Free One Day at a Time (Starting Over Series Book 4) by Evan Grace Page B

shit. He never minced words, and sometimes the truth hurt, but it was the only way to get past it, or at least what worked for him.
    “It’s been good. Busy, but I like to be busy. Uh, I’ve met someone.” His palms were sweaty as he waited for Derek’s response.
    “That’s great, Cash. I’m happy for you, man. How long have you been seeing each other, and why am I just now hearing about it?” he said as he leaned back in his chair.
    “Tessa, that’s her name. Well, it’s been a couple of weeks, and I didn’t tell you before because I didn’t know what was going to happen between us, but I really like her. I think she could be the one. I’m not saying I love her or anything, but I could see myself loving her.” He knew he sounded like a sap, but for her, he was okay with that.
    The smile on Derek’s face was a welcomed sight. “Well, that’s good news. It’s completely possible to have a healthy relationship, which you know because of some of your friends. Now I hate to shit on your parade, but have you talked to her about your addiction yet?”
    He knew he’d be asked that. “No, I haven’t. I’m planning on it, but I’m thinking I want to tell her a little at a time. What if I tell her everything and she runs? I don’t think I could take it.”
    He’d had that conversation with her in his mind over and over again, and each time it didn’t go well. At least in his mind it didn’t.
    “Unfortunately, that’s a risk you’ll have to take. Do you think she’s strong enough to handle the truth?”
    “I don’t know, but I think so. I was hoping to wait until she was in love with me. I know, I know, that wouldn’t be fair to her, and it could hurt us both more in the end.”
    “I completely agree. The sooner you tell her, the better. I know it sounds cold, but you don’t want to invest her time or yours if she can’t handle the truth about your past addiction. If you want, bring her here after you talk to her. It might help.”
    “I’ll think about it.”
    They talked for a little while longer, but the impending discussion with Tessa was at the back of his mind. He already decided he at least wanted to make it through the weekend with her first. He had plans for them this weekend. His time was up, he scheduled his next visit, and he went to a sandwich shop to grab something to eat before his NA meeting. While he sat he sent Tessa a text.
     
Cash: What are you doing?
 
Tessa: Nothing, just helping my niece with her homework. How was your day? Everything okay with your sister?
 
    That’s why he could see himself falling for her. She was just so sweet and caring.
     
Cash: She’s fine just hormonal at times. Don’t tell her I told you that.
 
Tessa: Your secret’s safe with me. I’m nervous about meeting your sister this weekend. What happens if she doesn’t like me? Or what if she thinks you could do better?
 
Cash: First of all, how could my sister not love you? Second, you’re the one who could do better, but I kind of like you so I think I’d like to keep you around.
 
Tessa: Thank you, I’d like that too.
 
    He let her go and made his way to the Lutheran church that held the NA meetings. His friends, Betsy and Sam, stood out front, smoking. Betsy quit before having her kids, but did allow herself a cigarette before and after the meetings. He greeted them and proceeded to light a smoke of his own. They made small talk while they finished.
    Snuffing out his cigarette, he followed the others inside. He grabbed a cup of coffee and sat down next to Betsy. Sam was leading the meeting tonight. They began their meeting with the Lord’s Prayer. Sam spoke for a little bit; he’d slipped up six months ago. It was only the one time, and he immediately went back into treatment. It was a sad reminder to all of them that even now they could all slip up. Cash had been following the mantra—one day at a time—since he got clean.
    When Sam was done, Cash raised his hand, signaling he