Page 43 of Isabella and the Slipper

Her head jerked in his direction, and she stared at him. How did he know that?

“I saw you,” he said, answering her unspoken question. “You climbed up the side of the house to a balcony. Does that lead to your room?”

Well, if that wasn’t embarrassing enough. “Yes.”

“Don’t your parents believe in school projects?”

What was she supposed to say to that? She couldn’t explain everything. And if she told him about her stepmother, he might put the pieces together and figure out she was actually Five. She decided to keep it simple and cryptic. “My family is weird.”

He exhaled. “I’m beginning to think everyone’s family is weird.”

Time for a change of subject. “How’s your sister?” The second the words were out, she realized her mistake. He hadn’t told Isabella about his sister. Only Five knew about that.

He gave her a funny look. “How did you know—”

“I heard about it,” she blurted out. “At school. I forget who told me.”

“Oh.” He nodded. “Must have been Jason. He’s the only one I told.”

“Yeah, Jason.” She said it like it was perfectly normal for her to be hanging out with the football players. She hoped he wouldn’t probe further. “How is she?”

“She’s all right. They’re still trying to figure out exactly what’s up. The tests for flu came back negative. She’s at home now, though, so that’s good.”

She looked upward, her shoulders feeling relief. “I’m glad she’s doing well enough to be at home.”

“Me, too. She scared me last night. I’ve never seen anyone have a seizure.”

“I heard seizures can be common with kids who have high fevers.” She’d actually Googled it, but surelyheardworked too, right?

“Yes. She’ll probably be fine.” He turned onto Observatory Road.

“You’re taking me to the planetarium?”

“I thought it would be cool to look at the stars.”

She grinned. She hadn’t been there in years. Her dad took her when she was ten. “I’d love that.”

They pulled into the parking lot, and he cut the engine. Chase had been right. Her pants were nearly dry now. He came around the car and opened her door for her, helping her out. More tingles coursed over her skin. After she climbed out she wiped her sweaty hands on her jeans, hoping he didn’t notice.

“Let’s go get tickets for the next show. Then we can walk around and look at the exhibits.”

“I didn’t bring any money.”

“My treat.” He placed his hand on the small of her back and led her to the entrance.

They walked through the building, their footsteps echoing off the stone walls. A few others wandered around the exhibits. Chase approached the lady behind the counter. “When is the next planetarium show?”

The woman looked at her watch. “In thirty minutes.”

“Perfect. Two, please.” He slid her a twenty and she gave him change. He stuffed the tickets in his pocket. “Thanks.”

They walked toward theHall of the Skyexhibits. “Have you been here before?”

“My father brought me here years ago.” The building smelled of wood polish and floor wax, and it carried with it memories so strong she had to blink them back.

“My parents would bring me here when I was a kid. I always loved looking through the telescopes.”

“Let’s go upstairs, then.” She led him to the curving stone steps that led up to the roof. Once outside, the night air, along with the height, made her stomach flutter. Or maybe it was the company.

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