Always Fraser by A. Steel (electronic reader .txt) 📕

fixes. You have a long way to go, with years of anger and resentment, and it's going to take time to work through it all. But, if you're willing to give it a go, I have lots of tools in my tool kit that can help. I’m sure we can work through this all together.”

I nod my head. I have no more words.

“I have the information for the local Alcoholics Anonymous group, or the one the next town over if you would prefer. I think that’s going to be a good place to start. You can meet some others going through a similar situation and get a support team around you.

“You can also talk to your GP about some medications that can help with withdrawals. The good thing is, you have done this process before and been on top of it, so you know you can. This was a relapse, but I’m sure, with the support of your friends and family, you will be on top of it in no time.

“Here’s my number. If you want to book in to see me again, we can work out a plan moving forward.”

I take the card from her. “Thanks,” I say, defeated.

“I’ll see myself out. Hope to see you again soon, Fraser. Good luck in the next few days.”

As soon as she's gone, I drag myself back to bed. I’ve gone cold turkey before, so I know I can do it again. And if I want to get my life back on track and stop blaming my mum, I need to get my shit together. The next few days are going to be hell.

Elena

I’m nearly finished displaying the flowers in the new vases Indie found at some art auction last week. The vases are stunning, handmade and glazed in the most beautiful teal colour. Her taste is impeccable, and they work perfectly with the fresh modern vibe we are going for with these townhouses.

Whenever I finish a styling job on a home that's for sale, I do a final walkthrough at the end just to look for anything I’ve missed. As I do, I always make up a little story in my head about the kind of people who will live in the place. What jobs might they have, will they have screaming kids who will be running through the halls out to the backyard, if they're happy or not?

These townhouses look to me like they're going to be happy spaces. I get the feeling that they're going to symbolise fresh beginnings for the people who will live here. These people are all running from something, and these homes will be their sanctuary. They’re a safe place to start a new life. With that happy feeling, I better get out of here before the others start to arrive. I would like to avoid running into Fraser. I make my way back to the kitchen to grab the wrapping from the flowers.

“Didn’t think you would show up for this,” a shrill voice calls.

I jump and turn round to see Shea and her resting bitch face. What does she want?

“Why? I’m the stylist. The Green Door boys wanted everything perfect for the auction today, and I wanted the flowers to be fresh so the rooms smelt nice. Of course I’m going to be here.”

“I just thought, since Fraser and I are kind of a thing now, you wouldn’t want anything to do with him, that's all. It's kind of embarrassing for you, since he dumped you and all.”

Wow! Low blow, even for a bitch like Shea. Luckily I had lots of experience dealing with girls like her in high school.

“I doubt very much that you and Fraser are a thing. You’re delusional, Shea. And besides, even if that were true, I’m still a professional, unlike some. I’m not going to let anyone down.”

“Oh really? Just ask anyone who was at the pub Saturday night if we’re a thing. He spent the night with his tongue down my throat.”

With that imagery, I have a sudden urge to be sick. She can’t be fucking serious. There's no way. Even though things have turned to shit with us, he wouldn’t have hooked up with her, would he? He might have, I feel like I don't know him at all anymore.

“You’ve gone quiet. Guess it must hurt to know ‘Little Miss Perfect’ doesn't always get the guy and the happily ever after.”

“I'm just shocked that you could make up such blatant lies, just to hurt someone else. What kind of a cold-hearted bitch are you?” I'm sure she must feel the chill from my death stare, but it has no impact on her, her face is unchanged.

“The kind that's got your guy. No need for me to tell lies, baby, it happened. Just ask Fraser when he gets here.” With that, she walks away with a smug look on her face, her heels clicking on the floor as she leaves.

I want to hit her in her perfect fake face, split that fucking silicone-injected lip right open. See how she would go doing the auction today with a bleeding lip, that would be funny. I’d stay around to watch that. But I won't. I take a deep breath. Be the bigger person, Elly. She's not worth it. I'm sure she's lying to get at me, but there's this nagging feeling that maybe it’s true. I haven’t seen Fraser since that night he broke it off, so who knows what sluts he’s been sleeping with.

I take one last look at the room and put good vibes into the home for its new owners. I think everything is where it's supposed to be. I’m so proud of this set-up. It looks amazing, and Indie’s art on the walls makes the place something special. I hope she sells some of them. I’ve found, in the past, that the new owners often like the art so much, they buy it for their new house. Looks like I’m finished, so I’m out of here