Page 31 of The Bitter Words

“You knew I had them. What you’re forgetting is I also had anxiety medication in my system that you helped me get.” I cross my arms and raise my brows.

“That’s a completely different issue, Livianna.” My dad takes my mom’s hand in his. “You need those because of your?—”

“This treatment isn’t needed. I’m not out to hurt myselfand I don’t usually do drugs.” I interject because I’m not talking about Lehlani Rose or why I cut on myself right now. “It was my birthday. I went to a rave, got out of control, and learned my lesson.”

“And it almost cost you your life.” My dad reaches over and rubs my arm. “We just want to make sure you have the support you need.”

“Then take me home. Let me see my boyfriend.” Tears roll down my cheeks. “I promise to go to therapy and stay out of trouble. Just let me see Callum again and I’ll do whatever you want me to do. Plus, I’m hurting the studio and crew by missing so much work.”

My dad gazes at my mom. They seem to share some telepathic message. Her shoulders fall.

She addresses Thomas. “What’s your thought? Can she be successful at home?”

He nods. “She’s mentioned her boyfriend doesn’t do drugs and seems to be a good influence on her. If he’s her motivation, it could work. She would need to follow a safety plan, but I think it may be the best option. She doesn’t want to be here and it’s obvious she’s sabotaging her stay.”

“Remember, I told you Callum asked me to stop taking the painkillers. He doesn’t want me using any more than you do.” I send my mom and dad a pleading look. “You know he’s not using because of his probation. He’s cleared every drug test they’ve made him take. He’s not the problem.”

They ask Thomas a few more questions and we develop a treatment plan for my discharge. They get recommendations for outpatient therapists, and finally agree to let me go home.

We gather my belongings and my parents return my phone to me on the way back to the house.

They weren’t able to read any of my messages while I was away since no one knows my passcode, but they asked me about them when I was admitted. I just shrugged it off and told them Callum only received garbled texts from that night.

My parents lecture me the entire way home, so I’m not able to let Callum know I’ve been released. I’m so excited to see him, though, and don’t want to screw up what my parents want from me, so I listen intently to everything they’re saying.

By the time we pull into the garage, I’ve agreed to every one of their stipulations. The truth is, I’m not bothered by them.

The night I overdosed scared me and I’m ready to take a break away from drugs. If Callum has to, so can I.

He’s practicing with Bren, Hawke, and Cooper in our basement. As I creep downstairs, he comes into view with his back to me.

He’s listening to Bren and Cooper try to create a cool rhythm between the bass and the guitar.

I hold my finger up over my lips to tell the other guys not to say anything. They pretend not to notice me. I tiptoe up behind him and slide my hands over his eyes.

“Lily!” He spins around and sweeps me up into his arms. “You’re home.”

“Yep. My parents agreed to release me from that awful place.” I plant little kisses all over his face. “How did you know it was me?”

“I smelled your perfume before you covered my eyes.” He squeezes me tight. “I thought I was imagining it for a second.”

Callum wraps my legs around his waist and guides us away from the group. The guys smile and keep playing.

He peeks over his shoulder at them. “Keep practicing and cover for us. I need to get reacquainted with my girlfriend.”

“No problem, Cash.” Hawke tips his chin our way. “Maybe you’ll be less of an asshole once you take care of business.”

Callum ignores him and faces me. “I hope you’re okay with a little alone time in the guest bedroom.”

“I’ve been thinking about it since my parents told me you were here.”

“Fucking hell, is it good to see you.”

“Right back at ya, love.”

He laughs and carries me into the bedroom. He lies me down on my back, crawls over me, and kisses me.

Our tongues dance together as we tear each other’s clothes off. He pulls away, breathless.