She’d thought she was falling for him before, but that was nothing compared to how she felt now, having seen past his loving heart, right through to his generous soul.

Members exchanged hugs and thanked Roni for coming to the meeting. She stood off to the side while Quincy spoke with a few of them, and she noticed Simone heading her way. Roni was a little embarrassed because of how Angela had questioned her the other day, and she could tell that Simone recognized her.

“Am I right in assuming Quincy is your boyfriend?” Simone asked with a friendly smile.

“Yes. Was I that obvious?”

“I noticed it in Quincy’s eyes the second he saw you. I think it’s great that you came to support him and learn about recovery.”

“Thank you. I have a lot to learn, and I’m not sure of the best way to support him, but I figured this was a start.”

“You’re doing exactly what he needs. He’s done the hardest part, and he’s making a real life for himself, surrounded by good people. Just letting him know you care and you understand what it means to be with him will help.”

“Thanks, Simone. I’m sorry about how my friend acted toward you the other day. Angela has been my best friend for a long time. She’s very protective of me.” Angela had apologized to Roni yesterday for coming down hard on her about Quincy’s past, and although she was still nervous about it, she’d been supportive ever since. She’d even talked to Joey about him, and Joey had told her that everyone had baggage and that Roni should trust her heart, which was exactly what Roni had decided to do.

“That’s okay,” Simone said. “Now more than ever I realize those are the type of friends you want on your side. The ones who will do the things to protect you that you might not do yourself. If not for Quincy, I wouldn’t have made it this far.”

Roni stole a glance at Quincy and said, “Did you know him when he used drugs?”

“Yes, on and off. It’s a strange life when you’re an addict. You don’t have friends. You have people who can find you your next hit. Quincy was the only person who would ask after me and stand up for me if a guy got rough. When I hit rock bottom, I came to him, and he helped me get into rehab and set up at the women’s shelter.”

“I’m glad he was able to help you.”

“Me too,” Simone said. “I know you said you were scared about what all of this means, and you should be. To ignore the seriousness of his past wouldn’t do any good for him or for you. Quincy’s a great guy, and I know he has a lot of supportive friends, but I’m really glad he has someone special in his life. He deserves to be happy, and it gives us all hope. Recovery is a hard road, and from what everyone has told me, finding someone who is willing to walk alongside you on that journey is rare.”