It’s been weeks since you left New York. Your parents insisted you come home after things with Mark ended—messy, loud, and filled with regret. You tried to pretend you were fine, but the truth was, you were drowning in the aftermath.

So, when an old friend, Addison Montgomery, called you out of the blue, asking if you wanted to visit LA for a while, you didn’t hesitate.

The moment you step off the plane, the warm California air feels foreign but welcome. Addison meets you at the terminal, looking as put-together as ever in a crisp blazer and heels. Her sunglasses are perched on top of her head, red hair catching in the sunlight as she smirks at you.

“Well, well, look who finally decided to leave the land of passive-aggressive family dinners,” she teases, pulling you into a tight hug.

You breathe her in—expensive perfume and the faintest trace of hospital antiseptic. It’s grounding. Safe.

“Don’t start,” you mutter into her shoulder, but you can’t help the way your arms tighten around her.

She pulls back, tilting her head as she studies you. “How are you really?”

You shake your head, exhaling sharply. “I don’t know. I just—I needed out.”

Addison nods like she understands. Because she does. She’s been here before, after Derek. After Mark. She doesn’t push, just takes your suitcase from your hand and leads you toward the parking lot.

“Come on. I have a guest room, a stocked bar, and a job waiting for you at the practice if you’re interested.”

You glance at her, brows raising. “You already set up a job for me?”

She shrugs, smirking. “What can I say? I missed you.”

And just like that, for the first time in a long time, you feel like maybe—just maybe—you’re going to be okay.