Page 25 of Isabella and the Slipper

She sighed. “All right.” They walked for another block before she stopped. “This is my house.”

He looked at Delilah’s house. “You don’t live here.”

Her cheeks colored. “Yes, I do.”

His confusion grew. “But this is where Delilah and Ava live. I’ve been to parties here. I’ve never seen you here.”

She toed the ground. “Delilah doesn’t let me attend her parties.”

He grew angry on her behalf. “Why not?”

“It’s ... complicated.” She glanced at her house, then turned back to him. “I should get inside.”

She was hiding something, but he didn’t want to push her too far. He knew what it was like to keep secrets, too. Better to give her space, so he took a step back. “Okay. See you tomorrow at school.”

“See ya.” She started toward the house, and he turned and walked away.

Was she Delilah’s twin sister? They looked nothing alike. Maybe they were half sisters or something.

He pulled out his phone and texted Five.

Is it too late to text you?

It took her a second to answer.No, I’m awake. What’s up?

Just missed you. How was your day? Did that guy talk to you again?

Yes.

Why did he feel a surge of jealousy over a girl he’d never really met?You like him a lot?

I think I do.

The words hit him like a sucker punch, which was stupid. They hardly knew each other.Does he know your name?

Yes.

Lucky guy.

But he barely knows I exist.

Then forget him. He’s not worth it. Date me instead.The words just came out. He hadn’t meant to ask her out, but after he typed it, he liked the idea. A lot. He’d love to meet this girl.

When she didn’t answer, he texted again.Five?

Sorry. Just trying to decide how to answer.

How about a yes?

He turned onto his street.

I would if I could.

What does that mean? Why can’t you date whoever you want?

I can’t really explain.

He walked up the steps to his house and entered. She was frustrating him.

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