Page 31 of Isabella and the Slipper

“Will you let me drive you home? It’s dark again.”

“All right, but can you please let me out a few houses down?”

He cocked his head to the side. “Okay. Why?”

She hated to say anything, but she didn’t want to take any more chances. “Delilah has a huge crush on you. If she sees me with you, she’s going to flip. It won’t be good. I’d rather just avoid the conflict, if you know what I mean. She really likes you.”

He nodded as if he totally understood. “Yeah, she’s made that pretty clear.” He rolled his eyes.

She couldn’t help but laugh. “You poor thing.”

“I don’t want to hurt her feelings, but she’s not my type.” He stood up and grabbed his car keys. “At all.”

She laughed again. “You’ll have to let her down easy. She’s planned out your marriage, where you’ll live, and how many kids you’ll have.”

His face drained of color. “Oh boy.”

Chapter 9

Chase dropped Isabella off a block from her house. He tried not to stare as she walked away, but he couldn’t help himself. There was something about her that he was drawn to. He’d felt a strong attraction when he had touched her hand. And that was bad because he had a crush on Five. He sort of felt like he was cheating on the girl, even though he had never met her.

His life was weird.

Isabella walked to her house, but instead of going to the front door, she went around to the side. A moment later, he saw her climbing up the lattice at the rear corner. He squinted, trying to see what she was doing. She swung herself over a balcony and disappeared inside.

He wasn’t sure what that was all about, but he figured he’d ask her tomorrow. He drove home and parked in the driveway. After he was inside, he sat on the couch in the living room and pulled out his phone. He was anxious to talk to Five.

Hey. You getting ready for bed?

Are you asking me what I’m wearing? You creep.

He chuckled.Lol. No. Just making conversation. How was your day?

It was okay I guess. I’m kind of annoyed. My painting is missing.

What? Who would take her painting? He kicked off his shoes and put his feet on the coffee table.

Huh??

I know, right? The poppy painting I showed you is gone. I think my stepmother took it.

Why would she do that?

I don’t know. She’s not nice. Maybe she’s going to hold it hostage or something.

I’m sorry. I’d be really mad if my mom took something of mine like that.

His mother walked into the room and picked up his shoes. “Feet off the coffee table,” she said as she left. He obediently put his feet down.

It’s probably locked up in the attic.

That is so rude.

Rude is her middle name. How are you?

His mother came in the room again. “It’s late. Are you going to bed? It’s a school night and you have an audition tomorrow. Have you read the script?”

“I read it.” It was aHigh School Musical–knockoff movie. At least it was the kind of part he liked. He was in a few scenes, had some speaking lines, but nothing major. It wouldn’t be too time-consuming.

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