Page 37 of Addiction

Our first proper vacation without our parents or nannies had been to New York. I’d been eighteen, Jonny twenty-one, and neither of us had been to the city that never sleeps. We’d wanted to make it a time to remember and went for New Year. Our parents had been working as usual, but we’d taken a couple of days out of our schedule. I still class it as one of the best times of my life and one I will never forget. I’ve not been back since.

From then on it had been Thailand, Egypt, Italy, and Spain. You name it, Jonny wanted to visit it. Of course, by that time, he’d been deep into his studies so our trips had been short. We’d loved them nevertheless.

Now, when I travel it’s only in his memory. I know he wouldn’t want me to abandon my experiences just because he’s no longer here. But fuck it’s hard when I go it alone.

Jonny had understood me better than anyone, and I miss him more than I ever thought was possible.

I’ve not spoken to my parents in years. They cut all ties with me after my brother died, and I think they only kept that thin line of contact because of him. Jonny would always defend my corner, and they hated that. But what they’d hated most was that I wasn’t one of them. I’ve never wanted to be a neurosurgeon or a CEO of a fucking hospital. I’ve never wanted the life of stress that it has always brought to their door. Yes, my job is somewhat in the medical sector, but I still have my freedom. I still have a life and love to live it. And they hate that. Seeing my parents for only a couple of hours a day was all Jonny and I had. That’s not the person I want to be, even if I don’t have a family of my own.

I slip my T-shirt back on as I head back up the beach, just as my cell rings. I grin when I look at the screen and see Nora’s name.

“Why are you up so early?”

“I’ve been asking my daughter that for the last two hours. She sure takes after her daddy and thinks sleep is overrated.”

I chuckle. I’ve always loved Nora, but I love her even more as a mother. “Sounds like Momma needs a large coffee.”

“Damn right. How was your yoga session today?”

“Good. I’m feeling fresh and revived.”

“Remind me when I’ll feel like that again.”

“In about eighteen years when Ava has moved out.”

“Ugh. Well, while I wait for that, how do you fancy a breakfast date with me and a tiny human?”

I smile. “Sounds perfect. Where am I meeting you?”

“My place. Come cook for me. You can have Ava cuddles while I do the laundry.”

“I love how I’m your slave and babysitter.”

“You love being both.”

I chuckle, heading toward my car. “True. I’ll be over soon. Love you.”

She blows me kisses down the phone before ending the call. I’d known I would be friends for life with Nora from the moment I met her. She is a ray of sunshine in a family that has so much pressure and trauma hanging over them. I’d bonded with them all so quickly, and I consider each one of them family.

However, Asher is a different story.

It had been nice to see the other side of him the other evening at Hot Tuna. His eyes had lit up as he spoke about his plans for the gym, and the longer we’d sat there talking, the more captivated I’d became. I hadn’t missed the look of curiosity on his features when Ryan mentioned me being gay, nor had I missed the look of confusion when he’d bowed his head as if he were mentally arguing with himself. What had been clear was that behind the smiles and the recovery, he is still a beautiful, broken mystery.

Once I reach Nora and Grayson’s, I park up and head up their drive, glancing over to Fiona’s house and wondering what Asher is doing with his morning.

Knocking on the door, I enter the house and I’m instantly greeted by Grayson’s two Sphynx cats Soda and Spyro. “Hey girls.” I bend down to smooth them before heading through the house. “Anyone home?”

“Coming,” Nora shouts, heading back in from the backyard. “Hey.”

Her long brown hair is twisted up on the top of her head and her figure is perfect as always. She is beautiful.

“Good morning sunshine.” I smile, kissing her on the cheek.

“Good morning.”

“Where is the other lady in my life?”

“Grayson has just gone up to her room to get her,” Nora says before turning to pick up the laundry basket.