Read Nerdy Girl Nation (Nerdy Girl #1) for Free Online Page B

favor.”
    Aaron nodded. “I guess I owe you one.”
    “You're friends with Emma MacLean, right?”
    Aaron froze in his seat. His reaction confused Rob, but Aaron slowly answered the question.
    “Yes. Why do you ask?”
    “We met several years ago and we've been following each other's careers over the years. You heard her mother passed away?”
    “Yes, a tragedy.”
    Rob ran his hand through his hair before he swallowed the small lump in his throat. “I sent my condolences to Emma recently and I was wondering if you might . . . I mean it might be a little awkward for me . . .”
    “I don't think I've ever seen you this flustered,” Aaron laughed. “I spoke to Emma myself this week. She will be at the event here in Boston. I would be happy to arrange some time for you to chat.”
    Rob chose his words carefully. “Thanks. We haven't seen each other in person in years. I'm . . .”
    “Were the two of you together?”
    “No, no.” Rob shook his head. “She was dating someone at the time.”
    “Not now, though?” Aaron asked.
    “No. I'd like the chance to get to know her again.”
    Aaron smiled one of his brightest smiles. “I would be happy to facilitate in any way I can.”

    “I’m Rob and I’m an alcoholic.”
    “Hello, Rob,” the room of strangers answered back.
    Rob surveyed the basement room of the Methodist church twenty miles from his apartment. Out of his list of meetings, the church only came up twice in his rotation so far.
    “Nine years sober.” The small group gave him a round of applause. “I thought stopping wouldn’t be a problem. Not for me. My friends drank as much as I did, maybe more, but none of them wanted to stop. I slipped a little further every day, details of my life got lost. After one scary blackout and I checked myself into rehab. I realized if I wanted to achieve the life I dreamed of, I needed to take drastic measures.
    “That brings me to today. I work hard. I sacrifice. Today, I found out the promotion I worked so hard for went to someone else. These are the moments I struggle the most. I gave up drinking to be able to do this job and find out I’m still not good enough. Days like this make that one beer or shot of vodka pretty tempting.”
    “We all have those days, Rob.” The meeting leader, Joe, stood and addressed the room. “The twenty years of sobriety I struggled for brought me more downs than ups. We need to remember how much that one beer or shot would not only affect our lives but the lives of those around us. In your situation, the promotion you want might come up again down the line. But if you choose to take a drink, you could put it in jeopardy.”
    Joe wrapped up the meeting and followed Rob as he got a cup of coffee.
    “You got a good sponsor?” Joe asked and poured himself a cup.
    “On speed dial.” Rob laughed then took a sip. “Days like this happen every once in a while. I’m glad I can find a meeting and pull my sorry ass back up.”
    “I know this is only your second or third meeting here, but this is a good group of people. You’ll be safe here. No leaks, I promise.” Joe lifted his brow.
    Rob understood. Joe recognized who he was. He read the story a so-called friend from Rob’s AA group in Baltimore leaked to the press.
    “Thanks, Joe.” Rob shook Joe’s hand.
    Joe pulled a card from his pocket. “Here’s my number, just in case you can’t get ahold of your sponsor. Please, come back anytime.”
    Rob took the card and smiled. He recognized the sincerity in Joe’s eyes. Joe was a man he could trust.
     

 
    “Ah, the nerd cave. Saving the best for last?” Mick joked when he walked into Emma’s private office. The walls were covered with framed posters while the shelves held hundreds of books and collectibles.
    “I didn't want the cameras in here. This room is the only one I kept private.” Emma brought in several boxes and set them next to a large roll of bubble wrap.
    Emma and Mick packed up most of her apartment in LA