20. Addie
ADDIE
A ddie settled into the passenger seat of Giselle’s car, her mind racing. The offer of a visit to Giselle’s home had caught her off guard. She hadn’t expected this invitation, but she did crave it.
“Are you sure this is a good idea?” Addie asked, glancing at Giselle as she turned the key in the ignition.
Giselle stared ahead, her expression unreadable. “It’s just a quick visit, since you have to pick up Sophie soon.”
“Right,” Addie said. As they drove through the streets of Phoenix Ridge, the sunlight illuminated Giselle’s profile. Addie found it hard to look away .
Giselle shifted lanes, her grip on the steering wheel firm. “You’ve been quiet.”
“I’m just thinking,” Addie replied. “About how you’ve changed since you got here.”
“Changed?” Giselle repeated, her tone icy. “I’m still the same.”
Addie let out a soft laugh. “You were a lot colder when we first met.”
“I can be warm,” Giselle said flatly.
Addie raised an eyebrow, trying to keep the mood light. “Oh, definitely. Icebergs have warmth, too.”
Giselle shot her a look, a flicker of annoyance crossing her face. “Very funny.”
They continued in silence, the hum of the car engine filling the air. Addie took in the scenery outside, the vibrant colors of the city blurring past. She shifted in her seat.
“What about you? Do you like it here?” Giselle asked abruptly.
“I do,” Addie said, trying to gauge Giselle’s mood. “The weather’s nice. And the hospital feels like home.”
“Home,” Giselle echoed, her voice devoid of warmth. “That’s a strong word.”
Addie’s stomach tightened. “You don’t think of it as home? ”
Giselle hesitated. “It’s the place I work. I wouldn’t call it home.”
Addie sensed the emotional wall Giselle had built. “What would you call it, then?”
“Just a stopover,” Giselle replied.
“Is that how you feel about everything?” Addie pressed, curiosity edging her tone.
Giselle glanced at her, her expression hard. “Sometimes you just have to focus on the task at hand.”
“Right. Just work,” Addie said, her heart sinking. “No room for anything else?”
Giselle’s gaze returned to the road, her jaw tightening. “It’s easier that way.”
Addie sighed, frustrated. “Easier? Or safer?”
“Safer,” Giselle answered, her tone final.
As they approached Giselle’s neighborhood, Addie observed the houses lining the street. Each one had its own character, but they all exuded a kind of warmth that felt absent in Giselle’s demeanor. When they reached Giselle’s home, it stood modestly, its earth tones blending into the surroundings.
“Here we are,” Giselle said, opening her door .
Addie followed her to the front door, taking in the well-kept yard. Flowers bloomed in vibrant colors, a stark contrast to the coldness radiating from Giselle.
Giselle unlocked the door and stepped inside, holding it open for Addie. “Welcome to my place.”
Addie stepped in, her heart pounding as she took in the surroundings. The entryway was bright, decorated with simple artwork and photographs.
They moved into the living room, where sunlight streamed through large windows. The room felt comfortable but sterile, as if Giselle kept a part of herself hidden away, even here.
“It’s nice,” Addie said, trying to break through the ice. “I like the light in here.”
Giselle shrugged, moving to the couch. “It’s just a room.”
Addie settled beside her, searching for something to spark a connection. “You know, you could fill it with more stuff. It feels a bit empty.”
“Less clutter means less distraction,” Giselle replied coolly .
Addie leaned forward, her heart racing. “Is that how you live your life? No distractions?”
Giselle met her gaze, a challenge in her eyes. “Distractions lead to complications. I prefer simple things.”
Addie hesitated. “What makes you happy?”
“I find happiness in my work,” Giselle replied, her expression hardening.
“Work is important,” Addie said, “but what about life outside the hospital?”
Giselle looked away. “I don’t have time for that.”
“Do you ever think about what you’re missing?” Addie pressed.
“I’m not missing anything,” Giselle shot back, her tone sharp.
Addie felt a pang in her chest. “You can’t know that unless you try.”
“Trying leads to disappointment,” Giselle said.
“Or it leads to something beautiful,” Addie countered, leaning closer.
Giselle’s gaze softened for a moment, but she quickly masked it. “I prefer to keep things in my control. ”
Addie took a breath, frustration bubbling to the surface. “But control isn’t everything. You have to let go sometimes.”
“Letting go can be dangerous,” Giselle said.
“Maybe,” Addie said, “but so is holding on too tight.”
Silence settled between them, heavy with unsaid feelings. Addie wanted to reach out and pull Giselle from the shadows, but the wall around her was impenetrable.
“Want some coffee?” Giselle finally asked.
“Yes, please,” Addie replied, grateful for the distraction.
