Page 38 of Isabella and the Slipper

Isabella hesitated, unsure of just what to say. “I honestly don’t know. She said she didn’t want me to hate her forever. I think maybe she feels guilty for treating me so badly. She even hugged me. Then she said I should go to the game with them.”

“Well, are you?”

“I felt bad for her. She cried and everything. I told her I would go.”

Her phone vibrated, and she pulled it out of her pocket.

Savannah leaned over. “Ooh, is that from you-know-who?”

Cora is still in the hospital. They won’t have test results for another day, but she’s stable. They think she’s going to be all right.

“Yes.”

Isabella texted back.I’m glad she’s stable. That’s good.

Are you in the lunchroom? Right now?

Heat crept up her cheeks and she snuck a glance at Chase. He was standing at his table, holding his phone and scanning the room. She shoved her phone in her lap and whispered, “Act natural.”

Savannah leaned closer. “Why? What did he say?”

“He wants to know if I’m in the lunchroom.”

“Just tell him no.”

Isabella forced another bite of her food. “I don’t like lying to him.”

Her phone vibrated again.

Five?

She shoved her phone in her backpack. If he was going to insist on trying to figure out who she was, she’d ignore him.

Savannah nudged her. “Maybe it’s time to meet him face-to-face.”

Isabella glared at her friend. “You’re insane.”

“No. Look.” Savannah pointed to the wall. A large poster hung, announcing the theme for the fall formal. A masquerade. Savannah grinned. “You could go to the dance with him.”

Isabella’s stomach fluttered before she realized that wouldn’t work. “He knows who I am in real life. A little mask around my eyes isn’t going to hide that from him.”

Savannah’s eyes grew shiny, and Isabella knew she was in trouble. “Remember when my mom went through that midlife crisis and bought all those wigs? Most are stupid, but she has this one—gorgeous red, curly hair—it’s perfect for this. With a wig and a mask, he couldn’t possibly tell it was you. Especially without your glasses.”

“Yeah. Except you forget—I’m blind without my glasses.”

“Girl, I know you have contacts.”

“They make my eyes itch.”

Savannah shoved her shoulder. “You didn’t try them long enough. You have to get used to them.”

“I don’t know ...” Isabella wasn’t sure.

Could she actually go to the dance and wear a mask so Chase wouldn’t know who she was? Her nerves lit up just thinking about it.

“Come on! You have to.” Savannah hugged her shoulders. “He wants to meet you.”

“He thinks I’m some sexy girl. He’d be disappointed.”

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