Page 28 of Isabella and the Slipper

He put the car into drive and pulled out of the parking lot. “Where do you work?”

“The Vibrant Hue. It’s an art gallery over by the ice cream shop.”

“I know where that is.” He made a turn and merged into traffic. “Want me to pick you up from work? You can text me when you’re done.”

She about swallowed her tongue. “No,” she choked. “I’m fine.”

“Well, then text me when you’re on the way. I’ll give you my number.”

Shoot. How was she going to get out of that one? She said the first excuse that popped into her head. “I don’t have a cell phone.”

He looked at her sideways. “Really? Everyone has a cell phone.”

She gave him a weak smile. “I don’t.” The lie stuck in her throat. Guilt bubbled up from her stomach. She hated to lie, but she had no choice.

“Okay, then just call me from work.” He pulled out his cell and tossed it at her. “Grab my number.” He told her the code to get into his phone, which she already knew.

She pretended to open his phone and write down his number. “Okay. Got it,” she said, handing him back his phone.

He pulled up in front of the gallery, and she climbed out. “Thanks,” she called to him as she made her way up the sidewalk.

He waved and then drove away. Isabella opened the door, the bell sounding her arrival. Elenore grabbed her shoulder. “Who was that boy?” she hissed.

Isabella’s heart dropped to her toes. What was Elenore doing at the gallery? She wasn’t usually there in the afternoons.

Isabella swallowed. She was in so much trouble. “Chase,” she said, quietly.

Elenore’s face grew red. “Chase Hawkins? The movie star?” Her voice cracked.

“Yes,” she said. “He’s my science project partner.”

Elenore’s eyes grew wide. “You know Delilah likes him. How could you do that to your own sister?”

Sure, they are barely family when Isabella wanted something, but if Delilah liked a boy, Isabella was suddenly killing her sister.

“I’m not doing anything. Mr.Morgan paired us up. It’s just for a school project.”

“Mr.Morgan didn’t tell you to get into his car!” She pointed to the window.

“I’m sorry,” Isabella said, quietly. “It won’t happen again.”

Leilani walked into the entryway, a puzzled look on her face. “Everything okay?”

Elenore smoothed out the snarl on her face and let go of Isabella’s shoulder. “Yes. We’re fine.”

She gave Isabella one last glare, turned her back, and left the room. Leilani shot her a wide-eyed look. “You okay?” she mouthed.

Isabella nodded. A car engine revved. Elenore’s silver Porsche peeled out of the parking lot. Relief washed over her. She got off easy that time. Unless Elenore was saving it for later. She didn’t like that thought, so she pushed it out of her head.

As the computer warmed up, she pulled out her mother’s photo. “Hey, Mom,” she said. “Chase talked to me again today.” She ran her finger down the side of her mother’s face. “I wish you were here. You could tell me what to do.” After a moment, she put the picture in her jacket pocket and got down to business.

She finished her work quickly, with no paintings to move around and nothing to change on the website. The sales floor was quiet. She even had time to quickly mop the floor before giving Chase a call to let him know she would be on time.

When she got home, she cooked a frozen dinner in the microwave and took it up to her bedroom, locking the door behind her. She ate it quickly. Her stomach fluttered as she climbed down the side of her house. She couldn’t wait to spend more time with Chase. But she knew she needed to get a grip on her feelings because it could never work between them. This afternoon was proof. Next time, she’d get the full wrath of Elenore.

Chase seemed happy when he opened his door. His dimple was showing. “Come on in. I got excited and started getting it ready.” He gave her an apologetic smile. “I hope you don’t mind.”

“That’s fine.”

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