Chapter 10
“Right this way, Ms. Washington,” the server said, leading Sage and Portia to the entrance of the rooftop of their family’s restaurant, Washington’s Table.
“Thank you, Camren,” Sage said as they entered the bar area of the rooftop overlooking the city of Eastbourne Hills.
“The city is so beautiful at night,” Portia exclaimed, gazing at the buildings surrounding them in the illuminating sky.
“I can think of a more beautiful view,” Sage softly spoke, gazing at Portia.
Portia looked at her and giggled as her cheeks grew warm.
“Let me take you somewhere,” Sage insisted, gently taking Portia’s hand.
She walked her around the bar and towards a set of black velvet curtains that led to a private VIP area. As she pushed the curtains back, they heard a loud "SURPRISE!"
“Oh, my gosh!” Portia gasped.
“Happy Three Month Soberversary!” everyone shouted with excitement.
Portia placed her hands over her mouth as she scanned the faces standing before her.
All the faces were filled with friends and family she hadn’t seen in years.
They all came out to support her in this pivotal moment of her life.
Her eyes welled up with tears as she was embraced by her father and familiar faces she had lost touch with.
She was flooded with so much love in this special moment, making her heart fill with appreciation.
"Oh my gosh," Portia kept repeating. She couldn't find the words.
She stepped back and wiped the tears from her eyes. She found Sage’s gaze and asked, “Did you do all of this?”
Sage beamed, witnessing the joy in her eyes. “I may have had a hand in helping your pops. It’s all for you, Princess,” she said.
Phoenix approached Portia, throwing his arms around her and embracing her in another one of his infamous bear hugs. "We’re so proud of you, sweetheart," he said, planting a kiss on her cheek.
“Thank you, Daddy,” Portia said, her big round eyes filled with love. “Thank you for everything. Thank you for being so patient with me on this journey.” She hugged him so tight; she didn’t want to let go.
After releasing her father, she walked over to Sage and kissed her to show her appreciation. “I know I don’t have to say it, but thank you for this. For everything.”
Sage brushed her thumb over Portia’s lips as she looked into her eyes. “Anything for you,” she whispered, kissing her one last time.
“Let’s get this party started!” the DJ announced over the mic, followed by “All I Do Is Win” By DJ Khaled blasting through the speakers.
Everyone in attendance flooded the dance floor in time to raise their hands in the air. The crowd bounced their arms up and down to the music in celebration of Portia. After half an hour into the party, Phoenix took to the microphone to capture everyone’s attention.
“Thank you, everyone, for being here tonight to celebrate my baby girl,” Phoenix said. “It’s been a long journey and I appreciate every single one of you that has supported us along the way.”
Portia grabbed Sage’s hand to weave through the crowd and get closer to where her father stood.
“I want to say a personal thank you to the Washington family for looking out for her and making sure she stayed on track.” Phoenix’s eyes found Sage as he winked.
Phoenix reached out his hand for Portia to join him where he stood next to the DJ table. She grabbed his hand, and he embraced her in a hug. “You did it, sweetheart!” Phoenix cheered. “Be proud of yourself and enjoy your night.”
“Thank you so, so, so much to everyone for being here! I’m so happy to see all of your faces,” Portia spoke into the mic. “It has been a long road to sobriety and I’m still committed to this journey. Now, let’s turn this shit up!”
Portia threw her hands in the air and handed the mic back to the DJ. As she made her way back to Sage, Kannon and Kaliyah made their way over to the couple.
“Congratulations, Portia!” they both said, embracing her into a hug.
“Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Washington.”
“It’s great to see you again,” Kaliyah greeted, winking at Portia.
Portia smiled and blushed, recalling their last encounter, which had been both embarrassing and unexpected. "You too, Mrs. Washington," she replied.
"Oh honey," Kaliyah said, placing her hand on Portia’s arm. "Just call me Kaliyah. You’re family now. That Mrs stuff is too formal, anyway." They laughed together.
“Glad to see you’re making my Babygirl happy,” Kannon said, nudging Portia.
"She makes me happy," Portia hinted, looking at Sage with a glint in her eye.
Salem walked up behind them, pretending to gag as he pointed his finger to his mouth.
“What up, sis-in-law,” Salem said, throwing his arm around Portia’s shoulders. “Congratulations!”
“Hey, Salem!” Portia said, embracing him in a hug. “Thank you! Ain't seen you in a minute!”
“My sister kidnappin’ you and shit,” he chuckled.
The Washingtons got acquainted with Portia as they warmed up to the idea of having a new addition to their family. The Denzel’s were already well-connected in business, but now they were becoming family.
