Page 21 of The Beat of her Heart

Addie unlocked the door, holding it open for Sophie before she stepped inside. She loved the fresh scent of rosemary that hit her as she stepped into the living room. She stopped and scanned the space as she took in the clean lines of the modern furniture—sleek, dark wood pieces and a light gray couch with neatly arranged throw pillows. Everything was in its place. The large windows let in soft light, casting shadows across the polished hardwood floor.

Sophie bounded past her to her room while Addie remained standing in the entrance. Her first thought was to sink into one of the couches. She sighed, considering it, when her eyes caught a framed picture of her and Sophie on the mantel. Addie’s eyes lingered on it for a moment before she pulled her gaze away.

With a quick glance around, Addie wentto the counter, placed her keys down neatly, and then moved to the living room’s low coffee table. She picked up a few papers, sorting them into a neat pile, before glancing toward Sophie’s room. She could hear her daughter in there, the sound of drawers opening and closing as she got ready to help with dinner.

With a sigh, Addie sank into the couch, her phone propped against a throw pillow. The screen blinked once:Incoming video call from Mom.

She answered the call, and her mother’s face appeared. She had the same sharp jawline and brown eyes as Addie and Sophie.

“You look tired,” her mom said, blowing into the coffee mug in her hand.

“Long day,” Addie said. She leaned back, tucking a cushion under her arm. “Nice cardigan.”

“This?” Her mom chuckled, patting her pale blue cardigan. “Thanks, honey.”

“How’s Boston?” Addie asked.

“Cold. But the leaves are stunning right now,” her mom said. “You should bring Sophie here for Thanksgiving.”

Addie chuckled. Her mother wouldnever let them have Thanksgiving anywhere else but in Boston.

“We’ll see,” Addie said. “Traveling for a week with a kid is like packing for a month-long expedition.”

Her mom gave a short laugh. “You always manage it just fine.”

Addie hesitated, glancing toward Sophie’s room. She lowered her voice. “Not everything, it turns out.”

Her mom’s eyebrows rose. “Oh?”

Addie shifted, the cushion bunching under her elbow. “It’s nothing serious. There’s a new doctor at the hospital.”

Her mom sat up straighter. “New doctor?”

Addie sighed, suddenly realizing that it was no use talking about Giselle. For goodness’ sake, they weren’t even friends yet. They were merely colleagues.

“We work together,” Addie said. “And she’s...not the warmest person.”

Her mom tilted her head. “And you’re drawn to her?”

Addie rolled her eyes. “It’s not like that. She’s brilliant, okay? And frustrating. And gorgeous.”

Her mom grinned. “Gorgeous, huh? That’s a nice bonus.”

“Don’t start.”

“I’m not starting,” her mom said. “I’m just saying it’s been a while since you’ve called anyone gorgeous.”

“That doesn’t mean anything,” Addie blurted.

Her mom merely smiled at her with those brown, knowing eyes. They seemed to sayGo on, convince yourself.

Addie shook her head. “I just don’t need the distraction.”

“Does she like you?” her mom asked.

“I hope not,” Addie said. “Or maybe…I don’t know, Mom. I’m not talking about her in that sense. We’re just colleagues.”

“You’re allowed to have a life,” her mom said.

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