ADDICTED

46

LEAH

I realized, standing in the ballroom as guests slowly trickled in, that my nerves were shot to hell.

When James asked if I was nervous, I'd been able to distract myself with other thoughts.

But the moment was here.

The gala was happening.

We had raised almost two-hundred thousand dollars from this event and hopefully, these prospective investors would increase that.

My phone buzzed in the hidden pocket of my gown. Pulling it out, I smiled at James' name on my screen.

"Hey," I said, "are you two almost here?"

"Parked and walking in. Placed is packed. I am thoroughly impressed, Miss Harris."

"I only did half of the work. But I'll take some credit, thank you very much." My lips curled up, the glee dismissing the heady anticipation in me.

"You did well. Where are you now, darling?"

"I'm standing at the head of the ballroom. Come find me?" Another buzz against my face meant someone else was calling. "Oh, Isabelle is calling. I have to take it. Bye!"

I answered her call with a fresh wave of excitement. "Are you here?"

"Yes, your bad bitch is here, babe. Where are you? A million and one old people are walking around."

Rolling my eyes, I chuckled. "I'm in the ballroom. At the front. If you pass a waiter with a champagne tray, be a doll and grab me a flute."

"Will do, missy. I can't wait to see you!"

"Come get me, gorgeous!"

We hung up and I leaned against the curtained wall with a contented sigh.

What a moment to enjoy.

I knew I should be out in the lobby, greeting people and being charming, but I just wanted to be in the present.

Soon James and I would be the focus of everyone's attention.

For now, I could rest here.

"Bah!" screeched a familiar high-pitched voice.

My head snapped up.

Isabelle ran towards me, her arms held up as her heeled feet bounced off the carpet floor.

She looked like a beauty pageant queen, as always.

Her pitch hair was curled and pinned in a half-up-half-down look. Her makeup was detailed and impeccable.

She seemed glowy.

"Izzy!" I shrieked just as she crashed into me.

We embraced for a minute and then pulled away.

She held my chin and studied me closely.

"You've been getting laid, haven't you?" she demanded with a coy smirk.

"What?" I asked with wide eyes.

"Oh, I know. You were sexless for a year. I know when you've been getting it." She smacked my ass. "I'm so proud! James is fine as fuck."

I shook my head, rolling my eyes. "I don't even know what to say to that. Where's your boo thing, anyway?"

"Getting us drinks. I think. He tends to wander off, so God knows."

"Are you two on the outs?"

She shrugged. "I like him. Sometimes he's hot and heavy and other times it's like I could be dangling a steak in front of his face and all he sees is the string. It's annoying."