Addict

By Ivy Love

Jazz is living her best life after getting the opportunity of a lifetime. She took a chance and moved across the country for a one-in-a-million shot. Now time has passed and a shot has turned into a career that's flourishing.

Liv dropped everything when Jazz asked if she would join her on her journey. Now, behind the bright lights and photo ops, Liv is struggling to make it through the days and find her place in this new world. Instead she finds herself face to face with something far more dangerous.

Jazz and Liv are best friends but they're on very different paths, each finding their own way through the fame.

Will they succeed together or lose each other along the way?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ivy Love
• Release date: Sep 20, 2022
• ISBN: 9798215413494

Book preview

Chapter One

Liv

My best friends voice echoes through the hall, Liv! Are you ready to go?

I stare at myself in the mirror unsatisfied with my reflection, but instead force a smile on my face. I’m finishing up, Jazz.

Yes, her name is Jazz. Her parents both love jazz music and are a bit eccentric. They wanted her to have a unique name, so they named her Jazz. She could go by her middle name, which is a bit more conventional, but Jazz fits her. She has a smile for everyone she meets and the personality of the brightest star in the night sky. I know it sounds corny, but it’s true.

She is one of the nicest people you will ever meet. On top of that she is one of the most beautiful people you will ever lay eyes on. No, I’m not in love with her. It’s the truth and I’m her best friend. Her blonde hair shimmers in the sun and she has the most vibrant violet-blue eyes. She was blessed with the body of a supermodel, and I hear it all the time. Not from her but all her male suitors and even from her friends.

Sometimes, I feel as if I don’t exist. No, that’s not fair. It’s not that I don’t exist, I’m just the second-best person around when we’re together. She never makes me feel that way, but it’s how things go. I’m not an unattractive person, but when you’re around her, if you’re not a goddess, you fall short.

I’ve known her since grade school and from the moment she laid eyes on me, she took me under her wing, and I never questioned it. When things were rough for me, she was there and when people were taking advantage of her, I was there for her.

We grew up together, we were two peas in a pod, when you saw one of us the other wasn’t too far away. Things didn’t change when we went away to college, we still stayed in touch. Jazz went to college in Miami for Criminal Justice, and I went to Juilliard in New York for Vocal Arts. Even though we were days away from one another, it never felt that way. It never mattered the distance between us, we were never truly far away from one another. We were each other’s safety blanket in a way. I suppose in a sense we still are. When Jazz was still in college she was discovered by a producer while she was out one night. She was offered a small part in a movie and decided to do it for fun. She thought it would be a nice break from the monotony of her regular day.

She juggled the part and classes, collected her pay, and didn’t think much of it. The movie came out and life moved on. She continued with her daily life, with classes, friends, and her campus job. Then a producer reached out to her, and she was offered another part. It didn’t take long before another producer reached out to her and another. It was highly suggested she get an agent, a manager and pursue acting and possibly modeling full-time. She called me to get my opinion and we talked for hours. In the end she decided to move forward with it, but only if I would move in with her and help her navigate her new life. She wanted someone she could trust by her side and someone who would help keep her grounded.

Not only that, but it would require her to move across the country to California away from her family and she didn’t want to go alone. For me, it was the perfect opportunity. I was struggling with the rigidness of school and fitting in. After thinking about it for a day, I withdrew from my dream school.

Now, we’re here in Los Angeles, the city of angels or dreams, whatever you want to call it. Jazz is thriving and I’m here, along for the ride.

She stops in front of my door and looks me up and down, Damn, you look good, I might need to go change.

I laugh out loud, Whatever, Jazz, you know nobody holds a candle to you. Let me touch up my makeup and I’ll be out.

Liv, you seriously don’t need anything, but yeah, go for it. I’ll be in the kitchen waiting for you. Do you want to do a shot or two before we go out? I can have concierge call a ride for us, that way we can both drink tonight, she says.

Yes, please, I say, smiling. At least I hope I am.

She looks at me, shaking her head and walks off. I stare at myself in the mirror, examining the grey leather skirt hugging my body falling just below my knees and the plunging, black body suit top that’s held together by two crossing straps. I’ve paired it with one of my favorite pair of black stiletto heels.

My dark brown hair is a stark contrast to Jazz’s, but I’ve created a soft curled look for tonight and it’s falling nicely, at least for now. Since, my outfit is more provocative, I went with a subtle makeup. My brown eyes still shining through. Still, I see nothing special staring back at me.

