Page 59 of Castle's Cards

“You went to the club?” I whip my gaze to Izzy. “Are you serious? Did you not hear what Court said yesterday? Are you trying to get me freaking fired from the only way I have to make money?”

A blush rushes over Izzy’s face as she shoots Carter a glare.

“Thanks a lot.”

“Don’t blame him for this! You may be a teenager but you’re still old enough to understand the consequences of your actions! You’re always talking about being an adult. So if you think you are one, then start acting like one!”

Izzy does another dramatic eye roll and stomps down the hallway.

“You better stay in your room this time or I’m going to nail that stupid window shut!”

“That’s a fire hazard!” she yells back.

“No one is going to care. They’re demolishing the building anyway, remember?!”

Izzy’s only response is her door slamming. I let out a breath and shake my head.

“What is wrong with her?”

“She’s just upset,” Carter says from the door. I jump. “Forget I was here?”

“No!” I exclaim. Then I blush and look away. “I didn’t forget. I just… Izzy was occupying my attention.”

I look around awkwardly.

“Do you want some dinner?” I finally ask, stepping aside to let him in. He looks at me thoughtfully before nodding.

“Sounds great.” Carter raises his nose to the air and smells the scent of the soup coming from the kitchen. “Smells even better. What did you make?”

“Vegetable stew? I had a ton in the fridge and needed to get rid of some.”

“There’s no okra in it, right? I’m allergic.”

I blink in surprise. Okra?

“I didn’t even know people could be allergic to okra,” I quip.

“They can, and I am. Does that response mean that there’s okra in it?”

“No.” I chuckle and shake my head. “I can’t stand okra.”

Carter grins easily.

“See? We’re meant to be. I’m allergic and you hate it.”

I can’t stop the smile from spreading over my face as I shake my head. Even in the worst of times, Carter can manage to make me smile.

“Izzy!” I call down the hallway. “Dinner’s ready!”

There’s no response. I hurry down the hall and press my ear to the door.

“I’m still in here, I just don't want to be around you!” Izzy shouts through the door. I bite my lip to stop myself from laughing. I shouldn’t laugh at her theatrics, but I can’t help how entertaining they are -- teenagers.

When I walk back to the kitchen Carter follows me. I grab three bowls down from the cabinet but only fill two.

“Looks like Izzy won’t be joining us tonight,” I explain as I set the bowls down on the table. Carter brings the spoons, causing me to smile. I can’t believe he remembers where the silverware is.

“That’s okay. I actually wanted to talk to you about something.” We both sit down at the table. To avoid the topic I immediately shove a spoonful of soup in my mouth.

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