The Alphabet Game the Complete Alpha Series a to X, Y, Z by Andie M. Long

that she has a problem with alcohol. Is that something you’ve noticed?’
    I think of all the times I’ve seen her drunk or merry and never given it a thought.
    ‘Yes, but I just thought she was enjoying herself.’
    She nods. ‘Yes addiction can come across like that, until a situation occurs that brings things to a head, which is what happened the other night when Ronnie was involved in an incident because of the large amount of alcohol she’d consumed.’
    I fiddle with my hair. ‘So will she have to stay here?’
    ‘It’s looking like she’ll be staying in for a twenty-eight day treatment programme. We will slowly detox her through using some medicines to help. She will likely feel very rough for a few days though so bear this in mind when you visit.’
    ‘And when can I visit?’
    ‘We have visiting times listed here.’ She hands me a brochure. ‘Obviously these have to fit around the therapy sessions our clients are involved in. However Ronnie has nothing scheduled this morning so you can meet her after we’ve finished chatting. I believe she’s waiting for you in the patient dining room.’
    ‘So how can I help?’
    ‘Just let her talk and be supportive. Be the good friend I’ve been assured you are.’
     
    Appointment over, I am shown into the dining room. Again it’s a cross between an employees canteen and a hotel restaurant, with large windows and a service counter. The wooden dining tables seat around six and look out over the vast grounds attached.
    ‘Stella!’
    Ronnie stands up quickly but then clutches her head and sits back down. I rush over to her. She’s pale. Her long blonde hair is tied back in a ponytail and her face is bare of make-up. She’s still stunning, the cow.
    ‘Fucking hell, I feel like shit.’
    ‘You look it.’
    She laughs.
    ‘How is my best friend in the whole wide world? I’m sorry to shock you like this.’
    Ronnie never apologises for anything, this hint of vulnerability is unnerving.
    ‘Don’t sweat it.’
    She guffaws, ‘I think that’s inevitable in rehab.’
    I put my hand over my mouth.
    ‘Stella?’
    ‘Yes.’
    ‘Stop just staring at the counter and go and get the coffee you obviously crave. I’ll check if they treat coffee addiction, you can be my roomie.’
    ‘Well, if you don’t mind.’
     
    ‘Did I make a huge fool of myself on Friday night then? I don’t even remember.’
    ‘I didn’t see most of it to be honest. I have my own stuff to catch you up on. You were late and I saw you having an argument in the reception. Then I had to leave quickly.’
    She raises an eyebrow. ‘I was arrested. Then they phoned my father.’
    ‘Bet that went down well.’
    ‘Oh it was alright, actually. Sorted a few things out.’
    There’s a few moments silence.
    ‘Ronnie, why didn’t you tell me they’d cut off your allowance?’
    ‘Oh, it wasn’t a biggie. They’re always trying something, thinking I’ll suddenly grow airs and graces, come back to the family home and marry a member of the aristocracy. They think they’re the Middletons. They once invited Harry to a party, poor misguided fools.’
    ‘But to go to The Rodeo.’
    ‘Hey, I love The Rodeo. Stella, I’m not ashamed about that. I was going to tell you about the place once you’d got a bit more hooker. What? What’s that look?’
    ‘It’s my stepfather’s club. He owns it with Gabe’s dad.’
    ‘Holy fucking shit, are you kidding me?’
    ‘I wish I was.’
    ‘Show me his photo. Have you got one?’
    I go into the back of my bag and take out a battered photograph showing my mum, me and Mitch. Though he’s younger on the picture, there’s no mistaking him from how he looks now.
    ‘Jeez, that’s your stepfather? Yep I’ve seen him. Not very often but he sometimes walks around. Always has a sneer on his face. I thought he was a bouncer.’
    ‘No that’s my lovely stepfather. Anyway, you were saying.’
    ‘The Rodeo. I love it there. An old boyfriend got me hooked on