Page 68 of Isabella and the Slipper

She wasn’t a daughter. She was a “situation.” Blinking back tears, Isabella stood straight, determined not to let Elenore get to her. “I’ll be gone soon.”

Elenore made a face. “I know.”

What did that mean? It looked like Elenore wasn’t too happy about that fact. What was that about? Isabella cleared her throat and brushed past Elenore.

“I’ll go bring out more food.”

She left before she could hear Elenore’s reply. Typical. She wasn’t anything more than a nuisance to Elenore. It stung, but she didn’t want to think about it. All she wanted to do was leave.

Time crawled as she served guests and talked about how special the new art was. She had to listen to people go on about the interesting choice of color and shape and how the pieces flowed into one another. She supposed people were impressed with the art because Elenore had said it was innovative, and Elenore was seen as an important member of their high society.

Or some other bull like that.

As ten o’clock came and went, Isabella felt an urgency to get out. Leilani pulled her aside. “I’m sorry, I didn’t realize it was going to be this busy. And Elenore is watching you like a hawk. I don’t know what to do.”

Paco came up behind them. “I’ve called in reinforcements.”

What did that mean?

Before she could ask, Mr.Kato walked in and took Elenore’s arm. “Darling, how are you? It’s been way too long.” He carted her off into one of the showrooms.

Paco grinned. “There. He said he’d keep her busy for a while.”

Isabella threw her arms around him. “Thank you, Paco. You’re a lifesaver.”

His cheeks reddened. “Go on, now. Get out of here.”

“I want a full report,” Leilani said, shoving her toward the door.

Isabella paused. “Wait, I have to get my purse.” She ran into the office, grabbed it, and then sprinted toward the door. “Thank you,” she mouthed to Leilani and Paco.

Once outside, the night air felt good on her skin. She started toward Savannah’s when a car pulled up beside her, the window down. “Finally!” Savannah shouted. “I’ve been waiting out here forever. Get in.”

Isabella didn’t have time to question her. She climbed into the car and slammed the door shut. “Thank you! Let’s go!”

Savannah peeled out. They arrived at Savannah’s house in no time. Isabella followed her up to her room. Savannah opened her closet and shoved the dress at Isabella. “Get undressed. You brought your contacts, right?”

“They’re in my purse.” She held it up.

“Okay. Put them in. Now!” Savannah pushed her toward the bathroom.

Ten minutes later, Isabella stood before the mirror in the bathroom. She closed her eyes and held her breath while Savannah zipped up the back of the dress. It was a bit snug, but the zipper went up without too much gut sucking.

“There,” Savannah said, lowering her hair. “It’s perfect. Look.” She turned Isabella toward the mirror.

Isabella stared at her reflection. “Wow.”

“I know, right? This dress is awesome. And you look hot in it!”

Heat rose to her cheeks. Isabella had never felt so beautiful. Without her glasses, her eyes actually looked pretty. She turned both directions to see how the dress looked from each side. Not bad.

Savannah brought out the matching shoes. They were flats with teal jewels on them. They looked like ballerina slippers. “Those are gorgeous.”

“And they feel like you’re walking on air. Try them on.”

Isabella slipped her feet into them. “They’re a little big, but I think it will work.” She walked around the bathroom. “Yeah. They won’t come off.”

Savannah started scooping up her hair. “Now to get the wig on you.”

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