“What did you think of him?” Ty asked after Drew left for his art therapy class.

I glanced over at Jackie. Her hands were tucked under her chin as she leaned on her desk. Obviously, my reply was incredibly important to her, to them. “I have no illusions about what I’m getting myself into. He’ll be a challenge.”

They both exhaled at the same time. “It’s good to see you recognize this. And you say you’ve never done this before?” Jackie frowned.

I shook my head as I felt my spirits sink. This was more important to me than they would ever know, or could ever possibly understand. “No. I haven’t. Not in any official capacity, anyway.”

“What does that mean?” Ty wondered. His hands gripped the arms of the chair and though he tried to appear calm, signs of tension were obvious.

“My guess?” Jackie leaned back in her chair. “It means she had a parent or sibling who suffered from alcohol and or drug abuse.”

His head whipped around to verify and I simply nodded. His brows peaked. “Oh. And how did that turn out? How’s everything now?”

“Not well. After years of being a functional alcoholic during the week and a binge drinker on the weekends, my sister lost her life in a car accident when I was sixteen and she was only twenty-three.” I focused on remaining calm. I really needed this job. This was more money than I’d see in five or six years of drunks pawing me, all from one weekend. This was money I could use to hire lawyers to save me and my brother from being deported. Even more, this was an opportunity for me to work through my demons, to save someone when I couldn’t save my sister. “This happened ten years ago. Her death shocked everyone. I was still a kid and my parents were in denial. They were convinced she’d straighten her life out by the time she was thirty. Maybe she would’ve, but she didn’t live long enough for us to find out. Needless to say, her death has been the driving force behind my career choice.”

Ty frowned. “You’re a waitress, an occasional bartender.”

I emitted an empty laugh. “Not that one.”

“Blackjack dealer?” He rubbed his eyes in frustration.

“Actually, I have a bachelor’s degree in social work and counseling. And I’m working on my master’s.” I grinned. “Though inexperienced, would you believe I’m actually trained for this?”

Jackie and Ty exchanged looks. He seemed doubtful and desperate. She seemed calm and confident. Finally, Jackie spoke. “Mr. George, we need to look at the big picture here.” She began to tick off my best qualities on her fingers. “She’s educated. She’s intelligent. And he likes her. Probably, most of all…he likes her.”

Ty shook his head. “I can’t believe it has come to this.”

“Hiring a sobriety coach? Or his addictions?” I murmured as I studied him.

“Maybe both.” His shoulders sank. “But I’m stretched a little thin with this whole devoted husband thing.” He winked at Jackie. “I really love that role. I had no idea what I was missing. Then I met Kate.”

“Love will do that.” Jackie smiled warmly.

“I’m far from perfect. I’ve been a lousy friend to Harry. Drew wasn’t lying. I pawned him off all the time. So much guilt.” Ty blew out a breath and leaned forward on his thighs with his hands clasped together before looking at me. “You think you can help? You think you can keep him off drugs and away from alcohol the whole time?”

“That’s the plan. That’s what you’re paying me for.” I nodded seriously. “I’ll do everything in my power to keep him happy and distracted. I’ll try to make him forget what he’s missing.” I shrugged, hoping I’d said all the right things.

“You do realize you’re going to have to be glued to him, right? It’s the only way to make this work. Drew is as stubborn as he is determined. Even worse, he has the means to make this a challenge.” Jackie sighed.

“Yes, Harry found that out when a drug dealer showed up at his house.” Ty rubbed his temples. “We really can’t leave him to his own devices. And with it being Harry’s wedding, and me being the best man, we’ll be a little busy. It has taken a lot of years, but we’ve finally admitted we’re in over our head.”

I frowned. “That’s the hardest part for the addict and the enablers, admitting they need help.”

“Wait, we never helped him.” Ty stiffened.

