Page 67 of The Beat of her Heart

Giselle should be back soon, she thought.With just her pants on, she moved to the door and peeked outside. She’d barely gotten the door open when she heard Giselle gasp.

“Mom?”

Mom?Addie blinked. Giselle hadn’t told her that her parents would be visiting. She hurried back to the bed and grabbed the rest of her clothes.

Shit.

21

GISELLE

Giselle swallowed, staring at her parents in front of her.

Her mom wore a tailored navy blazer over perfectly pressed slacks. Her blue eyes, like Giselle’s, glinted beautifully, blending perfectly with her low-cut blonde hair.

Her dad was dressed in a plain white shirt and black pants, but the smile he wore didn’t reach his eyes.

“Giselle,” her mom said.

“Hi,” Giselle replied, trying to mask her shock. “How did you find me?”

Her mom rolled her eyes. “What a way to welcome your parents.”

Giselle sighed. “How did you know where I live?”

Her dad chuckled. “I’m Dr. Nova, honey. You didn’t think I could call in a few favors to find out my own daughter’s address?”

“Even here in Phoenix Ridge?” Giselle asked, shocked.

“If there’s a hospital, I’m pretty sure they’ve heard of me.”

Giselle’s shoulders sagged.

“Would you like to welcome us in now?” her mom added. “Or would you rather have your parents stand outside like tourists?”

She stepped aside, allowing them in.

They entered stiffly, glancing around with barely concealed judgment. Giselle followed them into the living room. She felt like a deer in headlights.

“Your place is…interesting,” Mom said, surveying the room with a critical eye.

“Thanks,” Giselle replied, unable to keep the edge from her voice.

She heard footsteps behind her. She turned to find Addie walking into the living room with wide eyes. Giselle could feel the questions radiating off of her.

“Dad, Mom,” Giselle began. “I want you to meet?—”

“You like these bold colors?” Her dad crossed his arms, his gaze settling on the décor.

Giselle shifted uncomfortably. “I didn’t realize you were an interior designer.”

Her dad touched the walls, looking at the space. “Looks a bit empty, doesn’t it? I expected more from you.”

Giselle clenched her jaw, feeling heat rise to her cheeks. “I like it this way.”

Mom turned her attention to Giselle. “If you’d answered our calls, we wouldn’t have come unannounced,” she said sharply.

“I’ve been busy,” Giselle shot back, frustration creeping into her voice. “I can’t always be available.”

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