“But he would give me a good life!” I exclaim. “He just needs a little time maybe. I know I have to leave here. But I don’t want to give him up …”

I clench my fists, knowing deep within me that I simply cannot turn a blind eye to the fact that Slade has major problems and that he’s taken those issues out on me. If I don’t leave, I’ll end up as another Alicia. And that’s not acceptable. I told him off. I can’t follow up by running back to him, begging forgiveness for something I shouldn’t be sorry for.

“Slade is an incredible man. But he’s abusing drugs and getting up in your face and hurting you. You need to step away from him. He’s got to work out his problems. Let this be a new start for you. A fresh start at life. You survived the shooting in Vegas and, now, all of this.” She shakes her head, decision made. “You’ve got to move on and see if he’ll get better. And then you’ll see if the timing works. Right now, he doesn’t deserve you.”

I start to cry again. Is he all alone? A dark thought crosses my mind. “Vincent should find him.”

“Don’t worry. He’s already on his way. Slade called us in a panic when he couldn’t find you. Vincent got on his bike at the same time I came over.”

“Can you text him? Vincent, I mean. I want to make sure Slade’s okay.” My eyes move above her shoulder, remembering his agony.

“Just relax. Vincent has it under control. And, anyway, I don’t think you should hear about Slade. Your feelings are on high. I think, in a few weeks, when the dust has settled, you’ll be able to come to terms with what went on this week. If Slade wants you, he has to get better for you. Otherwise? No dice.”

I chuckle at her word choice, hiccuping from my cry. “No dice?”

She shrugs, a small smile on her lips. “Let him get better, okay? Then, you can try again.”

Everything about this is so fucked up. “Maybe you’re right. I’m not feeling so well.”

My head swims as Eve makes her way to the minibar, pulling out the wine opener. She uncorks the bottle and pours two glasses.

I should tell her, I think.

“I might be falling in love with him.” My body sways with the words said out loud. “There’s more we need to learn about each other, but the base is there. We’re just … right for each other. No, it wasn’t a lot of time. But I knew we’d get there. I think he feels the same.”

Her eyes tear up. “I know, honey. But the reality still stands. You’ve got to let him get better. Otherwise, there’s no chance for a healthy future. Think about your kids and family one day. Slade needs to get professional help if he’s going to be that good man you know he can be.”