Sage and Portia sat at the bar drinking glasses of mocktails. Portia looked at her glass of virgin Bloody Mary. “This used to be my shit when I went out.” She laughed, reflecting on the old version of herself. It all felt like a distant memory.
With three months of sobriety behind her, she had made up her mind that there was no turning back.
You couldn’t pay her any amount of money to get back on that trauma train.
Being free felt too good to sacrifice. Her life now held endless possibilities, especially with Sage beside her. Their future seemed promising.
Portia’s eyes glistened as she looked at Sage. She leaned over and whispered in her ear, “Take me somewhere private.” She threw back the rest of her drink and slid off the bar stool.
"You good?" Sage asked, unsure where that was coming from.
“Yeah,” Portia smiled. “Take me somewhere we can be alone.”
"Okay," Sage said, taking her hand and leading her past the velvet curtains. They descended the staircase to the rooftop and walked down a hallway. Sage opened a door to her father’s back office.
Portia followed her inside and shut the door behind them, locking it. Leaning against the door, she looked at Sage, eyes filled with lust.
"Come here," she murmured, licking her lips. "I want you."
"Word?" Sage smirked, closing the distance between them. She gently grasped Portia by the neck and kissed her deeply.
Portia pulled back from the kiss, running her fingers through Sage’s locs and giving a gentle tug, tilting her head slightly. Sage locked eyes with her and licked her lips suggestively.
"You playin'," Sage murmured in a husky tone.
“Am I?” Portia smirked as her eyes glowed crimson in deep desire. She leaned into Sage’s neck, gently sucking and placing trails of wet kisses. “Do you know how much I’ve been wanting to bite the shit out of you?”
“How much?” Sage whispered.
“Since that night on the beach in Costa Rica,” Portia said, biting her bottom lip.
“What’s stopping you then?” Sage teased.
“Don’t tempt me,” Portia replied as she felt Sage’s hand slip up her denim miniskirt, finding her pussy throbbing in anticipation.
Portia was nothing but putty in her hands. Sage grazed her clit with her thumb as she eased her index and middle finger in her wet center. Portia’s pussy ached for her touch as her juices ran down Sage’s hand. She slowly pumped her fingers in and out as she simultaneously massaged her clit.
Portia threw her head back and let out a loud moan. She grabbed Sage by her chin as she took her in for a deep kiss. The thrusts into her pussy intensified as Sage sped up. With each time she hit her spot, Portia’s moans grew louder. Sage smiled at the view of Portia being in pure bliss.
“What was that shit you was talking about bitin’ me?” Sage said, smirking as she watched Portia unravel in her arms.
“I. Want. You. For. Ever,” Portia said in between moans as her breath escaped her.
“I want you forever too, baby,” Sage said as she picked up speed with her fingers.
She could feel Portia’s body quake, signaling she was about to explode. Portia cried out Sage’s name as she rode her fingers through every orgasm.
Sage eased her fingers out of her and took them into her mouth to keep the lasting taste of Portia’s juices. Portia adjusted her skirt and limped over to the loveseat near the desk. Sage smacked her ass and bit her lip as she watched her hips move across the room.
“You mean what you said?” Portia asked as Sage sat next to her.
“Yeah, I want this forever,” Sage said. “I’ve been thinking about it, and if forever means turning into a vamp, I’m okay with that.” She shrugged.
“You serious?” Portia said. “It’s not just that simple.”
“Why can’t it be?”
“Because…” Portia pondered. “Yes, you’ll be mated with me forever, but you also live forever. You’ll live longer than everyone you love.”
“I love you and I’m willing to take that risk,” Sage reassured her. “If it means I get to spend the rest of my life with you.”
“Okay,” Portia whispered. She wasn’t confident about it, but remembered Sage was making this decision for herself. She had to trust her decision.
“Whenever you’re ready,” Sage replied. “I can tell you have a lot going through your mind. I’m sure about this, but I want to make sure you are too.”
Portia nodded. “Okay.”
“I’ve always had a vampire fetish anyway,” Sage smirked and squeezed Portia’s thigh.
Portia giggled, and it soothed her worries. She had a lot to think about. The last thing she wanted to do was carry guilt for turning Sage into a vamp.
“Oh!” Sage said as something came to her mind. “I want you to come with me and my family to our lake house getaway next month.”
“You sure? I don’t want to impede on your family time.”
“It was actually my family’s idea to have you and your family come. They wanna get to know y’all more!” Sage insisted. “You’re family.”
“Let’s do it,” Portia said, smiling. She leaned back on the arm of the chair, pulling Sage into a kiss.