Page 26 of Castle's Cards

“Is there any truth to it? I know you probably don’t want to talk poorly about him, since he’s your brother-in-law. But I just hope that as your friend you would tell me the truth.”

I frown, trying to blink away tears. I didn’t expect to get so emotional over this, but now that I’m saying the words out loud, it feels like I’ve lost total control of a situation that only two weeks ago I just started.

“Addy, please -– we are very close friends. Please know that I would never let you get involved with him if I thought he was going to hurt you. Yes, it’s true that Carter has a reputation around the club. But he doesn’t break women’s hearts. He’s slept around, gotten involved with some waitresses. All I can say is that as far as I know, he’s never been involved with anyone at the club in the same way that he’s involved with you.”

“Thank you so much,” I say with relief. “You have no idea how much better that makes me feel.”

“From what Court has said to me, ever since Elise he’s had trouble really connecting with anyone. That’s why it’s so surprising that you and he became attached so quickly. Not surprising in a bad way -- surprising in a great way. Court said that he didn’t think Carter would ever move on.”

I pause as the waitress delivers our food. I take a couple bites of my sandwich while Cassie doles the mac and cheese out in front of the twins.

The thoughts race through my mind as I contemplate what Cassie said.

“Who’s Elise?” I ask as Cassie raises her sandwich to her mouth. She blinks and sucks in a breath, putting the sandwich down.

“Oh, my God. I’m so sorry, Addy. I thought… I just figured he would have told you. But I guess it’s only been a few weeks. I shouldn’t have expected it so soon.”

I shake my head with annoyance.

“Will you please just tell me what you are talking about and who Elise is?”

Cassie sighs before nodding.

“Elise was his wife.”

All the air escapes me.

Carter was married.

Carter was married and he never told me.

Chapter Nine

Carter

Ipullupoutsideof the Hughes’ apartments. Smiling, I step out of my car and grab the bouquet of flowers I bought for Addy. When I was at the florists, I realized that I didn’t actually know Addy’s favorite flower. Or if she even has one at all.

The florist recommended white roses, since they signify new beginnings or something. I was a little worried about the kind of message they might be sending, but the florist assured me that it wouldn’t be taken in any weird way.

Looking at the bouquet, I wonder how much of the florist’s advice I should have taken. Taking a breath, I approach the front door and knock. Footsteps sound within the apartment before Izzy pulls open the door.

“Hi,” she grins. Ever since I bought her favorite horse for her, she’s been much more open and welcoming to me. Which was exactly how I hoped things would go afterwards. Not that I orchestrated it.

Not completely.

“Hey, Izzy. How’s it going?”

“Great! Where are we going for dinner? I have two different outfits picked out but I need to know where we’re going before I decide.” Izzy looks at me from head to toe before taking a breath. “Never mind. It’s obvious that we’re going somewheremuchfancier than I can dress for.”

Izzy slumps to her room and I walk into the apartment after her, guilt filling me a little. Maybe I should have been more considerate of where I’m taking them. I was just so excited to take them somewhere very nice, knowing that neither of them will have been somewhere like L’Arbre, the distinguished French restaurant downtown.

The warm and comforting scent of chocolate chip cookies permeates the air in the apartment.

“Did someone bake cookies?” I call out, even though I’m not sure anyone can hear me. But the sound of footsteps in the hallway confirms that they can.

“Hi, I didn’t know you were here,” Addy smiles.

She’s wearing a black dress that flares out at the waist. Her hair is pinned in a loose bun, tendrils of artificially curled hair straggling out of the style. My heart speeds up simply at the sight of her. When she comes over and hugs me, I see the big bow attached to the back of her dress.

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