Page 92 of Not the Plan

“You’ve had other boyfriends and not told me? Isadora, you can’t do that!”

Karim was back at her side, cupping her shoulder. She turned and nodded hello to the two massage therapists setting up their tables.Enough of this. I’m not letting her spoil my time with Karim.

“I have to go, Mother.”

“You always rush me off the phone.”

“Okay, see you at dinner. Bye!” She made her voice light and pleasant at the end of the call but knew it wouldn’t matter. Her mother would be unhappy no matter what she did. She acceptedKarim’s hand and took a step toward the tables. The thought she’d had stopped her dead.

My mother will be unhappy no matter what I do. No matter what…Okay. That’s it. I’m done trying. I’m here with Karim and he’s done so much to make me happy. This weekend is going to be about us.

He’d stopped when she had and was studying her face.

“Everything okay, Little Kite?”

She put her hand on his cheek and kissed him. “Everything is perfect, gorgeous.”

—

The massage was wonderful, but it sent Isadora on an emotional roller coaster that she had to work to keep under control. When they’d begun, face down, she went with it, letting all the stress and worry disappear. But once they’d switched to their backs, and she glanced at Karim, her heart leapt into her throat.Awesome hotel, flowers, couples’ massage. Is he trying to make this more than just dating?…No. He’s just being sweet. It can’t be anything more than that…but what if it were? What if there was no Daniel-Julian drama, and we could be together long-term without me giving up on D.C.?She focused on the ceiling instead of reaching out for his hand like she wanted to.“I’ve been on Team Isadora for quite some time now,” he said. He also said I could never be a disappointment to him. But what if he’s wrong? What if I let myself fall for him, and he changes his mind? He decides that I’m not worth…Don’t start crying. Get it together, Isadora.

—

After the massage and getting dressed, they took the elevator back down to leave for the rehearsal dinner. He’d asked her what she planned to wear and she’d sent him a photo of the demure baby blue dress she knew her mother couldn’t criticize. He surprised her by stepping out of the bathroom in a navy suit with a shirt that matched the color of the dress exactly.

“So we make a united front,” he said. “Glasses or no glasses?” he asked, smoothing his navy tie.

“Glasses. Let’s go for serious but endearing.”

In the elevator, she curled into his side, still in a mellow cocoon. She was with him, they didn’t have to hide, and she was determined to enjoy every minute. Reaching the lobby, they strode hand in hand to the exit.

“I guess we’ll need a taxi, huh? You’ve got me so relaxed I didn’t even think about how to get there and back,” she said.

There was a glimmer in his eye. “Don’t think we need to worry about that, beautiful.”

She squinted at him as they stepped outside. He led her to a black sedan with tinted windows.

“Mr. Sarda?” the driver asked, stepping out.

“That’s me,” Karim answered.

“I’m Brad. I’ll be your driver this weekend.”

“Nice to meet you. May I present Isadora Maris?”

“Hello,” she said, returning Brad’s handshake. He opened the door and they slid inside.

“Are you kidding me? The entire weekend?” she whispered to Karim, trying not to giggle.

“Well, I figured it was the most convenient option. I got a deal through my friend Gabriel’s connections so you can come and go in style all weekend long.”

She looked out the window, tears welling up.

“Karim…what are you doing?” Her voice wavered. “The hotel, the flowers, the massage, and now a driver? This is too much. You didn’t have to do all this for me.”

He surprised her, solemn as he took her hand. He focused on their joined hands at first, but when he did look into her eyes, she asked herself if there was a tear in his.

“Yeah, I did, Isadora. I needed to do this for you.”

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