Page 69 of The Beat of her Heart

Addie shifted in her seat, discomfort radiating off her. Giselle glanced at her, feeling a wave of guilt. This was supposed to be a pleasant visit. Instead, it was a minefield.

“Adrienne seems nice,” Mom offered, glancing at Addie. “But it’s important to consider the longevity of your relationships. Temporary flings can become a pattern. They make you look flighty and afraid of commitment.”

“Do you really want to keep repeating the past?” her dad added. “You deserve someone stable.”

Giselle took a deep breath. “You haven’t even asked what I want.”

“What you want?” Mom questioned. “Last I checked, you pick partners who have no chance at being good enough for you.”

Giselle glanced in Addie’s direction, but she was glancing at her watch.

“Would you like some coffee?” Giselle offered, desperate for a distraction.

“Coffee?” Mom’s brow furrowed. “That’s bad for your health. You know that.”

“Just one cup won’t hurt,” Giselle said quickly, trying to lighten the mood.

Her father shook his head. “Caffeine is linked to anxiety and insomnia. You’re a surgeon, Giselle. You know better.”

Giselle fought the urge to roll her eyes. “It’s just coffee, not a death sentence.”

“Your health is a priority,” Mom interjected. “We only want what’s best for you.”

“I’m doing just fine,” Giselle snapped. “And I can make my own choices.”

“Your choices impact your future,” her dad said. “You’ve lost sight of that.”

Addie watched the exchange, her expression tense. Giselle hated that she had to witness this.

“Do you know what coffee does to your body?” Mom continued, unrelenting. “Itraises your heart rate. It dehydrates you. You should be setting a better example, especially now that you have afriendhere.”

She said “friend” with a suggestive drawl.

Addie cleared her throat, trying to ease the tension. “I drink coffee sometimes. It can be nice.”

Mom turned her gaze sharply to Addie. “That’s a poor choice. If you’re afriendof Giselle’s, you should be encouraging her to live healthily.”

Giselle noticed Addie tense, her shoulders stiffening. She wanted to apologize and take Addie away from this relentless scrutiny.

“Why can’t you just be supportive?” Giselle asked, desperation creeping into her tone.

Mom glanced at Addie, then back to Giselle. “We are supportive, Giselle. But we want you to succeed.”

“Success doesn’t look the same for everyone,” Addie chimed in softly. “Giselle is thriving in her way.”

Giselle caught Addie’s eye. There was a hint of admiration there that fueled her determination.

“See?” Giselle pointed at Addie. “Not everyone shares your views. We’re all different.”

“Different doesn’t mean better,” her dad replied.

Giselle took a breath, biting back frustration. “You’re not listening. You want to mold me into someone I’m not.”

“Maybe we’re trying to help you avoid pain,” Mom countered.

“Pain? Is that what you think this is?” Giselle snapped. “I’m trying to find my way, not live in your shadow.”

A heavy silence fell over the room. Giselle looked at Addie, whose expression had grown troubled.

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