A Secret Fate Read Online Free PDF Page B

she’d find the key to all Addie’s emotions. “Addie, you can’t keep this up. Hibernating here in Cael’s underwear is not going to make him come back.”
    Addie shot her an indignant glare. Outrage poured through her veins. Unable to look at Maia any longer for fear of saying something she’d regret, she crossed her arms over her chest and stared at the floor. How dare Maia talk to her that way after everything she’d been through?
    “Don’t give me that look. You know it’s true.” Maia shoved the plastic bowl at her. “Here.”
    Stunned a little, Addie held the bowl and stared at it. “Thanks.” Forcing her eyes back up to Maia’s she managed to add in a soft, shaky voice, “I’m sorry. I’m just feeling a bit lost. I’m sad, so, so sad, Maia.”
    Maia placed her arm around Addie as they walked into the kitchen. “I know, honey. We are all sad right along with you, but you can’t keep hiding here. You need to start taking care of yourself a little bit better.”
    “I will. I just need more time.”
    Maia removed her arm from Addie, stepped back and narrowed her eyes into a glare, crossing both arms over her chest and causing them to rest on top of her pregnant stomach where twin baby girls grew. “How much time, Addison?” Her voice stern, her lips thinned into a straight line, she continued, “How much time do you need to waste away so far that you can’t come back?”
    Addie blinked. Maia never called her Addison, ever. At least not that she could remember.
    “I don’t know!” she shouted back. “I’m sorry. I am doing the best I can right now. I’ve never been in love before. I didn’t know it could hurt so much.”
    Maia sighed. “You can’t keep this up. I won’t let you.”
    “I’m not going to apologize for missing and loving Cael. It … it just isn’t fair.”
    “Nobody said life was fair and God knows you’ve had your share of heartbreak. No one is arguing that.”
    “We were …” she stole a blurry-eyed glance at Maia. “You said it was fate, remember? You said Cael and I were meant to be together and that it must be fate. Only, how could that be true when we didn’t have much time?”
    “I know, honey, but you can’t go on moping around like this. Listen. Breena’s birthday party is this weekend. You are coming, right?”
    Addie shrugged. She didn’t want to go, didn’t want to see Breena or Cael’s mother. It would only be another reminder of Cael. She sighed heavily and put her face into her hands. Everything was a reminder of Cael.
    “You promised Breena you would be there. It’s her tenth birthday and Cael won’t be there for her. You have to go.”
    Addie nodded, barely looking at Maia. “I know.”
    “Okay. Gerry and I will pick you up at noon. Siana will be coming to get us at twelve-thirty to go to the Sectory. What did you get Breena?”
    Addie stared blankly at Maia. “Oh no! I haven’t gotten her anything, yet.”
    “Well, you have all week, but don’t worry. I took the liberty and bought something for you to give her. It’s a heart pendant and I had it engraved. Here.” Maia shoved a small box into Addie’s hands. “I figured you would have forgotten since you are consumed with grief, which I’m not negating, but you really need to snap out of it. Cael wouldn’t want you doing this to yourself.”
    The words were harsh, but Addie knew Maia loved her and only wanted the best for her so she let them slide. “I will. I mean … I’ll try.” Addie sighed, watching Maia place her hand over the twins inside her womb. “I’m sorry. How are you feeling? Are they giving you any pain?”
    “No.” Maia laughed. “Though I’m sure they will later. They’re just active this morning, which is good.” She strolled to the door. “Eat the soup, Addie, and come to the bar tonight. Everybody misses you.” As Maia strolled toward the door she called over her shoulder, “Oh, and if you don’t like the pendant, I got it at Sheila’s on