Page 63 of Isabelle and the Beast

She wrinkles her nose, an adorable gesture. “He’s so…meh.”

I chuckle. I’m about to ask her more of her thoughts, but Lionel knocks on the door.

“Yes, Lionel?” I say.

“I know you’re avoiding your calls, but your sister is requesting to speak with you.”

I stand immediately, rushing over to the door to take my phone from him. Lily’s face is on the screen. “Lily? Are you all right?”

“I’m fine!” she replies. “I’ve been texting you and getting no response. I want to know all about this girl you’re holding hostage in the castle.”

Isabelle laughs out loud.

“Is that her?” Lily shrieks. “I want to meet her!”

I walk with the phone over to the couch and hold it so Lily can see us both.

“Hi, Lily!” Isabelle says. “I’ve heard so much about you.”

“And I know NOTHING about you!” Lily replies. “Since I don’t have any Internet access.” She narrows her eyes at me. “Becausesomeonethinks I can’t handle it.”

I narrow my eyes right back at her. “It’s not just my decision. How did you even find out about Isabelle, then?”

“Agatha called and told me about this girl at the castle. And then Luna showed me the interview when she came to visit with Henry. We’re both dying to know what’s going on. We’re shipping you guys.”

“Shipping?” I ask.

“They want us to be in a relationSHIP,” Isabelle explains.

“Ah. That’s…ridiculous,” I reply.

“Don’t get hung up on the terminology,” Lily says. “Are you guys…you know…romantically entwined?”

“Blech, that’s even worse,” I say.

“But yes,” Isabelle says.

I turn to look at her, my brows raised. “So we’re publicizing this now?”

She shrugs and presses a kiss to my cheek. “It’s just your sister.”

“Awwwwww!” Lily claps her hands in delight. “I never thought I’d see the day my biggest grumpy brother would fall in love!”

I freeze. “I—uh—I wouldn’t say?—”

“Oh, hush,” Lily says. “You two are in love and there’s nothing you can say to convince me otherwise.”

I turn to check on Isabelle. Is she as alarmed by this “love” claim as I am? No, she just looks amused.

I watch her address my sister. “Lily, Adam told me that you play the piano.”

Lily gives a sad smile and shrugs. “I’m working on a few pieces.”

“I’d love to hear you play. Would you play something for me?”

“Really?” Lily perks up. “I haven’t gotten to perform for anyone new since Luna first came to visit.”

“Really,” Isabelle says. “I’d love to hear.”

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