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“Loneliness is easier,” Giselle replied.
Addie’s heart sank. “You don’t have to be lonely.”
“Don’t presume to know what I need,” Giselle said tightly.
Addie took a breath, gathering her thoughts. “I just want you to see there’s more to life than work and walls.”
Giselle’s expression softened, if only for a moment. “It’s complicated.”
“Life is complicated,” Addie said. “But it can be beautiful, too.”
They stood in silence. Addie wished she could reach out and break through the barriers, to show Giselle that life didn’t have to be so bleak.
“I need to go pick up Sophie,” Addie said finally, breaking the moment.
Giselle nodded. “Of course. I understand.”
As they stood on the threshold, Addie wanted more time with Giselle. She took a breath, feeling the warmth of the sun on her skin.
“Are you sure you have to go?” Giselle asked, her eyes searching Addie’s face.
Addie looked into Giselle’s eyes and noticed a softness there, a hint of something unguarded. “I mean, I could stay a little longer, but I don’t want to keep you. I still have about an hour before I have to get Sophie, but I didn’t want to overstay my welcome.”
Giselle’s lips curled slightly, but the playfulness didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Sophie would probably prefer I drive you to school instead of Alex.”
“Oh, is that an invitation?” Addie teased, leaning against the doorframe.
“Maybe,” Giselle replied, a small smirk appearing on her face. “She seems to like me.”
“Seems to? You’re her favorite,” Addie said, crossing her arms.
“Only because I helped her build a pillow fort at Josephine’s,” Giselle shot back, her tone lightening.
Addie laughed. “If that’s your secret weapon, then I’ll have to step up my game.”
“Good luck with that,” Giselle said, raising an eyebrow.
The banter warmed the space between them. Addie’s heart raced as she admired Giselle. The sunlight caught the angles of her face, highlighting her cheekbones and jawline. There was a beauty in her seriousness, a grace that pulled Addie in.
Giselle adjusted slightly, her body language shifting from tense to more relaxed.
“I want to know more about you,” Addie said, unable to help herself. “What makes you tick when you’re not at the hospital?”
Giselle took a step closer, the spacebetween them diminishing. “You mean I’m not a complete bore outside of work?”
“Not even close,” Addie said, her heart pounding. “You just keep that side of yourself hidden.”
Giselle’s gaze shifted, and Addie noticed the subtle changes in her expression. The light in Giselle’s eyes sparked a thrill within Addie. The world outside faded as she focused on the woman in front of her.
“You think I’m interesting?” Giselle asked.
“I know you are,” Addie said softly, the sincerity behind her words hanging between them.
Giselle stepped even closer, their faces nearly touching. “What else do you know about me?”
Addie’s breath caught in her throat. “I know you have a sharp wit. And you have a passion for your work.”
Giselle’s lips twitched, a hint of a smile playing on them. “What if I told you I have a secret talent for karaoke?”