Page 19 of Castle's Cards

“Addy! It’s been too long.”

She sets the box on a table as I get up. We hug before she sits down at the table across from me.

“How are the babies?” I grin at her. She looks happy, her cheeks flushed and eyes glowing.

“Oh, they’re so great. I never imagined being a mom would be this fulfilling – and exhausting, especially with twins. How’s Izzy?”

“She’s good. She still loves horses. What are you doing here? I thought you left the club.”

“Oh, I did.” Cassie gestures to the box she brought. “I’m just bringing some things in for Court. He’s planning an event for charity but left all the supplies at home.”

“Really? That’s amazing. I didn’t know he was planning a charity event.”

“He said that Carter gave him the idea. I don’t know too much about it, but it’s supposed to be in a month or two, I think.” Cassie looks over at me and smiles. “Do you like it here so far? It feels like we haven’t talked in forever.”

“It has been a while. I do like it here; I seriously owe you for getting me this job. I don’t know what I would do without it.”

Cassie takes my hand and squeezes it affectionately.

“Of course. I knew you would be a great fit.” Cassie looks at her phone. “Look, I have to get home. I told the sitter I wouldn’t be gone long. But do you want to get lunch sometime soon? I’ve missed spending time with my girlfriends; it feels like forever since I’ve done something with a friend.”

“I’d love that. I don’t get out much, either.”

“Perfect. I’ll text you, okay?”

We wave as she leaves the room. One of the other hostesses gets up, signaling that it’s time for us all to get back to work. I sigh and smooth my skirt before heading back out to the floor.

Carter invited me to come over tonight, but I declined. I’ve been spending a lot of nights at his house, but I still have Izzy at home and despite her being seventeen, I can’t just leave her alone all the time.

To his credit, he took the rejection well, simply nodding with understanding. At first I couldn’t stop thinking about how lucky I am to have someone so understanding and kind. But then ugly thoughts started to rear their heads, stemming from what Thalia told me.

The whole drive home I can’t stop asking myself if not going home with him would mean him changing his mind about me. Why would he choose me when I have responsibilities to a teenager and other, sexier women are obligation free to spend every night in his bed?

When I pull into the apartment parking lot, I notice something strange about our apartment. Izzy’s bedroom light is on.

Every time I’ve come home after a shift at work, Izzy has been asleep. As she should be, since I don’t get home until 2:00 in the morning. I turn off the car and go up to the apartment, leaning in towards the window.

Izzy’s giggling sounds through, and I feel a sense of relief. She must be watching a movie.

At least that’s what I think until I hear a male voice say something.

Fury rushes through me as I hurry to the door, my hands shaking as I quietly unlock the door and shut it, careful not to make too much noise. I tiptoe down the hall and stand outside of her room. There’s more talking and giggling, but when I hear a kiss I can’t stop myself from bursting through the door.

“What the hell are you doing, Isabella?” I shout as I open the door. Izzy’s jaw drops as she sits up, holding her blanket up to cover her naked body. The boy next to her is staring at me with wide eyes, a look of shock on his face.

“Addy! I thought… I didn’t know you would be home tonight.”

“So you thought you could invite a boy over?” I ask, my gaze steely.

“I should probably go…,” the boy says. He grabs his clothes and passes me in the doorway, shrugging his pants on as he leaves.

“What the hell are you thinking?”

“It’s not a big deal,” Izzy shrugs as she reaches for her shirt on the side of the bed.

“‘It’s not a big deal?’ Are you serious? You could get pregnant!”

“We used a condom!”

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