Family Pieces by Misa Rush Read Free Book Online

their conversation. A single strand of pearls around her neck added a classy touch to the simplistic outfit. Had it not been for the white apron tied at her waist, she would have blended in with the rest of the executives out to lunch. “To let you know, today’s special is a seared Ahi tuna, laid on a bed of mixed greens with pomegranate vinaigrette dressing and jicama spears.”
    “Great, thanks.” Emily wrinkled her nose at Addison.
    The server retreated with a simple, “I’ll give you a few more minutes.”
    Emily couldn’t contain herself. “Seriously, whatever happened to a tuna salad sandwich on rye?”
    “Give it a try, Ems.”
    “Sorry. I used to love new places. It’s just frustrating with Adie. There is nothing here she’ll eat.”
    “I understand. If you don’t like it, we’ll go back to Carnegie Deli next week. The reviews here were great. They say it’s the best new bistro in New York City. I just thought it would be worth checking out at least once.”
    The server returned and took their order, freeing Emily to steer the conversation back to Addison’s mom.
    “So, are you going to get a mammogram?”
    “Hadn’t thought about it, why?”
    “Because it’s hereditary. You’re at a higher risk for breast cancer if it has been found in your family.”
    “No, I think I’ll be fine.” Addison stirred a packet of sugar into her passion-flavored tea and then took a sip to test whether one was enough.
    “Addy, you’re my friend. You need to take this seriously. You are not invincible. You might think you are, but you’re not.”
    Addison exhaled, trying to suppress the wave of irritation rising within her. She did not want to discuss this. After a short silence, she finally responded, sounding as if she were presiding over a boardroom rather than speaking to her closest friend.
    “I understand your reasoning, Ems; I do. But my mother’s illness won’t be indicative of my own future. You have nothing to worry about. I promise.”
    The server returned and set down each of their entrees. Emily instinctively swiped hers away from the tiny little hand reaching for her hot plate. She shot the server a callous glare as if to ask whether she had ever served a table with a toddler before.
    “Anything else?” the server asked politely.
    “We’re fine,” Addison answered before Emily could wage a full-scale war against the bistro.
    Emily doled out a smug smile.
    “The waitress can’t help the menu, Em.”
    “No, but she can be more careful about the dish of scalding food she just swung over my daughter’s head. Anyway, don’t change the subject. I want to talk about you. I wish you’d reconsider being checked. You’re getting older too, you know.”
    “I understand your concern, but really stop pressing. I’m fine.”
    “I won’t stop. I think it’s important, and I think you’re being unreasonably stubborn. It’s a simple test. What are you afraid of? I’ve done it myself.”
    “I’m not afraid.” Addison looked away.
    “Then why are you so defensive?”
    “I’m not.”
    “Then just go get checked, to appease your BFF if for nothing else.” Emily grinned to lighten the tone then took a bite of the grilled Brie sandwich. “Hey, this is not bad.”
    “Ems, really, my mother’s condition has nothing to do with me. Can we just drop it?” Addison’s voice softened in an effort to set Emily’s mind to rest. She speared a bite of spinach from her salad and placed it in her mouth. The conversation hadn’t left her with much of an appetite.
    “No, we can’t.” Emily struggled to understand why this had become an issue. She simply was trying to impress the importance of early detection. She couldn’t fathom her friend not taking what she considered to be reasonable precautionary measures. “Addy. Come on…be reasonable. I’m just worried about you.”
    Before she could finish Addison stood abruptly, her anger taking over. Typically controlled and even-keeled, the rage