When I first asked Angie to keep me accountable for my drinking, I didn’t realize just what I was getting myself into, but I knew that something had to change and I was ready to try anything. I was on probation for a DUI and had subsequently lost my job over too many missed days. When I couldn’t pay rent I was kicked out of my apartment. Fortunately, Angie was my neighbor.
She had been two grades above me in school but she knew me because I dated her sister briefly. Angie lived with her girlfriend Rebecca. When they heard that I had been evicted they offered to let me crash on their couch temporarily but under certain terms. Rebecca was a recovering alcoholic herself and Angie strictly forbade drinking in their house. I was expected to find a new job as quickly as possible and to adhere to the terms of my probation.
One night I went to the bar to meet an old buddy who was in town for the weekend. Angie was pissed and she threatened to kick me out. I begged for her mercy.
“Please, just give me another chance. I screwed up, I’m sorry. I promise it won’t happen again, I’ll do anything you ask. Please.”
It wasn’t until I admitted that I needed help, that I couldn’t stop drinking on my own, that she accepted my plea.
“But, I’m warning you,” she said, “if this happens again I’m going to spank your ass!”
I wasn’t entirely sure how serious that