“It’s not that you bought him alcohol or drugs, it’s not even that you had to be supportive or accepting. By not stopping him, by making his life easy, you were enabling.” I watched as his mouth opened and I knew I’d hit a nerve and he’d want to object. “This isn’t a criticism, Ty. This is how it works. If we’re not stopping the alcoholics, the addicts, then we’re helping. Take my family, for example. Every Monday, my mother would wake my sister up and help her get ready for school or work. My father would make strong coffee and toast. They thought if they could just ensure she didn’t wreck her education or lose her job, she could work through this.” I inhaled deeply. “The thing is, she wasn’t trying to change. She was fine with life the way it was. And when I tried to argue with her, using information I’d learned in my health sciences classes, she’d tell me I was lame. She was just having fun, and I’d understand when I was older.” I swallowed hard. “None of this looked fun from where I stood. Now, because of her, I barely touch the stuff. In fact, I could go the rest of my life without taking another drink and I’d never miss it.”

“God, I wish I didn’t understand your story so well.” Ty looked past me to stare out the window. His brow seemed perpetually furrowed.

“You’ll have to sleep in the same room. You’ll have to go into the bathroom with him. You’ll have to be up his butt and never let him out of your sight. As you well know, these addicts are squirrely.” Jackie folded her hands on the desk.

“Of course, I expected as much,” I lied. I hadn’t really thought much past the three hundred thousand dollars and the wedding. I never considered the implications of the position or what it would entail.

“Well, if you’re sure you’re up for it, I’m not going to stop you. I’ve had my lawyer draw up a contract, per our discussion last night.” Ty reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out an envelope. “You said your receptionist was a notary?”

Jackie nodded. “Let me call her.” She pressed a button on her phone and a woman popped into the room.

“Yes, ma’am. What can I do for you?” The young woman smiled politely.

“Can you grab your notary stamp? Contract.” Jackie pointed to the papers Ty was unfolding on the desk.

My heart raced. My palms were sweaty. I tried to surreptitiously wipe them on my skirt.

“I was nervous signing my first major contract too,” Ty commented.

“I’m sorry. It’s the money, not the job. You understand that, right?” I could feel my cheeks burning.

He chuckled. “Absolutely. I have faith in you. Something tells me this is going to work out.” He stood straighter and smiled at me. “This is a gamble, every bit of it, but life with an addict is a gamble on the daily. At least this gamble gives me hope.”

* * *

“So, explain to me why you have to pack a bag,” Franco asked, his eyes narrowed. “There’s a guy involved? Are you sure you aren’t working as an escort? You can tell me.” He frowned. “I mean, I’ll try to talk you out of it because I’m your big brother, but I should know where you’re going and who you’re with.”

“Because you’re my big brother?” I joked.

“Exactly.” He eyed me carefully. “You’re making fun of me now, aren’t you?”

“Maybe just a little. I’m doing this for you too.” I laid my hands on his shoulders.

“You’re leaving for a few days for me? I didn’t ask you to go anywhere.” He scowled.

I sighed. “Yes, but unfortunately, the federal government might. This money could mean the difference between deportation and life in Canada with our parents.”

He nodded a few times. “Well, I won’t believe it until I see it. Rich people tend to stay rich by cheating poor people out of money.”

“That’s true, but not these rich people. Seriously, they have a stellar reputation.” I smiled.

“Okay. So why do I feel like I’m supposed to tell you to call me when you’re through and take care of you?” His brow quirked.

I laughed, “Because you’ve been watching far too many old movies. There will be no sex.”

“Promise?” Franco stared at me, with his arms crossed over his chest.

I licked my lips and considered my response carefully. “The guy is hot. I’ll admit it’s not entirely off the table.”

“Dammit, Talia. I’m never gonna be able to sleep again,” he grumbled.

“Of course you will, Franco!” I joked. “You just might not sleep well until I return.”

“So, you’re coming back?” He frowned and I recognized the doubt in his eyes.

“Where would I go?” I shrugged.