I close the door softly and stare at my dresser drawer. I open it slowly and look at the pill bottle almost taunting me, daring me to take one. I try to fight it, but I know I’ll be miserable if I don’t, even if I drink. I hesitate only slightly, before shaking out two round ten milligram pills. I look at them thinking I shouldn’t but knowing I will and find my hand moving to my mouth before I can stop myself.

I open the door, unable to look at myself in the mirror before making my way to the kitchen.

Chapter Two

JAZZ

Liv has always seen herself as less than everyone else and I never understood why. When I first saw her standing in the hallway, looking like a lost kitten, I marched right over to her and told her we were going to be friends. I still remember how surprised she looked, kind of like she couldn’t believe I noticed her existence. To this day, she still looks at me like she can’t believe we’re friends.

I knew from the first day I met her she was something special. She was quiet, but beautiful. The exact opposite of me. I was blonde, tall, and skinny and she was brunette, with these chocolate brown eyes that stared deep into your soul. She was also curvier than most of my friends. Not heavy, but blessed with breasts and an hourglass figure, that most of us would kill for. Even though she’s never said anything, she’s never seemed comfortable in her own skin.

The thing is I can’t imagine life without her. She’s been with me through every up and down. Whenever I had a problem, I knew I could talk to her and trust her to not run and tell everyone what it was. When other people wanted to be my friend, I could trust her to be my sort of divining rod of who wanted to be around me for me and who was using me for my looks or my money. She never cared about any of that stuff. She was just a good friend and that was important to me.

Our freshman year of high school I noticed something was off with her. I couldn’t really put my finger on what was wrong. She was still the same Liv, but something had changed. She was a bit more erratic. We all started having mood swings, I mean, hello teenage years, but hers were more noticeable. Her ups were up, but her downs were really down. I remember trying to talk to her about it, but she refused, saying she was stressed with a heavy workload and tried to pass it off with a fake smile.

I should have pressed for more information, but I never did. Eventually, her moods evened out and I let it go, I assumed it was growing pains. When we went away to college, I worried about her, and I made sure to keep in touch. I never wanted her to think I was leaving her or had forgotten about her. When the job offers for movies started rolling in, she was the first person I called. I always valued her opinion. I knew if it were a bad idea, she would tell me.

Instead, she listened to me talk for hours on end. She listened to my fears, my dreams, my hopes and in our whole conversation, not once did she try to tell me what to do, instead she asked what I wanted. She made me think about what I genuinely wanted to do going forward. It wasn’t an easy decision. I knew what my parents would want me to do. My family is wealthy and worked hard to get where they are today, and while they wanted me to follow in their footsteps and pursue a degree in Criminal Justice, I knew ultimately, they only wanted me to be happy. The decision I would make would have to be my own.

After Liv and I talked, I decided to accept the offer, but I made it on the condition that she come with me to California. I knew I was asking a lot, but I couldn’t do this without her. I needed her by my side. If she didn’t want to do this with me, I wasn’t going to do it at all. I didn’t tell her that and you may think I was being selfish, but I needed to know I would have someone to support me. While my parents might support me, their support is, and always has been, only verbal and monetary. I wanted to know I had someone there I could trust.

I thought she would need some time to think about it. If she chose to come with me, she would have to leave her dream school. A school not many people ever get the chance to go to. In the end, it only took her a day to decide. She withdrew from school and chased my dream with me.

Now I’m booking gig after gig and I’ve hired her on as my assistant, but she still picks up part-time hours as a waitress. I told her I’d pay her more if she needed it. I owe her everything, but she said it’s a singing waitress gig and it lets her feel connected to music. I understand what she means, I’m taking online classes to finish my degree. I need to feel, even though I’m blessed to be doing this, I still have something to fall back on.

Tonight, I’ve been asked to make an appearance at a club opening and I’m dragging Liv with me. I know she hates these things, but after a drink or two she ends up loosening up and enjoying herself. When I walked by her room a few minutes ago and I saw her inspecting herself, I was shocked. She looks drop dead gorgeous, but she was looking at herself as if something were wrong with her. I don’t get it. She’s beautiful without trying and some nights she outshines me and doesn’t even realize it.

I head to the kitchen grab two shot glasses and the tequila and pour us two shots.

Liv! Are you coming?

One minute! she calls.

I grab my phone and call down to the concierge of the building.

Concierge.

Hi, Ben!

Hi, Jazz. How’s everything going?

Amazing as usual, thank you for asking. Would you mind calling a cab for Liv and me?

Do you want a cab or a car service? he asks.

Whichever is easier, I say, easily.

You’ve got it. I’ll call you when it’s here.

Thank you so much.

