Page 29 of Castle's Cards

“She said that you paid for things to make her happy.”

Why would she say that? Unless she was talking about…

“The only thing I ever paid for when I was with Thalia was a new bed frame. But it wasn’t to make her happy. It was because we broke hers and she needed a new one.”

My cheeks flush as I realize that Addy might get some unpleasant mental imagery from that. She seems unfazed as she continues.

“Okay. I understand.” Addy swallows. “Were you married?”

I freeze, staring at her in shock.

“How did you find out about that?”

“Cassie and I were having lunch the other day. She said that you had a wife before me. It just threw me off a bit because I thought we were close.”

“Weareclose.”

“Then why don’t I know about her?”

When I look into Addy’s eyes I can see the hurt I’ve caused by not being completely honest with her. I open my mouth to tell her more, to let out everything about Elise. But the words don’t come even as my mind churns. Disappointment spreads across her face before she looks down.

“Addy, I’m really sorry for not telling you. I wanted to tell you, I did.”

“Then why don’t you?”

When she looks back up at me, her eyes are filled with tears, threatening to spill over. My mouth dries and my breath is shaky when I speak.

“I can’t. I’m not ready. I’m sorry, but I can’t talk to you about that yet.” I stand up and frown. “I’m so sorry, Addy. I need to take some time for myself.”

Addy doesn’t say anything, and after a few moments of silence I make my way out of her room. When I pass Izzy’s room, I hear her quietly laughing at videos on her phone.

The juxtaposition of Izzy’s mood with Addy’s is too much. I need to go.

I leave the apartment and get in the car without looking back.

Chapter Ten

Addy

Itakeabreathand straighten my outfit in the mirror. I’ve been back at work for a few days, but luckily Carter hasn’t been playing for the past few evenings. Some of the other players are unsettled by this, given that Carter is as much a fixture at these poker tournaments as I now am.

When they ask where he is I simply shrug. After all, I’m just a measly hostess. Why would I know where he is?

The truth is that I haven’t heard from Carter at all since our dinner last week. Or should I say, after that dinner. When I think back, maybe I should have spoken to Carter before he took Izzy and me to dinner. She’s been talking about him non-stop, not seeming to notice that he hasn’t been around as much.

It’s not like Izzy to be so self absorbed. Most people would say that’s typical teenage behavior, but for Izzy it’s not. But I’m trying not to feel bothered by it. Izzy is young, and she’s starting to get into her own life. Having a boyfriend, spending more time at the stables. I’m glad that she’s starting to broaden her horizons.

Someone starts pounding furiously on the bathroom door.

“Can you hurry the fuck up? I need to pee!” One of the other hostesses shouts through the door. I wash my hands and leave. She mutters something about me being inconsiderate as she passes by. I ignore her and hurry down the hallway toward the poker room.

As I set up the tables in anticipation of the coming tournament, I look and meet a familiar pair of eyes. My breath catches and I freeze, the cards falling from my hands and spreading across the table. Carter nods at me before heading toward the table.

Panic builds within me. I’m not ready to face him, yet he’s coming this way. Why did he think that work would be the most appropriate place to see me after not speaking to me for almost a whole week?

When Carter sits down he looks up at me. He opens his mouth but before he can say anything another player comes up and takes the seat next to him.

“Carter. I was surprised to see you weren’t here the past few days. Thought maybe you were sick or something.”

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