Page 32 of The Beat of her Heart

“Too many people, too much noise,” Giselle said. “I was in Boston before this, too, and Phoenix Ridge is quieter. I prefer it that way.”

Addie nodded, understanding. She could imagine why Giselle might prefer the quieter atmosphere of a place like Phoenix Ridge. It matched the way she carried herself—calm, controlled, and always keeping people at a distance.

They fell into silence again, but this time, it wasn’t uncomfortable. The conversationflowed naturally, and for the first time, Addie felt like they’d connected. It was small, but it was something. And it made her even more curious about Giselle.

They were almost at the party now, and Addie could feel the anticipation building. She wasn’t sure what the night would bring, but one thing was clear—there was something between them, something that wasn’t going away anytime soon.

The drive continued, the quiet rhythm of the car calming Addie’s nerves. She tried not to think about it too much, but her mind kept wandering back to how close they were. Not just physically, but in a way that had been building slowly.

As they neared the beach house, Giselle glanced down at her phone. “The weather app says there’s a chance of rain.”

Addie smiled a little, looking out the window at the clear sky. “Phoenix Ridge is mostly dry this time of year. Storms are rare. It’s probably just a glitch.”

“Probably,” Giselle muttered, though she kept her eyes on the road ahead.

The beach house came into view, a huge building with large glass windows facing the ocean. The sound of the waves reached them as they pulled into the driveway, the faint scent of saltwater in the air.

It was one of Addie’s favorite spots in Phoenix Ridge. The sight of the waves rolling off each other and crashing into the white sand at the shore made her instantly relax.

She turned back to the house, where she could see figures moving inside through the windows.

Josephine’s parties were always like this—casual, a mix of friends and colleagues from town. Everyone felt immediately at ease. Well, except Giselle.

Addie noticed her posture stiffen the moment they stepped out of the car. Giselle’s eyes merely scanned the scene. She said nothing.

“Addie, Giselle!” Josephine called.

Her smile was broad as she walked over to them, wrapping her arms around Addie in a quick hug.

“Glad you could make it,” Josephine said,turning to Giselle with a welcoming nod. “Both of you,and Sophie, too.”

“Hello, Dr. Mars,” Sophie said, bobbing her feet.

“Oh, Sophie! You know you can call me Josephine!” Josephine said, then looked up. “Why don’t we all get inside?”

“Sure,” Addie said.

Josephine led them toward the wooden steps of the beach house. Addie walked just behind her with Sophie’s little hand tucked in hers. She turned to Giselle, who just trudgedalong with a blank smile on her face.

“Is that Sophie Wolfe?” Ember, Josephine’s wife, called as they got up the front steps.

“Ember!” Sophie ran over and hugged her. “Happy birthday!”

“Thank you, honey.” She looked at Addie and Giselle for a bit, then back at Sophie. “Hey there, Sophie. Natalie’s been waiting for you.”

“Where is she?” Sophie asked.

“Right inside.”

Natalie popped out suddenly- her red hair just as vibrant as Ember’s. She must’veheard Sophie’s voice already. Addie watched both girls squeal in delight as they hugged each other.

Sophie turned back to Addie. “Mom?” she asked.

“Of course, baby.” Addie smiled and nodded. “Go ahead and play. Just be careful.”

The girls barely waited for the response before darting off together, giggling as they disappeared into the house.

“Come in,” Ember said, stepping aside to let them pass.

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