Page 56 of VOGUEish

As if pleased with Isabella’s reaction, Ms. Birdie nodded. “You’re forgiven. I like a person who knows how to give a proper apology. I can’t abide flimsy excuses. Please, have a seat.”

Was that it? Was it over? “Thank you.” Isabella glanced at Chandler. “Why didn’t you warn me?”

He chuckled. “No one warned me. But just so you know, that is why she insisted I go to the meeting last night instead of attending herself. It was a test to see if we did it again.”

“That’s true, dear.”

While Chandler and Ms. Birdie took a seat, Isabella remained standing. She had too much of everything going on inside her to sit. “Could I get either of you a cup of coffee?”

“No, thank you,” Chandler said.

“I’ll take one with three lumps of sugar,” Ms. Birdie said. “Back to last night. Chandler feels it went well. What are your thoughts on the evening?”

“It was fabulous. We have a kicking idea for a cover.” She handed Ms. Birdie her coffee. “I may be overly optimistic, but I think we can finish it up this evening.”

“Excellent. Now, I insist, you sit and stop blushing. We have other things to discuss.”

Isabella ran her sweaty palms down her skirt, thankful she’d put on one of her more conservative suits this morning. A vintage Chanel two-piece in black houndstooth. The skirt was semi-short, so she’d worn black tights underneath for warmth. At least it did not shout hussy. “Things?” If Ms. Birdie revisited the subject of sex between her and Chandler, Isabella would literally die from embarrassment. That was a legit cause of death, and she knew it because she’d once done the research on it. One of the first mentions had been reported in the British Medical Journal from 1860.

Ms. Birdie pulled a compact out of her purse and flicked it open. “I am conflicted at the idea of your moving forward with your date with Ryder. He has a kind heart, and I hate to see any part of it being broken.”

Isabella stilled. “I would never lead him on, but I have no idea if we’re compatible until we spend time together.”

“He didn’t waste any time asking her out,” Chandler said to his godmother.

“Why should he?” she responded. “I’ve handed him the opportunity to date a gem. Only an idiot would squander time before jumping on that opportunity.”

Isabella glanced from one to the other. Was it her imagination or was there a sudden tension between them? What was that about?

“Isabella, why don’t you go downstairs and wait on our candidate?” Chandler said. “She should be here soon.”

“Nonsense. Chandler, you’re the one who should greet our candidate at the door,” Ms. Birdie countered. “We want her to feel important. Be a doll and collect her while Isabella and I set up the treats.”

“Will you promise not to quiz, interrogate, or plot with Isabella while I’m gone?” he asked his godmother.

“We’re simply chatting. Isn’t that right, dear?”

Isabella swallowed and nodded at Ms. Birdie. “I love chatting over coffee. Tell me about Chandler’s love life. Who was his first girlfriend?”

“Let’s see.” Ms. Birdie tapped her lips with a perfectly manicured finger. “I think her name was Tina and he was eight…”

Chandler groaned and walked out of his office.

The minute the door shut, his godmother changed tactic. “There’s no time for stories; I need answers.” Ms. Birdie scooted over on the couch so that she sat almost knee to knee with Isabella.

Isabella took a sip of her coffee. She and Chandler had been properly tricked. This woman was devious. “Okay. What are the questions?”

Ms. Birdie took Isabella’s free hand in hers. “First, if no one was pulling your heartstrings, what man would you pursue?”

“That’s an invasive question.” Isabella would prefer to go back to the topic of sex.

“Oh, they’re going to get more invasive.”

“Why?” Isabella gently removed her hand from Ms. Birdie’s clasp and scooched away.

“Answer my questions, and you’ll find out.”

Seeing no viable way out of responding, Isabella gave some thought to the question. The answer didn’t take long to formulate. “I’d chase the hell out of Chandler if I weren’t employed at Naked Runway. But I am, and quite happy about that, so he’s off the menu. You must understand I will never be accepted by my work family if I’m dating Chandler.”

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