Page 7 of Isabella and the Slipper

Mom wasn’t in the audition room. She’s happy. I’m happy. You are brilliant.

Isabella grinned at the phone. She’d helped Chase Hawkins. What a day this was turning out to be.

I’m glad.

I should buy you dinner.

She blinked. What? Was he asking her out?? No way. Her heart sped up as she responded.

I already ate.

Are you going to Delilah’s party tonight?

She swallowed, a lump forming in her throat like a rock.

No.

Come on. Please? We need to switch phones anyway.

Her fingers trembled as she thought about sneaking down to the party. No, that wouldn’t work. As soon as Delilah saw her, she’d pitch a hissy fit and totally embarrass her. And if Delilah saw her with Chase, it would be a million times worse.

I can’t. I’m grounded.

Oh, snap. Is this about earlier? When you were late?

Yes.That was the easiest thing to let him think.

Sorry. Why were you late?

She debated telling him the truth. It couldn’t hurt.

Pep rally crowds.

You couldn’t have been that late.

She rolled her eyes. How could she explain her situation?

Stepmom is strict.

That sucks. Text if you are late again. I’ll give you a ride home.

She put the phone to her chest and held in a scream. Chase Hawkins just offered to give her a ride home from school. Could this really be happening? But then a sinking feeling replaced her euphoria. She’d forgotten who she was for a moment. She couldn’t go near Chase. Her stepmother would kill her. But it was super nice of him to offer.

Thank you.

She turned off her bathroom light and went back out onto her balcony. The city lights stretched for miles. The phone chimed again.

What are you doing tomorrow?

Still grounded.

How long would this same excuse work?

What’s your address? I’ll drop off your phone.

She couldn’t tell him that. She chewed on her fingernail before getting an idea.

I know a place where you can leave my phone, and I’ll switch them. I’ll sneak out.

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