Page 17 of Castle's Cards

“That was awesome, Izzy!” Addy shouts as we storm down the steps.

Addy rushes forward, enveloping her sister in a tight embrace.

The pride in her eyes is undeniable, and I can't help but feel a surge of happiness for them both. The bond they share is beautiful, closer than most siblings are since Addy has taken on a parental role as opposed to a sibling one. I turn to Addy, my heart swelling with affection for both her and her sister. The woman I'm falling for is right here, sharing this incredible moment with me. I want to wrap my arms around her, to celebrate this victory together. But for now, I content myself with simply being in her presence, basking in the shared passion that brought us here. Dragon blows out his breath, reminiscent of the creature he’s named after. I give him a little pat.

As the crowd begins to disperse, Izzy walks back to her friends to talk and then back over to us, a triumphant smile still lingering on her face. Addy's eyes light up as she embraces her sister once again, their laughter filling the air. I can't help but feel a surge of gratitude for being a part of this moment, for being welcomed into their world for this small moment of achievement.

I want to be a part of this little family and I want Addy to be mine. I want to be standing at her side as she experiences happiness and sadness and everything in between. I am exactly where I'm meant to be. This is the first real happiness I’ve felt since my first poker game. I want to tell Addy about everything. I want her to know.

“How was that?” Izzy says, grinning from ear to ear. “Wasn’t he amazing?”

“Izzy, we need to tell you something. You’re going to be so happy,” Addy grins.

“He belongs to you. At least he will, anyway.”

Izzy’s eyes light up.

“Are you serious right now? How?”

“Carter wants to buy him for you. Are you okay with that?”

Izzy instantly looks suspicious.

“Why? What do you want?” she asks.

I shake my head.

“No strings attached. He’s yours, no strings attached.”

Izzy grins from ear to ear.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you!” Izzy takes Dragon toward the stable.

“You have no idea how much we appreciate this.”

“Anything for you Hughes women.”

I smile but I can’t ignore the tiny needles pushing through me. I can’t keep hiding this part of myself. Not forever.

Chapter Six

Addy

Mymindissomuddled that I can barely focus on getting the poker tables set up. My eyes keep flitting to Carter sitting at the bar. I’ve been walking on cloud nine since that evening I spent at his house two weeks ago. Being with him has been so incredible, it almost feels like a dream.

There’s a part of me that is terrified that I’m going to wake up any minute now in my bed, still working at that stupid taco shack on Fourth Street.

“Addy? Are you good?” One of the regular poker players, Horace, comes up and touches my shoulder lightly. He’s an older man who’s reminiscent of a grandparent. Not that I have much experience with grandparents. My mother doesn’t speak to her parents and my dad’s parents died when I was little.

“Yeah. Yes. Of course. I’m just zoning out a bit while I set up the room for tonight’s game.”

“I’ll grab you some water. Maybe you’re warm.” Horace waddles up to the bar, leaning heavily on his wooden cane as he talks to the bartender. When he gestures my way, Carter looks over, smiling secretly at me before winking. I blush furiously before turning back to the cards in my hand.

“So, you’re Carter’s new girl, then?” an unfamiliar voice says. When I look in front of me I see one of the cocktail waitresses standing in front of me. She’s wearing what’s essentially a lacy bodysuit over tights, her boobs leaving little to the imagination. Part of me is jealous. I’ve always been tall and slender, with a small butt and small breasts. When I was in school kids would tease me by saying I was flatter than the walls.

“Nice to meet you, I’m Addy,” I say cheerfully, purposely not answering her question. The woman smirks but sets her drink tray on the table, anyway.

“Thalia,” she says curtly. “Are you going to answer my question?”

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