“Just keep going to meetings, Jeff,” Steve said. “Even if you end up in prison. There’re groups everywhere.”

Jeff nodded. “I will.”

Steve checked his watch before he called on two other people to share their stories. There were similar threads to each of them—they were powerless over alcohol and drugs, their lives were out of control, and once they accepted the presence of a higher power, they found a peace they’d never known before.

All this God talk was a major turnoff to Brandon. Leave it to Colin the Pope to find the one program on the Cape that was all about God.

“I want to thank everyone who shared today,” Steve said. “We have a few new members with us. Let’s welcome Phyllis, Frank, and Brandon.”

“Welcome,” the group said in unison.

“I’d like to invite any of you new folks to speak, if you wish to,” Steve said, scanning the circle to include each of them.

Brandon again looked away. There’s no way I’m talking to these people. They’re all drunks and druggies. What the hell do they know about me?

Phyllis broke under Steve’s gaze and began to sob uncontrollably.

Brandon wanted to groan. What a freak.

“I need a couple of volunteers to stay and talk with Phyllis when she’s ready,” Steve said, standing to lead the Lord’s Prayer. When they were done, they said together, “Keep coming back.”

Brandon couldn’t get out of there fast enough. He walked through the double doors that led to a patio off the cafeteria. Breathing in the cold winter air, he tried to get his hands to quit shaking by jamming them into the pockets of his worn jeans. They said the shaking was part of the detox process.

“Hey,” the other new guy, Frank, said as he stood next to Brandon and lit a cigarette.

Frank offered him one, and Brandon shook his head.

“Some crazy shit in there, huh?” Frank said.

Brandon watched Frank’s hand tremble when he brought the cigarette up for a drag. “Yeah,” Brandon said. “I couldn’t believe it when that chick Danielle said she was a hooker.”

“Believe it. I’ve seen people do everything—and I mean everything—for the next fix. This is my third time through this place. I’m hoping the third time’s the charm.”

Great, he thought. All this and it doesn’t even work. “What happened before?”

“I failed to commit fully to the program and to my sobriety. This time I’m going to do it, though. My wife said she’d leave me and take my kids if I don’t. I can’t let that happen.”

“Well, good luck. I hope it works.”

“What about you?”

“What about me?”

“Still in denial? Most people usually are the first week or two.”