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“Addison,” Dad calls softly. “You’ve always been a strong-willed woman, and I’ll always be proud of the person you’ve become. But what you’re going through right now, it’s a part of life. Pulling through this and determining what to fight for, it’ll make you stronger in the end.”
I bow my head. “I love him, Dad. I was never supposed to fall in love with Masen, of all people.”
“Fate, honey. Always in the stars,” Mom says with a smile.
“Well, the stars hate me right now. I’ve hurt him, he’s hurt me. We’ve both hurt Cruz. I don’t know the answer to any of this.”
“Just like your sisters, they pulled through the hard times and look at them now,” Dad reminds me.
A small laugh escapes me. “Dad, you were their hard time.”
Dad nods with agreeance. “Hmmm, so I’m the common problem, is that what you’re saying?”
I lean in and rest my head on his arm like I’ve done a million times before. “Not once did I worry about you, if I’m being honest.”
“That’s because you’re a grown woman, making adult decisions. Unlike your sisters, boys and men were the least on your priority list. So, this is your time. I’ll make peace with that. Amelia broke me entirely, Ava has aged me from the minute she hit puberty.” Dad kisses the top of my head then strokes my cheek. “But you, my beautiful Addison, have been a father’s blessing to raise.”
With a lonesome tear falling down my cheek, I gaze at the man who has just given me the ultimate praise.
“I don’t know what to say,” I choke.
Mom pats my hand with a soft chuckle. “You take that compliment from the great Lex Edwards.”
I smile at both of them, wondering how I got so blessed to call these two people my parents.
“Thank you,” I finally say, then take a breath with a knowing smile. “I think I know what my next step is.”
* * *
“Good morning, Dr. Jenner.”
Dr. Jenner glances up with a welcoming smile. Her burgundy-colored hair is tied up into a tight bun today, unlike every other time when it’s usually out.
“Good morning, Addison. How was your week and trip to Manhattan?”
I purse my lips into a hard smile. “Eventful.”
She nods knowingly. “I see. Perhaps your day may pick up?”
“Is there anything you need me to do this morning?”
Dr. Jenner places her notepad down on the reception desk, focusing her attention on me. I assume she’s about to give me important instructions, wishing I’d grabbed my notebook out to not look like an incompetent idiot.
“There’s a patient of mine waiting in room two. Would you mind keeping them company while I just get a few things done?”
“Of course, Dr. Jenner.”
I place my bag down but hold onto my coffee since I’ve barely gotten any sleep. Trying to get dressed this morning proved challenging. I had nothing to wear, so I raided Mom’s closet. Stupid me should have knocked since Dad and Mom came out of the bathroom wearing only towels. I mean, why do they have to hang in there together?
Oh God, I think I need therapy to erase the awkward moment.
A simple grey tunic dress with a thin black belt is what I settled for. I paired it with the classic black Louboutins Mom bought me when I got this job.
I knock on the door, then enter slowly with a smile, only to stop mid-step at the sight of Cruz sitting on the couch.
“What the hell are you doing here?” I question in shock.
Cruz stands up. “We need to talk, Addy.”