Giselle stood and walked to the kitchen, her movements purposeful. Addie watched her, noting the tension in her shoulders. Giselle was a woman of strength, yet she hid behind layers of ice.
While Giselle prepared the coffee, Addie tried to gather her thoughts. She knew there was warmth beneath Giselle’s exterior. She just had to find a way to unlock it.
“Do you drink it black?” Giselle called from the kitchen .
“Only when I need to wake up,” Addie replied, forcing a smile.
Giselle returned with two mugs, placing one in front of Addie. The rich aroma filled the air. Addie took a sip, the warmth spreading through her immediately.
“So,” Addie said. “What do you want to talk about?”
“Let’s talk about Sophie,” Giselle suggested. “What does she like to do?”
“She likes to draw,” Addie said with a smile. “And she loves to dance.”
“Dancing?” Giselle looked unconvinced. “Does she take classes?”
Addie nodded. “Yes. She’s quite talented. Maybe I should take some lessons, too,” Addie joked. “I could use the exercise.”
“Good luck with that,” Giselle replied, her tone playful but guarded.
“Come on, you should join me,” Addie encouraged. “We could be a dance duo.”
Giselle laughed lightly. “I don’t think anyone is ready for that.”
“Why not? It would be fun,” Addie said, her heart racing at the thought of bringing Giselle out of her shell .
“Fun isn’t my priority,” Giselle replied, her gaze shuttering.
“Maybe it should be,” Addie said softly.
Giselle’s expression darkened. “Not everyone has the luxury of fun.”
Addie felt the sting of Giselle’s words. “You can find joy in small things. It doesn’t have to be a big deal.”
“Joy is fleeting,” Giselle said firmly.
“But it’s worth it,” Addie insisted. “Don’t you want to feel it?”
Giselle paused, her gaze locking with Addie’s. “Sometimes feeling can hurt more than not feeling.”
Addie leaned forward, her heart aching for Giselle. “But shutting yourself off won’t protect you. It just makes you lonely.”
“Loneliness is easier,” Giselle replied.
Addie’s heart sank. “You don’t have to be lonely.”
“Don’t presume to know what I need,” Giselle said tightly.
Addie took a breath, gathering her thoughts. “I just want you to see there’s more to life than work and walls.”
Giselle’s expression softened, if only for a moment. “It’s complicated. ”
“Life is complicated,” Addie said. “But it can be beautiful, too.”
They stood in silence. Addie wished she could reach out and break through the barriers, to show Giselle that life didn’t have to be so bleak.
“I need to go pick up Sophie,” Addie said finally, breaking the moment.
Giselle nodded. “Of course. I understand.”
As they stood on the threshold, Addie wanted more time with Giselle. She took a breath, feeling the warmth of the sun on her skin.
“Are you sure you have to go?” Giselle asked, her eyes searching Addie’s face.
Addie looked into Giselle’s eyes and noticed a softness there, a hint of something unguarded. “I mean, I could stay a little longer, but I don’t want to keep you. I still have about an hour before I have to get Sophie, but I didn’t want to overstay my welcome.”
Giselle’s lips curled slightly, but the playfulness didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Sophie would probably prefer I drive you to school instead of Alex. ”
“Oh, is that an invitation?” Addie teased, leaning against the doorframe.
“Maybe,” Giselle replied, a small smirk appearing on her face. “She seems to like me.”
“Seems to? You’re her favorite,” Addie said, crossing her arms.
“Only because I helped her build a pillow fort at Josephine’s,” Giselle shot back, her tone lightening.
Addie laughed. “If that’s your secret weapon, then I’ll have to step up my game.”
“Good luck with that,” Giselle said, raising an eyebrow.
The banter warmed the space between them. Addie’s heart raced as she admired Giselle. The sunlight caught the angles of her face, highlighting her cheekbones and jawline. There was a beauty in her seriousness, a grace that pulled Addie in.
Giselle adjusted slightly, her body language shifting from tense to more relaxed.
“I want to know more about you,” Addie said, unable to help herself. “What makes you tick when you’re not at the hospital?”
Giselle took a step closer, the space between them diminishing. “You mean I’m not a complete bore outside of work?”
“Not even close,” Addie said, her heart pounding. “You just keep that side of yourself hidden.”
Giselle’s gaze shifted, and Addie noticed the subtle changes in her expression. The light in Giselle’s eyes sparked a thrill within Addie. The world outside faded as she focused on the woman in front of her.
“You think I’m interesting?” Giselle asked.
“I know you are,” Addie said softly, the sincerity behind her words hanging between them.
Giselle stepped even closer, their faces nearly touching. “What else do you know about me?”
Addie’s breath caught in her throat. “I know you have a sharp wit. And you have a passion for your work.”
Giselle’s lips twitched, a hint of a smile playing on them. “What if I told you I have a secret talent for karaoke?”