Page 114 of Daddy's Trust
And now that she knew that she really couldn’t show her face again.
“Hey, no, you haven’t,” Monroe said. “You’re entitled to your feelings, right?”
Well, she never felt like she was entitled to them growing up. It was always about how her mother felt, what her mother wanted, what her mother needed.
There had never been any room for Addie. But it wasn’t like these two didn’t know that. They’d had their own issues growing up.
“For what it’s worth, I don’t think Cash was in any way mocking you or trying to make your needs seem generic,” Monroe told her. “I don’t think he was being facetious or that he goes around doing this a lot.”
People tended to underestimate Monroe’s intelligence based on the way she looked. They seemed to think that because she was completely drop-dead gorgeous, she couldn’t have a brain.
But she was really good at reading people.
And she was super smart. Addie hated that Monroe had let people put her down so much all her life, that she now believed what they said was true.
Her self-confidence was in the tank.
Like yours is any better?
Right. What the heck was self-confidence? She had no idea.
She wasn’t sure she’d ever had it.
“I think Monroe is right. You know I like to see the worst in people and always think the glass is half empty. But he doesn’t look at you like he sees you as an obligation. He looks at you like he cares,” Dotty said the word as though it was dirty.
“There’s nothing wrong with someone being caring,” Monroe told her sister before she turned to Addie. “And you have to give people a chance to care about you. To see the real Addie. You’re not a burden. And people are not always terrible. Sometimes, they can be caring and kind. You just have to give them a chance. Without running off.”
It was gentle, but it was still a scolding. And she got it. She had just run off without a word.
“Although it wasn’t cool for him to say that in front of other people so you can rattle his balls for that,” Monroe told her.
“Rattle his balls?” Dotty asked in a strangled voice. “I don’t think she wants to rattle his balls.”
“I don’t know. She might.” Monroe sent her a sly look. “Would you like to rattle his balls?”
“I have a feeling that rattle his balls has taken on a whole new meaning,” Addie said. “And no, I don’t do that sort of thing.”
“Why not? He’s cute. Even if nothing comes from it other than sex, I reckon he’d still treat you right.”
Addie could feel herself growing red at Monroe’s words.
“Monroe,” Dotty snapped. “You’re embarrassing Addie, and she might not want just a one-night stand.”
Monroe sat back with a slump. “We might be here for more than one night. You could have a five-night stand.”
Dotty groaned. “God, we’re not going to be here for five nights, are we? I think I’ll go insane.”
“I’m so sorry. I’m so stupid. Why would I marry a man I just met? Stupid, stupid, stupid.” As Monroe spoke, she smacked the palm of her hand against her forehead.
Addie gave Dotty an alarmed look, and they both reached for her. And then Dotty reached across Addie and ended up falling over both of their laps.
Both Monroe and Addie froze as they stared down at their sister.
“Wow, this is an interesting position, isn’t it?”
They gaped up at Butch and Ralen, who were standing in the doorway.
“You gonna smack your sister’s ass, Addie?” Ralen asked.
