Page 12 of The List
“I know what you think.” Addison tightened her fist over the luggage handle. “You’ve made it abundantly clear. But it doesn’t trump what Ineed.” She carted the suitcase to the edge of the door.
“Which is?”
“Redemption,” Addison blurted and instantly regretted it.
“For what?”
Guilt.
Addison had a few doctors during the transplant and a few afterward. She’d seen a psychologist who had prepared her for the emotional aspect of the transplant. In order for her to live, someone had to die. That carried an immense level of guilt for some patients.
I’m one of them.
“I have to go or I’ll miss my flight. If you don’t want to take me to the airport? I get it. I’ll call a car service.”
Hannah rushed across the living room, stopping in front of her. “Of course I’m going to drive you, and I’ll be waiting at the airport to pick you up.” She paused. “And I’m sorry. I’m worried, Addy. I want this experience and meeting Cleo and seeing his old life to be exactly what you want it to be. And I’m afraid it won’t be.”
That was fair. Admittedly, Addison had high expectations. She wanted everything to be perfect too.
“But, —Hannah sighed, giving a small smile— “This is your life. You get to live it how you choose.”
Addison smiled. “Thank you.”
When Addison reached for her bag, her sister pushed forward, nudging her out of the way. It had been almost three years since the surgery, but her family still treated her like porcelain at times. They hadn’t quite grasped the concept of hernot needing the help. Sometimes it irritated the hell out of her. But she allowed it.
Addison locked up and followed her sister to the elevator in silence. They’d said everything they needed to say. Addison had the feeling her sister was on the same page as her, not wanting to rock the boat again.
Hannah walked out the door to the sidewalk, holding it open for Addison.
“So when is your return flight?”
Goddammit!She was so close to avoiding another argument with her sister. But not close enough. Addison hadn’t gone into detail when explaining her trip. More importantly, the time frame.
“Four weeks.”
Hannah’s brows shot up to her hairline. “A month? I thought you were going for a few days.”
Addison cleared her throat and passed her sister, walking to the trunk of her car. “Well, I decided to make a vacation out of it. I mean, if I’m paying all that money for a flight, I may as well make it worth my while. It was cheaper to rent a house in the neighboring town than get a hotel. Plus, I’ve never been to that side of the country. It’ll give me time to explore a bit.”
“Addy.” Her sister groaned.
“Look, I’ll be honest, I have an ulterior motive. Cleo may need time to decide whether she wants to meet me. And I’m going to give her that. But I want to be there, so if and when she’s ready, we can meet rather than making plans for the future.”
“Or? She can change her mind.”
“She can change her mind at any time, and I will respect her decision either way.”
“Addy…” Her sister’s frustration was evident in her tone.
Addison spun around, reaching for her suitcase. “Please, stop. I’m doing this, and I don’t need or want anyone’s approval or permission.”
Hannah folded her arms. “Do Mom and Dad know?”
And the hits just keep on coming.
“They’re vacationing in Europe for the next three weeks.”
Her sister narrowed her gaze. “Do. They. Know?”
