Page 161 of Taste of Addiction

“Time.”

“What did you get?” Penny asks from across the table. “Show us.”

I hold up a gold package and a lollipop, giggling.

“Ma, really?” Graham asks, looking at my prizes.

“That’s a condom, son,” she says. “For—”

“I know what it’s for. Gah…”

Claire and I burst into tears from laughing so hard at Germain and Donna’s sense of humor. They are a riot. I only hope that I am still this much fun when I get to be their age. They have a zest for life that is rare.

During Graham’s turn he uncovers a tiny tube of lube and a few coins.

“I do not even want to know what is at the center of this ball,” he says with a groan.

I pull off the wrapper to my lollipop while I wait for my next turn. Graham pulls me to his side and looks down at me sucking on the bright pink ball of sugar.

“You are as bad as my parents. You know that?”

“Worse,” I say, smiling up at him, while popping the sucker out of my lips.

“Damn straight.”

28

It is bittersweet saying goodbye to Graham’s parents as we head out and back to Portland. They are both wearing their custom shirts I made them and sipping coffee from their personalized mugs. I am so glad they enjoyed their homemade gifts. I had so much fun making them.

When we get to the penthouse, I am excited to kick off my boots and relax. I didn’t realize how much stress I have been holding on to with the ridiculous amount of expectations I forced on myself. Now that Christmas is over and I am officially graduated, I can try to channel my energy into figuring out my next steps.

On the counter in the kitchen, a pile of mail rests. I dig through it and find two envelopes addressed to me. I tear open the bigger manila folder, revealing a cover letter and my new diploma. Highlighted across the front is the university’s name, mine, and my new dual degrees—Journalism and English.

Wow. I did it!

I scan over the cover letter.

“What’s this?” Graham asks, noticing my attention directed at the piece of paper in my hand.

“I can’t believe it.”

“Tell me,” he encourages.

“The board acknowledged my current and past efforts in the field of journalism. So, my new diploma denotes the change.” I hold up my embossed document. “See?”

Graham moves closer and reads my diploma out loud. It feels so weird hearing my recognition after going days believing I had missed the mark.

“Wow, baby, congratulations. This is what you have always wanted.”

I smile as he spins me around in the kitchen. When he places me back down, I don’t feel the same level of excitement that I thought I would have over this news. Maybe I am just in shock and once things settle in my brain, I will be able to make sense of everything.

I move back to the stack of mail. I pick up another piece addressed to me, ripping through the sticky seal. I pull out the folded letter. I open it and read through the words meant for me.

“Holy cannoli.”

“What? What’s going on?” Graham asks, rubbing at the back of his neck.

“They read it, my article. And loved it.”

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