Breakthrough Read Online Free Page B

breath. Jack realized then how hard all this must be on him. “I’ve got two great kids that I hope to see again soon. I’ve got a great family, and… I’ve made a lot of mistakes and a lot of bad choices, but I’m learning to cope with stress in positive ways and learning to take care of myself so that I can take care of my family. I hope.” At that last sentence, Seth shot him a pointed look, and Rick corrected himself. “I mean, I am. I’m learning how to cope with stress in positive ways and how to take care of myself.”
    Marie scooted closer and pushed Rick’s hair off his face like she had done when he was little. She pressed a kiss to his cheek and hooked her arm through his. “I’ll go next,” she said quietly, smiling at Seth. “I’m Marie. I have a wonderful son and a wonderful husband.” She leaned over Rick to glance at Jack. “I even have a wonderful ex-husband. I live in Arizona and run my father’s software business. I’m—” She was already sniffling. “—I’m grateful beyond words to be here for my son.”
    Rick leaned over and kissed the top of her head as she hid her face against his arm. The picture of them, mother and son, made Jack smile. All eyes were on him after a moment of silence passed, but he still didn’t know what to say. Doug saved him.
    “I’ll go,” Doug said cheerfully. He was always cheerful.
    In reality he was a good match for Marie and even a good friend to Jack. But in that moment, when Jack’s pulse was racing and his forehead was pricking with sweat at the idea of having to talk about his feelings, Doug’s eager attitude and constant optimism made Jack want to hit him.
    “I’m Doug. I’m Marie’s husband. I live in Arizona and own a small architectural firm. I have a big, fun family who adores Marie. I love Ricky like my own, and I’m here to support him in any way I can.”
    Simple, short. Jack felt like hitting him even more when he realized it was his turn. He took a deep breath and reminded himself this was the easy part. Introductions. He could do this. He did this all the time. “I’m Jack. I have a small accounting firm. And by ‘small’ I mean me, a secretary, and two junior accountants.” Business. That was easy. “It’s good, though. I set my own hours, make a decent living. And… I like it. I like numbers. I like making everything fit on paper, making everything work. There’s a right answer and a wrong answer, and it always makes sense.” He laughed, adding, “I even like doing taxes. I like filling out the forms and making sure everything is where it’s supposed to be.”
    All four of the others looked at him expectantly, but nothing came to him.
    Seth asked, “So… that’s it? That’s you? You’re Jack and you’re an accountant?”
    Jack thought for a moment. “Pretty much, yes. I’m also a father—glad to be here—and a grandfather.” Even to his own ears, he sounded like he was introducing himself on a game show.
    He heard a small snort on the other side of Rick. Jack was sure Marie was rolling her eyes.
    She didn’t say anything until Seth asked, “That bothers you, Marie?”
    Marie huffed out a frustrated breath. “Yes. Jack is a great father and grandfather. He’s got a lot of friends. He’s supportive of our son. He’s funny and kind and… he’s not just an accountant.” Her tone carried a hint of bitterness as she reached around Rick to give Jack’s shoulder a small smack.
    Seth tried to stifle a laugh. “I’ll have to ask you not to hit while you’re in the circle.”
    “Well, I’m sorry.” Marie didn’t sound sorry. “He’s just such an ass. He deflects every real emotion with sarcasm or an outright change of subject. He has a panic attack every time someone tries to get close to him, and then he wonders why he’s still single.”
    Leaning around Rick to see her better, Jack asked, “How long have you been wanting to say that?”
    Smiling sweetly, Marie countered, “How long have I