted, nonetheless.
“Where are we going?”
“Out of the cold. You okay? We’re almost to the store.”
“I’m fine. You have to work?”