Page 104 of Taste of Addiction

“Good evening. It is my utmost pleasure to introduce the next artists who have been rising on the billboard charts for the past two weeks with their single,I Say I Do to You. Please help me welcome the amazing duo couple, Grace and Jace.”

The crowd erupts with applause as we move off to the side and down the steps that lead into the audience. We take our place in the front row, at a little table with a candle lit in the center. The curtain lifts on stage, revealing a band set up in the background and a couple perched on stools. Jace has a guitar and Grace is holding on to her bedazzled microphone.

The look the pair gives each other is unmistakable. They are undoubtedly in love with one another.

Everyone in the audience is on their feet and swaying to the song that starts with Jace singing, while Grace harmonizes. It is like we are witnessing an intimate moment that is reserved just for them. I want to look away but can’t. They are captivating.

Graham moves behind me and whispers how much he loves me in my ear. He places his hands on my hips as he moves us to the music. I stare mesmerized at the stage while the couple delivers an amazing performance of one of their hit songs. I have never been to a live concert—let alone been in the front row to enjoy it. I lean my head back to his chest as he descends onto my lips with a passionate kiss.

It is like we are the only two people in the room. The music dulls to just a hum in my ears, and I smile up at Graham who makes all of the struggles I endured through my life worth it—because it all led me to him.

And then it hits me. Dr. Westinger asked me to reflect on a question. Where would I be today if Mom and James never died? Well, I wouldn’t be here. The only reason I moved to Portland was to get away from the memories and the pain of living in a small town with all the reminders of what I no longer had. If I never moved to Portland, I would have never met Claire—who was also going to the city to escape her neglectful family in Virginia. We became soulmate friends. If I didn’t break up with my boyfriend Russell, lose my job at the bakery, and fail my last semester, I wouldn’t have been interested in getting hired at Entice.

I would have never met Graham.

Our paths would have never had a reason to cross.

All of the pain and suffering I encountered over the course of years prepared me for the hurricane force that is Graham Hoffman. While I would give anything to have a minute longer with Mom and James, I would give up everything to have a life with Graham.

I turn to look at my man who is so wrapped around me, I feel like I am his greatest gift. “I love you,” I whisper. “With everything I have.”

His eyes smolder, as he places a hand on the small of my back and guides me from our barely noticed table to a hidden door along the edge of the room.

“We’re leaving now? Is it over?” I ask when we are away from the noise.

“I never planned for us to stay. I just wanted you to enjoy the song. This hotel has a whole events team, and you can get front row seats to anything that is hosted here.”

I smile a stupidly happy smile. “Wow.”

“Why date a filthy rich bad boy and not reap the benefits?”

I laugh over his wiggling eyes. “True. And man, is it a good benefits package.”

“Quit flirting with me.” Graham’s eyes are serious but I know he is teasing.

“Stop encouraging me by looking sexy.”

“It’s not my fault,” he fake scoffs. “Blame it on genetics.”

We take the elevator up to the highest number, get out and then climb three flights of stairs. I want to ask questions but know it is pointless. Graham uses his keycard and pushes open a heavy metal door that leads to the rooftop. Several strands of outdoor bulb lights are lit and strung on tall poles surrounding a beautiful table. A vase of white roses acts as the centerpiece. They are simple but sophisticated. Space heaters border the setup and provide the necessary warmth for being so high up and outside.

“Wow,” I exhale, turning three hundred sixty degrees as I take in the entire scene.

Graham lifts his hand, and out of the shadows a waiter reveals himself with a bottle of sparkling grape juice, which he pours into two flutes.

“I’m not twelve,” I mutter, taking a sip. “Surely a little indulgence won’t hurt? Especially now, when you have me so on edge with anticipation.”

“Oh…” he says leaning into me, “I plan to indulge.”

“I’m too sober right now to appreciate your sense of humor.” I giggle as my sides get tickled, making me almost spill my beverage on my dress. “Stopppp…”

We walk along the edge of the roof, looking out into the night sky at the beautiful city of Portland. Boat lights sparkle in the river, along with the neighboring lights from the buildings.

I shiver from the cold drink and the breeze blowing through the silk of my thin dress. Graham calls a second waiter over to us and instructs him to retrieve my fur coat. I vaguely remember leaving it behind stage on a bench; I think my handbag is with it. He wraps his arms around me and settles them on the small of my back. We dance to nonexistent music and enjoy each other’s touches.

Graham nibbles on my ear, making my goose bumps multiply like rabid bunnies. “Spoiler alert. I’m going to fuck you on this roof, Angie.”

I jerk myself away from him in order to analyze his face for sincerity. “Are you serious?”

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