Flirting with success

Chapter 41

Wow. He's actually going to rehab. But if he's drinking now surely he's not taking it seriously

"I forgive you" ... "as long as you're doing it for the right reasons"

"What do you mean?" He asked

"I want you to do it for you, not because you think it's what i want for you"

"I promise you, I just want to out everything right for our family" he said convincingly

"About what about Gemma, does she know?" I asked

"She knows, I paid for her to spend the time in Dubai she's flying from Heathrow tomorrow" he said

"Is that not a red flag for you" I asked

"I needed someone, I didn't what her intentions were" he said

"Okay, well once your out you come to me. Ditch her she's no good for you"

He agreed but I don't know if he will keep that promise.

"Have you got somewhere booked for tonight?" Yes we have a hotel booked

"I'll phone Lia and ask if she will take Gemma there, you can stay with us"

I drove his car back to my house because he was over the limit.

As we came through the door poor Jill looked traumatised. I can see how being in Gemma's company can have that effect.

"He's going to stay here until the morning" I informed the girls

"What made you change your mind" Jill asked

"It's complicated" I responded too tired to talk

I set him up in the spare room. I apologised that the sheets weren't fresh as we had Katie over the night before. I'm sure in his house he has clean sheets every night. Money turned him into a bit of a snob like that.

We didn't have much growing up. Our parents worked average jobs and we had just enough to make ends meet. We never went without though. My parents went to great lengths to give us the best possible opportunities.

We got chatting and we eventually fell asleep on his bed. When I woke up in the morning I offered to take him to the facility he has booked himself in for. I was worried that if he was to go alone he wouldn't go through with it. Jill and Lia were still asleep so I didn't bother waking them up to tell them where I was going.

Once I got in the car and we were on our way I rang Joe. I offered to make up the time in an individual session once I got back because the facility was a little while away and I wouldn't make it back in time. He understood and said he'd figure something out. I don't know what the repercussions would be but I was willing to work hard to make sure that they wouldn't be significant. Joe text me saying to come to the club as soon as I'm back.

I didn't charge my phone overnight so it soon died. I realised I never told Lia and Jill were I had gone. I hoped that they would figure it out but I wasn't sure that was the case. Jill must have noticed I wasn't in bed last night so she must be wondering what's going on.

It was an emotional goodbye with my brother. I hated him on so many levels recently but blood is thicker than water so I would always stand by him. Alcoholism is a disease at the end of the day.

I hoped that he would stick to this. He told me that my parents knew. They were completely surprised by all accounts. I don't know how they didn't notice. I on the other hand recognised he was struggling but chose not to do anything about it. What kind of a sister does that make me?

I wish I could speak to Jill right now. She would know what to say.

It was just after lunch by the time I got back. I went straight to the club hoping that the girls would still be there. As I pulled in Lia's car wasn't there so they must have already left. I went inside to see joe

"Everything okay?" He asked

"Yes thank you, I'm sorry it was short notice. I didn't know what else to do"

"Sophie, don't worry about it. Family always comes first I know that" he said "Jill seemed worried all morning"

"She doesn't know where I went, my phone died before I could tell her" I said

"Give me your phone I'll stick it on charge in my office while you go and do your session"

"Cheers joe"

I went to get changed. I smashed the session. I think I had a lot of pent up emotion that allowed me to push through the pain. My brothers new found strength gave me motivation. 

Once the session finished joe met me at the side of the pitch with my phone. "Lots of missed calls, you better get home, I'll tidy up don't worry"

"You're the best" I shouted as I ran straight to my car

I pulled round the corner to the house. As I opened the front door I was met by the girls sat in the lounge

"Where the hell have you been?" Jill asked with the most concerned look on her face "I've been going out of my mind with worry"

"I'm sorr-" I began to say but Jill didn't let me finish

"You never came to bed last night so I popped into the spare room you were fast asleep. I presumed I would just see you in the morning but when I woke up you weren't there"

"I went to-" Jill interrupted me again. It was kind of cute how when she panics she gets verbal diarrhoea

"And then I went to training and you weren't there either. Please just tell me when you are next planning on doing a disappearing act"

"Jill, with the greatest respect can you just shut up so I can tell you where I've been"

"Yes sorry" she said

I explained everything. Jill was a bit shocked because it seemed like a massive u-turn on mine and my brothers relationship. In all honesty I was a little shocked myself

"I need to go phone my mum, she was worried about you" said Jill

"You told you mum" I asked

"Of course" she said

I was now left alone with Lia so I took the opportunity to check up on her

"I'm sorry about all that" I said

"It's fine. Jill has been unbearable all day she was so worried"

"In a cute way?" I asked

"Yes in a cute way" Lia admitted

"Caitlins coming on Monday how you feeling?" I questioned because we hadn't spoken about it in a little while.

"I'm a bit apprehensive but we need to get through this week first" said Lia

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