Jesse was surprised by her reaction. He'd honestly been expecting her to laugh and crack a few more jokes at his expense. It happened pretty often when he refused a drink or a joint. And there'd been a time when he, too, had reacted derisively toward his friends in recovery. After all, nobody wanted to be judged and nobody wanted to party alone. But here she was, apologizing and congratulating him.

"Skoll," he said with a little smile, clumsy on his pronunciation, and took a gulp of water.

"Well, least the heavy stuff's outta the way now. I feel a little weird, though, telling you I'm a drug addict before you've even told me what to call you."