You’re welcome, he says, hanging up.

Ben’s been with the building since Liv and I moved in years ago and has been nothing but friendly to us. Unlike some of the other residents and staff who were guarded and surprised at our younger age.

Granted, most of their attitudes have changed over time, but Ben has always been kind. Plus, we still get the occasional glare from some people who either don’t get how we have the money to live here or are jealous we do at this age. We don’t care though. We are who we are and don’t apologize for it. Generally, we’re quiet and don’t bother anyone. Recently the attitudes of the other tenants have really started to change. It helps that people have started recognizing me in things.

I watch Liv saunter into the room in her heels.

Damn, woman, you’re going to make me look second best again, I tease.

She rolls her eyes, Whatever. You’re drop dead gorgeous, Jazz. You’re always the most beautiful woman in the room, we’re all playing second best to you.

I laugh and hand her the shot. You have no idea how smoking you are. Drink.

We tap glasses and toss the shot back.

Did you call for a car? she asks.

Yup, Ben will call when it gets here.

Sounds good, should we do another then? she asks.

Nervous? I ask.

You know I am.

Do you think you’ll ever get used to it? I ask, curiously.

Hell, no, she laughs.

Her laugh makes me laugh, Alright, I suppose I can do one more before we get there.

Chapter Three

LIV

Ineed one more shot before we go to take the edge off. The pills haven’t kicked in yet and I need something to calm my nerves. I’m hoping two shots of tequila will do it.

I watch as she pours our shots and hands me mine.

To a successful opening, I say.

Cheers, she says.

We toss back the second shot and I enjoy the familiar burn as it slides down my throat. I take the shot glasses and quickly rinse them off.

Did you go with car or cab? I ask.

I told Ben whatever is easier. She pauses looking at her phone, It should be here any minute.

Perfect. Is it just us or will the rest of your crew be there? I’m guessing since you had to call the car, it’s only going to be us.

Yup, only the two of us. It’s supposed to look natural. Not like I was paid to come.

Got it, so a casual girl’s night out, coy looks at the camera and a few posts to social media.

Yup, exactly.

I can feel a warmth beginning to rise in my stomach. Let me go grab my clutch from my room and we can head down to wait for the car, I smile.

She looks up from her phone and grins, Sounds good.

I walk into my bedroom and shut the door softly. The pills are kicking in, I think the alcohol helped push it along. I shut my eyes and lean against the door. The feeling starts in my stomach and spreads across my body. It starts as a tightening of my whole body, then it glides up my throat and into my head. Suddenly, I’m soaring, floating.

I will never get tired of that feeling, no matter how many times I experience it.

I don’t know how long it lasts, but eventually, I open my eyes, blinking a few times, bringing the world back into focus. My mind is calm, and my body is relaxed. The stress I was feeling is gone and I no longer have a care in the world. I know I can go out tonight and enjoy it, instead of being anxious.

Liv, the car is here! Jazz calls.

I search my room for a clutch, toss my things in the bag and grab a few pills from the drawer, just in case.

Coming! I call back.

I toss a quick glance to the mirror to make sure my eyes aren’t too glossy and head out to meet Jazz.

She looks up from her phone and smiles. Ready?

Let’s do it.

How far away is this club? I ask.

I usher her out the door and into the elevator.

Actually, it’s not too far away, but I figured it would save the hassle of being snapped by the paparazzi, before we’re ready, if we took a car, she laughs.

Smart thinking. I’ve taught you well, I grin.

Yeah, yeah, don’t remind me, she groans.

Come on, I tease. If it’s only a block or two away, nobody will bother you right? I mean you’re a nobody. Who is going to want your picture? I tease, biting back a grin.

Shut up, she says nudging me, as we jump in the car.

I burst out laughing I can’t help it. It was two years ago, and Jazz was being Jazz. I knew it was a bad idea, but she thought she was a nobody, and she could walk the two blocks to the store, and nobody would bother her. She was wrong. She was bombarded by fans and photographers alike within a hundred feet of stepping outside of the building. I tried to tell her, but she wouldn’t listen to me. She regrets it to this day, and I don’t let her live it down.

Are you reliving it in your head? She asks, pinching my thigh.

Ouch! No, never!

Liar, she mumbles. I can see the smile on your face still.

Eh, you still love me. You haven’t kicked me out yet.

Yeah, yeah. Keep telling that story, we’ll see what happens, she teases.

I have no idea what you’re referring to, I smirk.

She rolls her eyes as the car begins to slow down.

Ladies, the line to get to the club is super long, do you want to hop out here? Our driver looks back at us, a bit of worry on his face.

