Page 70 of Taste of Addiction

“We’ll get through this together. Okay? A step at a time.”

I shake my head. “I’m not sure I’m strong enough.”

“Yes, you are. You just need to give it time, and we need to keep busy so you have less desire to think about it.”

“You removed everything from here, didn’t you?”

“You already know the answer.”

I nod. Of course he did. So, I guess there is no point digging through every nook and cranny when I feel at an ultimate low. I take a few deep breaths and move back into the bedroom where I have my clothes thrown on the bed. I slip on a red sweater and skinny jeans. I decide on a pair of brown ankle boots that are made from the softest suede.

Graham escorts me downstairs and hands me off to Collins. I am sure his men know of my condition and are instructed to keep me from supplementing in any way until I can fully detox. Quite frankly, I’m not really sure how bad it is going to get. I apparently am in the early phase still.

When Collins and I get into the parking garage, he guides me into the black SUV’s backseat. I place my bag beside me and strap in.

“Collins?”

“Yes, ma’am?”

“Did you figure out if Slay is a good choice for Claire and me to enjoy a Friday night out yet? I really want to firm up plans with her and have been waiting to see if it is safe or not.”

“I checked out the place this morning and it seems suitable enough. What time were you thinking of going there for the girls’ night?”

“I’ll let you know in a minute. Let me text Claire.”

He nods into the rearview mirror as he pulls out onto the busy street. I open my text chain for Claire and send her a message.

Angie: My prince says Slay is suitable. What time? Want to meet at my place and head there together?

I wait for her to respond, but my phone buzzes with an incoming call from her instead.

“Hey you,” I answer.

“Hey,” she huffs, “I’m taking, ah, this killer abs, fuck! Class.”

I giggle into the phone. Claire’s dedication to going to the gym is neck and neck with my dedication to avoiding the place. While I had a lot of fun with her for those few classes we attended together, it naturally is not my scene. I stand out like a sore thumb. “Are you okay?”

“Yes, I’m fine,” she grunts. “Hey! Yes, I’m chatting on the phone, do you have a problem with that?”

“Claire?”

“Just hold on, Angie, while I tell this broad bitch off.” She growls and huffs at the other person. “I pay for these classes the same as you. You think you’re better than me? Nope. Get over yourself. What’s the difference between me making a simple phone call while this trainer here breaks my abs down or you making a live video to stream for all of your followers? Here, I’ll help you out with the answer, you bimbo. There is no difference! So shut your face hole!”

“Claire!"

“I’m back. Now where were we? Oh yes, Slay. So it is winter wonderland themed night, and we are to dress in a themed outfit.”

“Oh goody!”

“Save faking it for the bedroom. I know better.”

“I suck at dress-up,” I whine.

“Well, lucky you, your best friend is freaking amazing at it.”

“You’re going to make me look like an inappropriate snowflake.”

“Probably,” she agrees. “Or Santa’s slutty elf.”

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