“Toni…”
“Don’t,” Toni said harshly. “Please. I don’t want her or you or anyone to have to deal with me if I end up like Lil. You are excused. Don’t ever feel like you are stuck dealing with it if I do.” She glanced over. “This subject is now closed, okay?”
Maybe it was the waver in her voice or the fact that Emily knew there was nothing she could say, but she kept her mouth closed and nodded.
“Don’t push about Addie, please?” Toni added. She wanted to explain herself to Addie but in all the things she’d shared, she didn’t know what to say about this one.
Addie deserves happiness, and either way I go, I can’t give it to her. She’s better off without me.
“If that’s what you want,” Emily said.
“It’s for the best.” Toni backed out of the parking spot and steered into traffic.
Toni would email Addie later, but right now, she wasn’t sure what to say. It sounded awful to admit that her plan was to enjoy the time they had, and then hopefully, they’d drift into platonic friendship so Addie could find someone who could love her the way she deserved.
Even though the thought of anyone else touching Addie makes me want to scream.
Chapter 22Toni
Of course willpower only went so far. Toni made it a week without emailing Addie, but in the past year, they hadn’t once gone more than a week without any conversation. Not since the first email. By rights, it was Addie’s turn if the note with flowers counted as a message. They’d taken turns. On the other hand, the last email was Addie telling her about the audition. So when Addie hadn’t written at all, Toni finally gave in to the urge to connect and sent her a quick note.
From:History Toni
To:Addie
I’m home safely. Book 2 is going surprisingly well. How is the show?
Toni
From:Addie
To:History Toni
Thank you for your email. I’m on set with limited access to email. If your matter is urgent, please reach out to my manager. Otherwise, I’ll respond to you as soon as I’m able.
Thanks.
Adelaine Stewart
From:History Toni
To:Addie
Out of office? It’s a bit early to be shooting, isn’t it? Do I need to talk to someone about keeping you too busy?
Toni
From:Addie
To:History Toni
Thank you for your email. I’m on set with limited access to email. If your matter is urgent, please reach out to my manager. Otherwise, I’ll respond to you as soon as I’m able.
Thanks.
Adelaine Stewart
From:History Toni
