Chapter 415 Drunk Again
Derek was efficient. In like ten minutes, he called back, not only snagging a spot at the sanatorium but also scoring a sweet discount for Susan. Susan was stoked and super grateful.
Next morning, Susan and Catherine took Dorothy to the sanatorium.
The place was top-notch, tucked away in a chill and clean spot. The docs and nurses were total pros. No wonder they picked this place; it was perfect for the patients' vibes.
Although it was quite expensive, Susan didn't hesitate because getting Dorothy better as soon as possible was the top priority.
They hooked Dorothy up with a private room, and Catherine stayed with her, which made Susan feel way better.
Seeing Dorothy just sitting there all zoned out, Susan felt a stab in her heart and then bounced out of the room.
Catherine sighed and followed Susan out to chat.
"Mom, the doc said Dorothy's still pretty freaked out and her mental state is trash. You gotta be super careful with her!" Susan said, all worried.
"I know. Susan, thank Seb for me. The nurse said the director told them to take extra good care of us, all 'cause of Seb," Catherine said, looking pleased.
Hearing this, Susan pressed her lips together.
Catherine had no clue that she and Seb might be done soon, and it was actually Derek who got Dorothy into this place. But Susan had to fake being happy with Seb 'cause Catherine couldn't handle more stress.
Then Susan switched gears. "By the way, where's James been these past few days?"
For months, he'd been crashing at Dorothy's place, but he was MIA the last couple of times Susan visited. Maybe he finally stopped bugging Catherine?
Catherine gave a bitter smile. "Ever since he found out Dorothy had that $100,000, he's been a pain, asking for money all the time. Dorothy got so fed up she gave him some cash, but he blew through it fast. This time, I had Dorothy give him a few hundred bucks, and while he's out wasting it, we moved here. Since we're staying long-term, he won't find us easily. Plus, this place is locked down, so no one can bug us. Let him deal with his own mess. He brought it on himself!"
Susan was shocked that Catherine finally toughened up.
Before, Catherine was always soft when it came to James, always saying he was their dad and clinging to old feelings.
This time, Catherine finally realized James would never change and totally gave up on him.
Seeing Susan staring at her, Catherine sighed. "If it weren't for James causing drama, maybe Dorothy wouldn't be like this."
Seeing Catherine's sadness, Susan stepped up and put a hand on her shoulder, trying to comfort her. "Mom, no point in dwelling on it. We just gotta hope Dorothy gets better soon and starts fresh."
"That's all we can do," Catherine nodded, tears in her eyes.
Leaving the sanatorium, Susan strolled along the riverbank, feeling like she had a ton of bricks on her chest.
She had no clue how long Catherine and Dorothy would be stuck there. She knew mental health stuff was tough to crack, and Dorothy might be like this forever. If that happened, what then? Would Catherine have to stay with Dorothy forever? But if she didn't, neither of them would be able to chill...
Lost in her thoughts by the river railing, Susan's phone buzzed.
She pulled it out and saw Derek's name. Susan quickly picked up, knowing Derek had been a lifesaver this time.
"Ms. Wilson, how's the sanatorium? If there's anything off, just holler, and I'll talk to my buddy," Derek's voice came through as soon as she answered.
Susan smiled. "It's perfect. Thanks a ton, Mr. Lopez. Got time tonight? I'd love to treat you to dinner."
"No need to be so formal; we're pals," Derek said, all polite.
"That's exactly why I wanna treat you. Otherwise, I'd have to swing by to thank you in person," Susan laughed.
Derek agreed easily. "Alright, let's do dinner. Just the two of us would be dull; let's invite Ms. Brown too, to spice things up!"
"Cool, it's a plan. I'll book a spot and text you the deets," Susan said before hanging up.
At 6:30 PM, Susan and Isabella were already at the restaurant, waiting for Derek.
"It's getting late, where is he?" Isabella craned her neck, peeking at the entrance.
"Mr. Lopez said he got held up and would be a bit late." Out of courtesy, Susan and Isabella stood by the private room door waiting.
Isabella started griping, "I don't get you. You have Seb right there, but you go and bug Derek."
Susan pouted, "I can handle things without him."
"You two still haven't patched things up, huh? Is it really that hard? Would it kill you to say something nice? You're pushing him away, you know?" Isabella nudged Susan.
"Let him go. If it's not meant to be, I can't force it," Susan shrugged.
"You're so stubborn. When another chick snags him, don't come crying," Isabella teased.
That hit a nerve with Susan.
"Good, I don't want him anyway. Let some other woman take him, and I'll be free!" Susan snapped.
"You just have a tough exterior!" Isabella shook her head, exasperated.
"Can we not talk about him?" Susan's heart twisted every time Isabella brought up Seb.
"Alright, alright," Isabella sighed.
Just then, Derek walked in. Isabella, with her eagle eyes, spotted him and quickly said, "Derek's here."
Susan and Isabella rushed to greet him, exchanged some small talk, and then headed into the private room to sit down.
Susan played the perfect host, ordered a ton of food, and kept toasting Derek. Derek was in high spirits and chatty, and soon the three of them were having a blast, eating, drinking, and laughing.
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