I left the store a few minutes early and Jagger locked up the store. It was dark outside but I walked only a few blocks to the restaurant. There were plenty of people out and about on Main Street on a Friday night.
Nelson was waiting for me at a table by the window. Dressed in dark pants and a lilac button-up, he looked handsome. He stood as I approached and he gave me a hug and a kiss on the cheek before we both sat. I glanced at the menu but I knew I only wanted to have something light, something that wasn’t beef. I settled on the glazed pecan chicken.
Catching up on old times was a relief. Nelson couldn’t speak freely in the house with my church-going mother. He had me laughing while he gave me the 411 on all the drama that had gone down with our crew after high school graduation. I hated that I didn’t stay in contact with anybody but I started a new life went I went away to college. After graduation, I got married to Erik and we had Kennedy. Nelson didn’t have to know that Erik had been unfaithful to me. I just told him we’d grown apart. I was sort of embarrassed. Nelson’s wife had died. My ex-husband was just a regular cheating whore.
Chapter 19
KATRINA
Saturday night we were having dinner with David and Fiona Glass. I was nervous. I didn’t quite know why but I had a floaty feeling in my stomach. I didn’t know anything about addiction. I didn’t know much about heroin and cocaine but I did know they weren’t good for you. Maybe all celebs did recreational drugs. I didn’t know what that Hollywood life was all about.
My first impression of Fiona and David were good. They looked to be in their fifties. Fiona looked like redhead Stevie Nicks and who doesn't like Stevie Nicks. David had brown and gray hair and a beard. He looked like a mental health professional. He preferred I call him David instead of doctor.
Dinner was delicious. I wasn’t sure I believed that Fiona cooked it. It was seasoned well I thought. I wouldn’t dare say out loud. We had pot roast, potatoes, corn, broccoli, and Texas toast. There was no wine offered with dinner and I remembered that Jagger couldn’t drink. I felt so bad having drunk wine in front of him. I probably shouldn’t even have it around him.
We retired to a sitting room and Fiona didn’t join us. I sat on a couch next to Jagger. David sat in a huge chair in front of us. It felt really formal.
“I’m so glad you came.”
“Thanks for inviting me.”
“Jagger is my responsibility so I wanted to meet the person who was currently playing a significant role in his life.”
I took a deep breath. “You mean me?” I joked because I was facing a bit of anxiety.
They both laughed and I was relieved for a few seconds.
“David didn’t think you would show up. He probably thought you were a figment of my imagination. But you’re real.”
“He’s exaggerating. I did want to meet you because it was important that you understand what you were getting into. Jagger told me he revealed his true identity to you. Being honest is a big part of the recovery process. I wanted to make sure you understood the severity of his condition.”
“You’re going to tell me.” I wasn’t trying to sound like a bitch but I was ready to cut to the chase.
“Jagger overdosed twice in the last six months. He stopped breathing. Addicts in recovery have strict rules. When they break the rules there is cause for alarm.”
“I didn’t know about the overdoses.”
“I want you to be aware. You should have all the facts if you wish to engage in an intimate relationship with Jagger.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?” I turned my head to address Jagger.
“I didn’t want to scare you away.”
“You can tell me anything.”
“I wanted to share but I’m not proud of any of it. You know me like this, sober.”
“Everyone has a past.” I countered.
“Not like mine.”
“Katrina, is this too much for you?” The doctor asked.
“I don’t think so. I would like to know everything.”
Jagger leaned forward. “I get drug tests regularly. I had to be clean before I arrived here. I have a confession, the day I came into Sweet Treats I was looking for drugs. I didn’t know anyone in this town. I didn’t find drugs. I saw the shop and came in for candy. You thought I was someone else and I just went with it.”
“What do you want me to do with this information Jagger?”
“I don’t know. I just didn’t want to leave anything else out here.”
“Katrina.” David brought my attention back to him. “Honesty means a lot to people in recovery. Jagger has been clean since he’s been here in my care. He’s broken rules that I set in place. Addicts shouldn’t get into intimate relationships while they are in the beginning stages of recovery. But you two have something going on.”
The good doctor knew Jagger and me were sleeping together. “I didn’t know it was against recovery rules. I don’t know anyone in recovery. This is all new to me.”
“Jagger has been able to have this job and this relationship with you without slipping back into his bad habits.”
“Seems like you’re doing a good job,” I said to David. I was being snarky but I wasn’t in recovery. I could say whatever I wanted.
“A few days ago we had a conversation about Jagger being drawn to you, an older woman because of the loss of his mother. Is this something that you
