Among Wildflowers Read Online Free Page A

the world is against me.”
    “It kind of is.”
    “Thanks for the confidence boost,” Macy said with a chuckle.
    Jackie laughed. “I’m just telling you like it is. Listen, in a perfect world, everyone would be sensitive and thoughtful about your sobriety. But most people don’t give a crap about anyone else, so it’s up to you to take care of yourself and keep a tight inner circle of support around you at all times. That’s critical.”
    “I went to a party last night,” Macy said quietly, avoiding looking at Jackie.
    Jackie paused for a moment. “Like a party party?”
    “Yeah.” Macy felt embarrassment creep up her cheeks. “At a bar.”
    “So, you’re telling me that you went to a party less than one week out of rehab?”
    Macy groaned, covering her face with her hands. “I know, I know. I knew it was a bad idea.”
    “Then why did you go, Mace?”
    “I didn’t want to go. I knew it would be bad to be in that environment, but Logan needed me there. It was a big function for him and he wanted me to go so people would stop speculating about me. So everyone would see that I’m okay now.”
    Jackie topped both their cups off with coffee. “Macy…”
    “I know. It was stupid of me. But I swear to God I didn’t even take one sip.”
    “Macy, I’m so proud of you for not drinking, but that was incredibly selfish of Logan.”
    “It’s not that. It’s just that I’ve put him through so much lately.”
    “Are you even listening to yourself? Logan has to be one hundred percent in support of your sobriety or it’s just not going to work. You don’t make excuses for yourself and you don’t make excuses for other people. We worked hard on this, Macy.”
    “I know. I’m not trying to make excuses for anyone. I’m just saying…”
    “You’re trying to people-please again, which is one of the reasons you got yourself in trouble in the first place. There is only one person you should be concerned about right now—yourself. Get yourself right before anything else.”
    “I know... I will.”
    “I need more than that, Macy. I need you to be solid. You cannot be wavering about anything.”
    Macy nodded before drawing in a steady breath. “I needed to talk to you today. It’s really helped put things back into perspective.”
    “Good. So tell me how getting back to work is.”
    “It’s fine. I’m actually on a job.”
    “Really? That’s great.”
    Macy shrugged. “It is good. The only thing is that it’s in Montana and Logan’s not happy I’m going.”
    “Why would he be upset you’re going to Montana? He understands it’s just for work, right?”
    “He does, but the job is with Ryland Quinn. I think Logan’s jealous I’m going to be spending a week with him. My colleague, Lane, and I will be staying on his private ranch while we get the story.”
    “Ah,” Jackie said. “I see. Well, all of this goes hand in hand. Can you see how important trust is between you and Logan?”
    “Yeah, I know. I do trust him.” Mostly, Macy thought as her mind flitted to her conversation with Candy at the party. “And I think he trusts me, too. But a lot has happened recently, and it’s just taken a toll on everything in our lives.”
    “I know, girl, but you know what? That’s life. It sucks sometimes. That’s why it’s so important that you have a strong circle to lean on. You have to have people in your life you can call when you’re down. Have that person who will come over at the drop of a hat and offer their shoulder when you need a cry. You can’t be strong all the time, especially if your boyfriend isn’t on the same page.”
    Macy nodded thoughtfully. “I know. I’ve got a lot to think about.”
    “Yes, you do. And for God sakes, Macy, don’t go to any more parties right now. And make sure you’re attending your AA meetings. This is a critical time for you. If Logan can’t get onboard, you’re going to have to make some changes. Do you understand that?”
    Macy shifted in