Page 84 of Dmitri

Addie doesn’t deal with vomit. Hers, or anyone else’s. She could have won an Oscar for the performance she put on when she had the flu last fall.

“So?” I push the subject.

“So what?”

“What is it you want to tell me?”

Her shoulders droop and she climbs onto the bed next to me, sitting with her legs crossed. “Okay, look, I know it’s super last minute but…” Her cheeks pinken, but the look in her eyes is more excitement than fear.

“Just tell me, Ads.”

“Tasha’s parents have invited me to go to the beach with them,” she says in a rush. Her brows pinch tightly together, and it looks like she’s holding her breath, too.

“When?”

“Tomorrow.” She chews on her bottom lip. “I don’t have to go. It’s too last minute, anyway. And I have to work so—”

“You’re going.”

Addie gawks. “What?”

“Call off work. You are one hundred percent going to the beach.”

She beams at me like a kid on Christmas morning. “Really? I can go?”

“Hells yes.”

“Oh my God!” She squeals and tackle-hugs me. “You’re thebest!”

“I mean, I am pretty cool. I’ve got rizz and everything.”

Addie pushes off me. “Please. For the love of God. Don’teversay those words again.”

I giggle, feeling lighter than I have in weeks. “Why did you think I’d be mad about you going to the beach with Tasha’s family?”

“Because I feel bad,” she says, slumping. “You’ve never been to the beach and now I’m asking to go… without you.”

“Addie.” I choke back several emotions cramming up my throat. “Babe, I willneverbe mad about something like that. You should get to experience all the great things out there.”

“But going to the beach is something you’ve always wanted to do, too.”

“I’ll get there someday.”

Her brows pinch again.

“Hey.” I shake her. “Don’t wait for me to haveyourbest experiences. If we share them, great. If we don’t, I’ll wait for you to come home and tell me all about them. I will nevereverhold you back from living your best life, Addie.”

She sniffles and wipes her nose with the back of her hand. “I still feel bad.”

“Well don’t. I’m happy to get you out of my hair. You’re annoying and loud.”

She flips me off, huffing a laugh.

“Seriously though, I’m glad you’re getting an opportunity like this. That’s really nice of them to include you in their family vacation.”

“I was shocked they invited me. I think I gawked like a fish at them for like five whole minutes. It was embarrassing.”

“How long is the trip for?”

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