THE BRIDGE BETWEEN US

Episode 3: Roping Addison In

The faint hum of Addison Burke’s kettle on the stove top filled her modest Brooklyn apartment. She sat cross-legged on the couch, scrolling through travel blogs on her laptop. The soft golden glow of the late afternoon sun filtered through her curtains, a rare moment of peace she intended to savor.

Her phone buzzed on the coffee table, disrupting her thoughts. She glanced at the screen: Pete.

With a sigh, she picked it up. “Hey, Pete. What’s up?”

“Addy,” Pete’s voice came through, tinged with both relief and urgency. “I need a favor.”

Addison frowned. “What kind of favor?”

“Big one,” he said, pausing as though bracing himself. “And before you say no, just hear me out.”

Addison leaned back into the couch cushions. “That’s not exactly reassuring.”

“Okay, look,” Pete began, his words tumbling out in a rush. “Justin’s flying to Saint Martin tomorrow. He’s got this insane deal he’s trying to close, and I’m supposed to go with him. But with my leg—”

“You mean the leg you broke doing something you had no business doing?” Addison interjected, arching his brow.

“Yes, that leg,” Pete said, not rising to the bait. “I can’t travel. It’s a long flight; there’s a ton of walking involved, and Justin... well, he’s not exactly the sympathetic type.”

Addison could practically hear the stress in her brother’s voice. She sighed, softening slightly. “So, what’s the favor?”

“I need you to go in my place,” Pete said, his voice quick and pleading.

Addison sat up straighter. “What?”

“Just listen,” Pete said, rushing to explain. “You’re organized and sharp, and you’ve dealt with way tougher people than Justin. It’s not forever—just a few days. You’ll keep things running smoothly, handle logistics, and make sure he doesn’t lose his mind.”

Addison blinked, stunned into silence.

“Addy?” Pete prompted.

“You’re joking,” she finally said. “Please tell me you’re joking.”

“I wish I was,” Pete said with a humorless laugh. “But I’m serious. I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t important. This deal—it’s huge for Justin. And if I can’t go, someone has to.”

“I’m not qualified for this,” Addison said firmly. “I don’t know anything about corporate deals or billionaire temper tantrums.”

“You don’t have to,” Pete said. “Justin just needs someone who can stay calm under pressure and keep him on track. You’re perfect for that. Plus, you’re great with people.”

“Flattering me isn’t going to work,” Addison said, though she couldn’t ignore the flicker of guilt in her chest.

“Addy, please,” Pete said, his tone shifting to genuine desperation. “If I let Justin down, I could lose this job. And you know how much I’ve sacrificed to get here.”

Addison closed her eyes, the weight of his words settling over her. Pete had always been the ambitious one, chasing career goals with a single-minded determination that sometimes landed him in messes like this. But he was also her brother—the one who’d helped her move into her first apartment, stayed up late helping her study for exams, and been her rock through tough times.

“You really can’t go?” she asked quietly.

“I’d do it in a heartbeat if I could,” Pete said. “But between the crutches and the painkillers, I’d be useless. Justin doesn’t tolerate weakness. I need you to do this for me, Addy. Please.”

Addison exhaled slowly, her resolve wavering. “What exactly would I have to do?”

“Just be his assistant,” Pete said. “Make sure everything is in place, keep him focused, and, uh, try not to take his... personality personally.”

“His personality,” Addison repeated.

“Yeah, he’s... intense,” Pete admitted. “But you’re tough. You can handle it.”

Addison stared at the floor, the kettle’s whistle growing louder in the background. Every instinct told her to say no, to avoid entangling herself in whatever high-stakes chaos Pete had gotten himself into. But the raw edge of desperation in his voice made her hesitate.

“Fine,” she said finally. “I’ll do it.”

“Really?” Pete sounded almost disbelieving.

“Yes, really,” Addison said, already regretting the words. “But only because you’re my brother. And you owe me. Big time.”

“Thank you,” Pete said, the relief in his voice palpable. “I promise I’ll make it up to you.”

“You’d better,” Addison muttered.

As they ended the call, Addison sat back, her stomach twisting with a mix of dread and determination. She didn’t know much about Justin Ross, but from what little Pete had shared over the years, she knew enough to realize she was stepping into a minefield.

The kettle screamed, breaking her thoughts. Addison got up to pour her tea, her movements slow and deliberate. Her quiet life was about to collide with the ruthless world of corporate power, and she had no idea what awaited her on the other side.

But one thing was certain: she couldn’t back out now.