Page 127 of Bling

Austin called a few minutes after Isabelle sent the text.

“Are you OK?” she asked as soon as Isabelle answered. “I heard about your sister. Do you need anything? I can get away from New York and come stay with you for a while if you need some help.”

Isabelle dashed at the tears that rebelliously fell down her cheeks despite her attempts to stop them. “I appreciate it, Austin. I really do, but I think I’m through taking help from people for a while. It’s kind of what got me into this mess.”

Austin was quiet for a moment. “I’m sorry. I hope you know you have a friend in me no matter what. Garrett is angry and hurting right now and has confided in Patrick that he’s planning to leave Solitaire. I hope you’re not leaving us too. What happened between you guys, honey?”

Isabelle was openly weeping now. “It’s so complicated to explain. Let’s just say Garrett and I are from two different worlds. As for me being part of Solitaire, I have to focus on my family for a while. Besides, there’s no way I could afford dues without the house submissive program.”

Austin blew out a breath. “OK. I understand focusing on your family. But don’t forget, we don’t kick people out for not being able to afford dues, and the house submissive program isn’t the only thing we offer in the way of assistance. You’re loved there, chickadee. We’ll be there for you if and when you’re ready to come back. If you’re never ready, that’s OK too. We can get together for Sunday brunch sometime.”

Isabelle ended the call and went downstairs to see who was home. Poor Sarah was curled up on the couch clutching a framed piece of art her mom had given her. She was sound asleep though, so Isabelle gently pried the frame from her hand and set it on the end table before covering her with a blanket.

Her dad didn’t appear to be home, so he was likely spending the night at the hospital.

She called him and Catarina answered her grandpa’s phone.

“Mom moved her fingers tonight,” she said.

Isabelle smiled. “Oh, that’s wonderful news. Is Grandpa there?”

“He went to get coffee from the waiting room.”

She waited on the phone for her dad to come back.

“Do you want me to come trade places with you?”

“No. Get a good night’s sleep. Henry is coming to pick up Catarina in a little while. I’ll stay here tonight. You can come relieve me in the morning while I go work some things out with my boss.”

She sighed. “Are you sure?”

“Yes, Isabelle. Let me take care of both my daughters tonight.”

More tears threatened to fall, and she blew out a lengthy breath to keep them at bay. “OK, Daddy. I love you. I’ll see you in the morning.”

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