Page 139 of Break the Rule
“I try,” Addy says, wrapping herself around Eden from behind and kissing his cheek “Eden helps.”
“It’s all Addy. She’s amazing,” Eden protests, refusing to take credit for what an incredible person and mom Addy is.
“Don’t listen to him, Charlie. He won’t take credit for how amazing he is. He showed up for her—for both of us—when no one else did. Which is exactly why I won’t let you hurt him.”
“Addy,” Eden hisses, unsure what’s happening.
“It’s okay,” Charlie says.
“If you hurt him,” Addy continues, “there is nowhere you can hide. I will find you, and I will ruin you.”
“Jesus Christ, Addy.”
“Anything else?” Charlie asks, smiling like a fucking dumbass who enjoys being threatened.
“Be patient with him. Gentle.Kind.” Addy’s tone softens, her delicate fingers sliding into Eden’s. He’s not sure which one of them holds on tighter. “He’s not just my best friend, he’s my family.”
“Fuck you, Addy,” Eden grumbles, wiping his eyes on his sleeve. “I told you not to make me cry.”
“Not sorry,” Addy tells him, hip checking Eden before turning her eyes back on Charlie. “You’ll be good to him, won’t you?”
“I will,” Charlie promises. “He’s special.”
“If either of you says one more nice thing about me, I’m fucking leaving,” Eden interrupts, pretty sure he might throw up if he has to listen to them for one second longer.
“Oh, let me fix it,” Addy says, a devilish look in her eyes. “Charlie, I forgot to mention he leaves dirty dishes everywhere, he has an unhealthy caffeine addiction, lives on Red Bull, and he’s a bad driver.”
“Fuck you, I’m not a bad driver.”
“You really are, sweetheart.” Addy says with a straight face. The absolute fucking traitor.
To Eden’s horror, Charlie laughs. “He’s also a bed hog, which is amazing given his size.”
“Shut the fuck up, both of you.”
“Can’t be nice to you, can’t be mean. What can we do?” Charlie asks.
“You can shut up and eat your lunch,” Eden grumbles, happier than maybe he’s ever been in his entire life. It’s a good feeling but also unsettling. What he needs is for Addy and Charlie to pay attention to anything or anyone besides him for a little bit.
“So, Addy, Eden tells me you love seafood.”
“I do,” Addy replies.
“Eden hates it.”
“Yeah, him and Ella would take chicken fingers or noodles over that any day. They’re not the most adventurous eaters.”
“I don’t know if you remember Andrew.”
“I do,” Addy confirms, lowering herself onto the picnic blanket along with Eden. Charlie follows suit. “Your better-behaved twin.”
“That’s him,” Charlie grins. “Anyways, he’s kind of obsessed with seafood. Sushi to be specific. We’re going to lunch next weekend at Harbor House because they have his favorite sushi.”
“Is that the place at the end of the pier?” Addy asks, lighting up. She’s wanted to go there for months since it opened, but not only can neither Eden nor Ella handle the smell of seafood, neither he nor Addy could afford to eat there. Something Eden mentioned offhandedly once to Andrew a few weeks ago. Information he now suspects Andrew passed on to Charlie.
“That’s the place. We thought maybe you could join us for lunch.”
“Oh.” Addy clears her throat, clearly unsure but also clearly interested.
