He was quick to respond. “Hey, what’s up, sweetie? Are you ok?”
She sighed and Sully could tell she had been crying. “No. Pat, I dunno if I can do this. All my friends are tied up today or out of town and I’m kinda freaking out. I need you.”
He glanced at the clock on the wall. “Are you hungry for lunch?”
She sniffled. “Not really. I’m not sure food is a good idea, but I’m willing to try.”
He nodded. “Ok. Hang out. I’ll be there in a bit.”
She sounded relieved. “Thank you.”
Sully used the key to enter his beachfront Malibu home. When he didn’t immediately see Kendalle, he called out to her. He heard her respond from the den moments later.
He strolled in carrying a large container of vegetarian noodle soup in one hand and a box of saltine crackers in the other. He grinned. “Guess what I brought? Something that should be easy on your stomach. Let’s hope. And before you freak out, I remembered, no meat.”
Her bright blue eyes twinkled as she chuckled and met his eyes. “That was very kind of you.”
He nodded. “I’ll grab some bowls and we can get down to eating.”
As he returned to the den with the bowls, soup and crackers, he glanced around. “I love what you’ve done with the place. Looks great, sweetie!”
She grinned and took the bowl of soup from him. “Thank you for the compliment and the food. You haven’t been here in a while to see all the updates. I’m glad you like it.”
She took a small spoonful and thoroughly enjoyed it. She swallowed and smiled. “You do get me. More than you know. You totally nailed it, Paddy-Cake.”
He chuckled, nodded and leaned forward to give her a peck on the lips. “I know, sweetie.” He pulled back and grinned as he gently rubbed her shoulder.
After they were done eating, they sat back on the sofa. She snuggled up to him and he put his arm around her, cuddling her. He shook his head as he stared at the TV. “I can’t believe you’re watching this shit.”
She chuckled. “I love my soaps, what can I say.” She then jumped up, shaking her head as she bolted out of the room.
He watched her leave hastily and immediately became concerned. He stood up and headed toward the bathroom where she had disappeared. He heard her retching and sighed knowing she was getting sick.
Moments later, the door opened and she stared at him. She shook her head as her eyes filled with tears. “I can’t do this anymore, Pat. I just can’t. I don’t even know if I want to.”
He took her into his arms and held her tightly, letting her cry it out. He then led her back to the sofa where they cuddled together. He kissed her on the forehead. “You can get through this. You’re strong, Keni.”
She looked up and met his eyes. “I don’t feel strong. This throwing up thing sucks. I can barely hold food down—even veggie noodle soup won’t stay down! I’m weak and tired as hell all the time. And I am so emotional.”
He sighed. “It’s a lot you’re dealing with Keni, I know, but you can get through it. I’m here for you as much as I can be, but you know…”
She nodded. “I know. You’re headed back out on the road soon.”
He met her eyes. “You’re welcome to come back out with me if you want, but you gotta clear that with your doctor first, ok?”
She sniffled. “Ok. Thanks for the offer. Not sure what I’m going to do yet.” She then frowned. “Won’t your wife have a problem with me being on tour with you?”
He chuckled and shook his head. “Seriously, Keni? She didn’t know before. And why would she have a problem with it? Besides, she’s too busy to be on the road for any extended period with me. She won’t even know you’re there. It’s a non-issue.”
She sighed and poked him in the chest, meeting his eyes. “Y’know what? You’re an asshole. You should be at home taking care of her right now. C’mon Pat, don’t be an asshole.”
He grinned and held his hands up in defense. “Ken, she’s sleeping right now. She doesn’t even know I left. And I’ll probably be home before she wakes up.”
Kendalle gave him a look of disapproval. “Well that sounds extra shitty.”
He met her eyes. “What? Did you not want me to come over? I wanted to make sure you were ok. You said you needed me.”
She shook her head. “In a moment of weakness, yes, I did say that, but taking you away from your recovering wife was not what I had in mind.”
He rolled his eyes. “Listen, let’s not argue over this. Kit is sleeping right now and I’m about to head back. Ok?”
She grinned and leaned forward to give him a kiss on the cheek. “Ok.”
As Sully got up to leave, Kendalle trailed after him to see him out. He glanced back at her. “No need to do that, Keni. I can see myself out.”
She shook her head and folded her arms in front of her chest, closely surveying him. “I wasn’t going to say anything, but…”
He met her eyes. “What?”
She swallowed hard. “Pat, cut out the blow, ok? I can tell you’re using. Believe me, I know the behavior. I used to be a performer too, remember? I know the drill. I understand the pressure and the demands. I know what it’s like to do a world tour. But I can tell you this, if you don’t get this drug problem under wraps, it’s going to destroy you. I don’t want to see
