He wasn’t so sure about that.

“Hey, bro,” Truman said as he closed the distance between them. “You okay?”

Truman searched Quincy’s eyes, and it took everything Quincy had to keep from snapping at him. He loathed feeling that way toward his brother, but what he hated even more was making Truman worry about him.

“I’m standing here, aren’t I?” Quincy gritted his teeth. “Sorry, Tru. I’m agitated, pissed off that I made shitty choices and thrust this nightmare on Roni. But I’ve got it under control. I’m heading to an NA meeting.”

“You are?” The relief in Truman’s eyes was palpable. “That’s great, man. I’m proud of you. Do you want me to come with you?”

“No, thanks. I’m good. But I appreciate the offer. Would you mind if I pick up Linc from Red after the meeting?”

Truman stroked his beard, grinning. “Need a little buddy time?”

“That’s always great, but I actually need a little Red time.”

“No problem, man.” Truman stepped closer and said, “What can I do to help?”

“Exactly what you’re doing, offering to help, being there to listen like you did this weekend. I hate to make you worry, but it’s good that you do. And as much as I hate being checked on, knowing everyone cares is important.” He looked at Bear and Jed, who were respectfully looking away. He raised his voice and said, “I’ll get through this, you guys. Don’t worry. I’m not going to fuck up anyone’s life. Most importantly, my own.”

The question is, how can I convince Roni of that?

“My door is always open, buddy. We believe in you,” Bear said.

“One hundred and fifty percent,” Jed agreed.

Truman clapped a hand on Quincy’s shoulder and said, “Two hundred percent, bro.”

With a nod, Quincy headed out to his truck.

ATTENDING THE NA meeting was exactly what Quincy needed to center himself. Every time he walked into a meeting, he was reminded of his first time, when he’d desperately wanted to succeed and feared he might not be strong enough. He’d looked around the room and had seen people from all walks of life working the program, validating the things he’d learned in rehab. And just like the first time, he walked out after the meeting feeling even stronger and more in control than he had when he’d walked in.

Thank fucking God.

He drove to the Whiskeys’ house on the outskirts of town, trying to ignore the voice in his head telling him to drive to Roni’s instead. He wanted to see her, to make the promises he shouldn’t. He wanted to do whatever the hell it took to make her his again, to hold her in his arms and see her smile, to wipe away her devastation and disappointment. As he drove down the long tree-lined driveway and parked in front of the Whiskeys’ modest two-story home, he tried not to think too much about why he felt the need to see Red, because doing so would bring his thoughts back to his worthless mother. He was just thankful Red and Biggs were in his life.