Family Pieces by Misa Rush Read Free Book Online Page B

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    Addison leaned back in her sleek, black Herman Miller chair. Marjorie certainly had no right to comment on her personal friendship, but she knew she was right. She stared at her office. Unquestionably a change from the traditional style her father had maintained. She’d revamped the entire area after his retirement. A magazine diva must not have a plain Jane office, she’d commented to Marjorie who questioned the turquoise accent wall. The office had a retro flare that Addison had successfully pulled off to look modern. A swirled silver rod positioned five hand-blown glass spotlights overtop of her extra-large desk. The glass swirled shades of blues and greens coordinating with the wall. She’d imported the two modular chairs sitting in front of her desk from Italy and accented them with sequined throw pillows to add a little extra sparkle.
    She thought it a wonder the magazine was successful under her dad’s less than creative ways. Even so, she had learned her business acumen from watching him. He was disciplined. On the rare occasion she attended work with him as a child, she’d mimic his every move. There were days when she would pretend it was her magazine. She would gesture as he did, repeat orders she’d heard him command. Sometimes even now she felt like it was all pretend.
    The phone beeped again. “Yes?” Addison said, agitated.
    “It’s your father. Are you taking his calls today?”
    “Funny, Marjorie.” Addison picked up the line. “Hi, Daddy,” her voice sweetened. She’d maintained ‘Daddy’ throughout years when most would have transitioned to ‘Dad.’ There was something about it that made her feel more connected to him – a connection she longed for that, too, seemed all pretend.
    She was thankful for everything her adoptive parents had provided during her childhood. She knew they loved her as much as she did them, but parenthood had not come easily to them. Most envied her – the family’s money, the status, the success. But no one knew the truth, or at least no one had until she blurted it out in the middle of the bistro. She half expected to see her name and her highly public disclosure on the cover of every tabloid magazine in the morning.
    “Hello, Addison. I just wanted to call and make sure you were planning on visiting your mother at the hospital,” her father said. “She’ll be admitted Sunday.”
    Hearing his voice so soon after her lunch fiasco, made her feel like she wanted to shut out the world again. “I’ll try.” Addison realized their roles had flipped in recent years. She was now the career-obsessed, no-time-for-anyone executive, and her parents wanted her time. She couldn’t help but remember all the times she needed them and they weren’t there for her. Not the way she needed them to be. Especially the day she found out that she had been adopted. There was no personal touch, no intimate conversation. Her parents, in the process of enrolling her in boarding school, were filling out emergency medical forms. Her blood type was O, matching neither her mother’s nor father’s type. Without any emotion, like a business transaction, she’d been told very matter-of-factly that she was not their biological daughter. She was only twelve. Not nearly mature enough to handle the immensity of such a discovery with no support. Her eyes welled up at the memory.
    “Addison? Helloooo?” Her father’s voice brought her back to the present.
    “Sorry. I’m a bit distracted today…deadlines. You remember, right, Daddy? Next month’s issue is going to press in three days and I haven’t seen the proof, let alone approved it.”
    “Your mother,” he avoided her excuse and returned to the topic at hand. “You do remember she is having surgery Monday?”
    A double mastectomy, Addison cringed at the thought. “Yes, I didn’t forget. I’ll stop by to visit. I promise, okay?” Addison did a quick calculation in her head. Her schedule was tight. She’d have to