Page 11 (1/2)

“How long have you been here like this?” Body odor slaps h my mouth

“You back?”

“Yes, and Fiona cannot see you like this I know this is hard, but she needs you” I need you I’ve become a parent in the blink of an eye, and I have no clue what I’ his arm, I force him to his feet “You have to shower and sober up”

“Leave me be”

“No,” I bark “I can’t do this on my own We have to move forward”

He shrugs me off and stumbles back Clumsy, he trips over his own feet and falls sideways Visions of his head sainst the corner of the desk flash inhis overbalancing

“She already lost one parent Don’t make her lose another one”

He blinks, swi, he lurches forward, heading toward the bedrooot too ill to travel the stairs I bow h to hi up tellsI walk over to the s and open therab the pizza box Shoving the trash down, I pull the bag and carry them all out the front door I wave at my sister, who leaves the car

“What happened?”

“He was closed up in the study Passed right out at his desk”

She snickers “Classic Dad”

“I had to shove him to the shower Give me a minute to air the place out before you come in Trust me, your nose will thank me”

Feigning amusement, I force myself to casually walk to the trash can and back into the house The second I clear the doorway, I race to the kitchen, opening s, rinsing off soiled plates with hot water, and loading the in the trashcan I’ the counters when Fiona makes her appearance

“Oh, this isn’t too bad I was expecting it to look like the aftermath of a frat party”

I sled out earlier