Page 37 of Not the Plan

“I said no.”

“Really? Are you sure—”

“He also asked me if I knew what sort of man you were usually interested in.”

He wants to know my type!“He did?”

“You’re starting to sound like a parrot, honey.”

The sparkle of the fairy lights on the table left spots in her eyes.

“He just asked you all these things about me? Point blank?”

“No, no, dear. He was far more subtle. But you were the only thing that interested him. He tried to make polite conversation, but everything came right back to you.”

Isadora was flattered, but…She raised an eyebrow.

“Are you sure everything came back to me, or did you steer everything back to me?”

“Okay, I can admit it. I may have answered him in a way that made him comfortable enough to ask more questions.”

This is dangerous. He is dangerous. Flirting is one thing, but I can’t risk this.

“I…I didn’t expect to see him tonight.” Isadora’s voice didn’t carry far. She fiddled with her bracelet. “Figured Julian would bring Drew.”

“Are you happy he’s here?”

Isadora wouldn’t let herself answer. She was thrilled, but saying it out loud, sharing her feelings, even with someone she trusted…she shrugged and had to turn her attention to the plates, the utensils on the table. They began to shimmer as her eyes watered.

Glenna scooted closer and squeezed her hands.

“What’s wrong?”

Isadora shook her head, her gaze dropping to her lap.

“Honey,” Glenna continued. “You know we think of you as a second daughter, right? For us, you’re like Josie’s older sister. Please tell me what’s wrong?”

Isadora had to gulp back a sob.

“I…I can’t. I can’t let myself go there. I can’t…feel.”

Glenna sat up straight.

“Why not?”

Either tears or words were about to come out in a rush. Isadora opted for the latter.

“I’ve been careful for so long, Glenna. Careful to stay on track. Emotions make you weak, well, romantic ones. They’ll hurt you and make you bitter if you don’t let them in at the right place and the right time. And this is most, most definitely not the right time. The steps on my path are clear. Daniel becoming pro tem. Him going to Washington. Me going with him. If I…This is a crucial moment in my life, for my goals. If I let someone in, let myself feel anything serious for them, it could break it all apart.”

Glenna sighed. Then she leaned closer and rubbed Isadora’s forearms.

“You’ve been carrying so much, sweetie. And I don’t want to add more weight, but there’s something very important you should know.”

Isadora looked up at her.

“There is no right time to let your feelings in, Isadora.”

Glenna’s tone cut deep. She let go of Isadora’s hands to fish a pack of tissues out of her purse.

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