Page 5 of Taste of Addiction

I can’t keep from smiling. “Yes, those things.”

“In all seriousness, why are we even locking ourselves down with rich and sexy-ass boyfriends if we’re not going to at least take advantage of their bank accounts once in a while?” she asks, but quickly moves on to the next topic before I can even respond. “We already lost eleven valuable hours today. But do you see me holding a grudge? No. Do you see me sleeping in and pouting and feeling sorry for myself? No. You know why? Because I am an adult. Shit happens all the time, but we get up and dust ourselves off and push forward. So buck up, young panda bear, and let’s grab the men by the balls and shop!”

“This is all too—”

“And before you ask—because I know you will—do not read into my animal selection; it was the first thing that came to my mind and I forgot the original phrase and had no time to think. Because time is already a-wasting!”

I wait until Claire is done with her half-rant half-motivational speech before bursting into fits of giggles. She knows exactly what to say to make me laugh and cry at the same time. Her fierce loyalty to being on Team Angie is the reason why I can trust her with my secrets and my fears. She is an amazing best friend, and I want to hold on to that title with everything I have. Yet, I am realistic enough to realize that when we graduate and move forward with our careers, things might change. People grow apart. But for now, I want to embrace this friendship with everything I have.

“So, let’s start shopping,” I say with the biggest smile. “I have been really wanting a heat press so I can make cool shirts and personalized items.”

“Oh yes! And one of those machines that cuts out the lettering and graphics. Gotta get one of those too.”

“Sure, why not?”

Her smile is contagious. “Now, that’s the attitude! Have you thought about what you’re getting Graham for Christmas? Ethan basically says he has everything, so I’m struggling. The typical watch, suit tie, and glow-in-the-dark cock ring are out.”

I shake my head and look down at my phone as I pull open websites to peruse. “No, not at all. If I do think of something, I’m definitely going to have you do the ordering. That man has tabs on everything I do. I know it’s because he is megaparanoid right now, but holy cannoli, I need at least one layer of privacy.”

“He’s obsessed with you, Angie. While Lifetime usually features those kinds of movies and the girl ends up tied to a bed somewhere to die—”

“Claire!”

“No, no. What I’m saying is, his obsession is the sweet kind. It’s a compliment.”

“Gee, thanks.”

She bursts out laughing and scans over her phone for shopping deals. “I think I want to get Ethan one of those fancy coffee makers and something that he can use to make bacon in the microwave in case I am at the gym. He is a complete slut for bacon.”

“Sort of like you are a slut for pancakes and margies?”

“Hey, quit being judgmental. Everyone enjoys a good margarita.”

“This is true,” I admit.

Claire clears her throat and then furrows her brow. “So on a serious note…”

“Yeah?”

“The anniversary of your car accident is coming up.”

Of course, I know this already. But this is Claire’s way of testing the waters with the topic. “Yup, November 30th. I cannot believe it has been five years since it happened. I won’t be able to take my annual trek back to Baker City to visit James’s grave either.”

She nods her head. “What can I do to help you through that day, Angie? Do you think you will want a distraction? Virtual shoulder to cry on? Me to leave you alone? I want to be what you need in the time you need it.”

I give her a weak smile. “You’re an amazing friend, Claire. I can’t honestly tell you what I’ll need until the day hits. Some years I have spent the entire day crying at James’s grave site. Other years I’ve spent it in bed trying to sleep through the limited memories.”

“I’m here for you in any way you need—even if you don’t know what you need yet.”

I turn my head off screen and wipe at the tears pooling in my eyes. “I appreciate it.”

I hang up with Claire and send in my order requests to Collins, making the decision that I’m going to choose to have fun while I’m here. Maybe this stay away from home can be a retreat after all.

I decide that a shower and clean set of clothes will make me feel more human. I already slept through breakfast, but at least there is still time to eat lunch.

That’s the thing about being quarantined. I now have all the time in the world.

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