I look at her and she looks at me and I shrug. The whole point is for her to be photographed at this opening, so maybe it’s not the worst thing to be walking in.

We’ll get out here, thank you. Jazz opens the door, handing the driver some cash.

He looks at his hand and immediately hands her his card, If you need a ride back, call me, I’ll come and get you.

She smiles and nods, shutting the door behind her.

She walks over to me linking her arm with mine, "Ready?’

Ready as I’ll ever be, I say, plastering a smile on my face.

She smiles and we head toward the crowd of people.

It only takes a few seconds before she is seen, and people start recognizing her. The people in line, start pointing, whispering and then calling out her name. The photographers turn trying to see what the commotion is about. I watch them try to place who she is and the moment they do, the lights start flashing. She waves with her free hand and gives everyone a smile as we try and make our way through the crowd.

The crowd gets larger, and Jazz unlinks her arm grabbing my hand, leading the way to the club entrance.

The bouncer looks up and you can see he’s tired already, but when he sees her face, he lights up. Jazz has a way of doing that to people.

Jazz? What are you doing here? he asks, a bit of awe in his voice.

Well, we were hoping to come in and see what the club was all about, she smiles.

Of course, let me call the owner and we’ll get you right in.

He talks into his headset, while Jazz looks back at the crowd, smiling.

I don’t know how she does it. I know she loves what she does, but I also know she misses being invisible sometimes.

It only takes a minute or two for the owner to walk up to greet us.

Jazz! Thank you so much for coming, he schmoozes, kissing her cheeks.

Oh no problem, we can’t wait to check it out, she replies sweetly.

And who is this beautiful woman you have with you? He reaches out and takes my hand, kissing it.

I blush slightly, I don’t think I’ll ever get used to being romanced by strangers who want something. I’m Liv. Jazz’s assistant, friend and roomie.

It’s very nice to meet you, Liv, he murmurs, staring. I lock eyes with him until I can’t anymore, feeling the heat creep up my neck.

Let’s not keep you waiting out here. Follow me, ladies.

Chapter Four

JAZZ

Inside I’m laughing. I have no idea how she still can’t see she’s stunning. I make movies and am recognized everywhere I go, and she stands next to me and renders club owners speechless.

I love it. I want her to see how beautiful she is through other people’s eyes.

Liv lets me go first, as we follow the owner to the VIP section. The club itself is gorgeous. It’s masked in different shades of purple with accents of black and grey. There’s one large bar at the center of the club and then a small one against the wall in the back. It’s two floors, but it appears the second floor is for special events or VIPs, because it’s blocked off and there are very few people there. It’s exactly where he’s leading us.

He leads us through a door, up the stairs.

Welcome ladies! He speaks loudly enough to be heard above the music. This section has its own hidden bar and personal service. Whenever you’re ready to order, please let one of the waiters know and we’ll get you taken care of.

Thank you, I smile widely. This place is beautiful!

Thank you, it’s been a pet project of mine for some time, so I’m glad to see it come together finally, he says, looking fondly at the room below.

He waves his hand, Psh, you don’t want to hear stories of an owner. Enjoy yourselves. If you need anything at all, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Thank you, we will.

Have a good evening, Liv. It was very nice to meet you.

She smiles at him, Thank you, it was nice to meet you as well.

I roll my eyes at her as he walks away. Did you not realize that he was totally hitting on you?

Um, no? I assumed he was being nice so he could get to you.

My mouth drops. Woman, you need to learn not everybody is out to get us.

She shrugs, But, a lot of people are. It’s my job to look out for you and that’s what I do.

Yes, but you can still get laid, you know! I huff.

Thank you for looking out for my sexual needs, she laughs. Are you ready to try out these drinks?

Yes, because I have to deal with your impossible ass.

She laughs and waves to the waitress, who’s surveying the area and waiting against the back wall.

I watch her get up and walk over meeting the waitress halfway.

As she’s walking back, I ask, Should we take a few photos and post them? Or I could do a video?

Do a video for your story and then post a pic with a great tagline, she says, staring out at the people below.

Do you want me to take the pic? she asks.

No, I want you in the picture and I want you in the video.

I can’t hear her, but I watch her chest rise and fall and I know she’s huffing at me.

Don’t pout, smile at the camera, I smirk.

I watch as she slowly flips me off and laugh. I look around trying to figure out the best place for a photo. I decide to take a few, taking photos of the view and then sitting on one of the couches behind us. Liv slides next to me, and I capture her smile.

The waitress comes over with a tray of drinks and lays them in