“What are you looking for today, son?” Biggs asked. “What can we do to help you through this?”

Quincy sat back and said, “When I was growing up, other kids talked about what it was like to be with their parents, and I never understood their feelings of comfort or the sense of reassurance they gained from just watching television with them or having family dinners where they talked about their days. But thanks to you two, I get it now. I guess I needed to hear that I was doing the right thing by giving her space, letting my past breathe its fire between us, and waiting to see if she wants to walk through it with me.” He brushed his lips over Axel’s forehead. “If you don’t mind, I’d appreciate just sitting here for a bit, talking or not. It feels good to know I’m welcome.”

Red wiped her eyes and said, “Now I want to call that little lady and plead your case for you.”

They all laughed, unraveling the tightness in Quincy’s chest just enough to fit in a little more hope.

Chapter Ten

THE HOPE QUINCY had taken away from his time with Biggs and Red had remained strong as Monday bled into Tuesday, but when Tuesday gave way to Wednesday and he still hadn’t heard from Roni, that hope began to fray. By the time Wednesday evening rolled around, he told himself that Roni was probably done with him, but no matter how hard he tried to accept it, he just couldn’t. Unfortunately, he didn’t have the luxury of being distracted tonight. The NA meeting was starting in ten minutes, and he needed to be fully present for the other people in that room who counted on him. This would always be a big part of his life. A tug-of-war where drug dealers preyed on the weak, and Quincy tried to impart enough strength to those in recovery—and to himself—to make it through another day, another week, another year, becoming stronger with every passing hour. How could he have expected Roni to understand when she’d escaped the claws of the drug world without ever faltering and filled her life with music, dance, and happiness?

“I ran into a friend I grew up with the other day,” Simone said, drawing Quincy from his thoughts. She looked good, less nervous and more confident than she was last week. “Her roommate is moving out after the holidays, and she offered to rent the room to me.”

“Is she someone you ever partied with?”

“No, but I was honest with her about where I am in my recovery, and she’s supportive. She doesn’t drink or use drugs. I think by then I’ll be ready to be out of the shelter and be on my own.”

“That’s good, but is the apartment in Parkvale or in Peaceful Harbor?”

“Parkvale.”

Quincy gritted his teeth. “Sims, you know that if you leave the shelter and stay in Parkvale, you’ll be out from under the protection of the Dark Knights. Have you heard anything from Puck or his guys?”