Addison's Secret

Chapter 3: Falling Apart

The Captain, Archer and Addison had been immersed in conversation with the funeral director for some time and while Addison sat up rigidly and was attuned to everything he was saying, she could tell her brother and father were both growing weary.

"...Well, to be clear, she wanted a public memorial service with a reception to follow at the house. The interment is just for family and close friends the following morning." The director droned on.

"Well, sounds like she's handled everything." Archer stood, expecting that to be the end of his spiel.

The director cleared his throat and adjusted his glasses that were entirely too small for his face.

"One last thing. Mrs. Montgomery requested that there be one eulogy."

The Captain swirled the scotch around in his glass as he considered the request.

"I'd be happy to do it."

Addison watched the director adjust those awful glasses again and study the documents in front of him.

"Actually, Sir. She asked that Addison do it."

All eyes fell on her, and the air was thick as butter until Archer broke the tension by laughing mirthlessly and strolling out of the room.

"I'm sorry," Addison apologized to the director as she left the room in search of him.

"Archer, wait," she said in frustration as she shut the door behind her.

"I need to know I can count on you this weekend. No getting trashed and making a scene or hooking up with every woman in the room. This is our mother's funeral."

Archer raised an eyebrow and stuffed his hands into his pockets.

"Well, how am I going to ruin a funeral that's already been planned out for us, down to the guest list? You know," he stepped closer. "I don't think I'll be the talk of the day. Not with you there, the daughter that ran off to Seattle to chase after her husband that she cheated on."

"Archer, stop."

She moved away from him and put her hands on her hips.

"This weekend is not about me and my marital issues."

"So, you admit you have issues," he smirked, and she playfully slapped his arm.

"Are you going to tell me what happened?"

"There's nothing to tell," she quipped.

He eyed her carefully. "Do you know you look like hell, Sis?"

xxx

Derek's phone rang, pulling him out of his reverie.

"Shepherd," he answered as he dropped his briefcase by the front door to his trailer.

"It's been a while since I've heard that voice," the person on the other end mused.

"Archer," Derek pinched the bridge of his nose with his free hand. "What can I do for you?"

"I take it you haven't heard," is all Archer provided.

Derek paused, contemplating what that loaded statement could mean. "Is it Addison? Is everything okay?"

"Addison is okay, but I don't know if that's how I would describe the situation."

Derek could hear the playfulness in Archer's voice. Under any circumstances, Archer appeared amused. He always had. But it was his way of dealing with things and Derek didn't give him a hard time for it.