Page 67 of Isabella and the Slipper

Her phone vibrated with a call, and her heart sped up. Chase was calling. She pulled her phone out and saw Savannah’s name on the screen. She took a deep breath and answered.

“Hey. What’s up?”

Savannah’s lively voice came through the line. “Are you going to come over for a dress fitting?”

“I don’t think I can tonight. I still have to wash the windows.”

“Well, we can’t put it off until the last minute. What if the dress doesn’t fit?”

Savannah was a little bit of a drama queen sometimes. Isabella held in an eye roll. They were practically twins when it came to size. “I’ll see if I can sneak away tomorrow.”

“All right.” Savannah squealed. “I’m so excited for you.”

“Don’t get your hopes up too much. Remember, Elenore is making me work the gala. I might not even get to sneak away.”

“Girl, you’d better. Because I’m living a fantasy through you, and I need this dance.”

Isabella laughed. “You’d better get yourself a man. If you think my love life is fantasy worthy, you’re pretty desperate.”

They said their goodbyes and hung up the phone. Isabella looked at the half-mopped floors and sighed.

Maybe the rest of the week would go better.

Chapter 21

Isabella’s hopes were dashed when Elenore insisted on her working until all hours of the night each day of the week. As far as Chase was concerned, she spent her days alternating between texting as Five and talking to him at school as Isabella. She wasn’t sure how long she could keep up the separation. It seemed as if things were blending together.

By Saturday, Isabella was exhausted. Elenore made her dress up in a little black waitress outfit to serve the guests. At eight o’clock, Delilah came out in her elaborate fall formal dress. The entire thing was silver, with silver buttons and silver lace. The skirts expanded out so large she looked like a giant light fixture.

Elenore introduced Delilah and her art. Isabella smiled and clapped at the appropriate times. After a few minutes of mingling, Elenore sent Delilah and Ava off to the dance, a gleeful look of triumph in her eyes. Then she turned to Isabella. “Go get more bacon-wrapped poppers from the back. How did you not notice this tray was out of them?”

She sighed and nodded. “Yes, ma’am.”

She hurried to make Elenore happy. At nine o’clock, she slipped into the office to check her phone. She had several messages from Chase.

Five, I know you’re busy. Just wanted you to know I’m at the dance and waiting for you when you can slip away.

Oh, heavens. Delilah just showed up. I guess she took my silver comment seriously.

I hope you can come soon. Delilah doesn’t believe that I have a date.

You okay?

She smiled and messaged him back.I’m okay. Trying to slip away soon.

Isabella shoved the phone back into her purse and pulled out the photo of her mother. “Almost time, Mom. I’m kind of nervous.” She touched the photo. Her mother would understand.

Elenore burst into the office, and Isabella stuffed the photo in her clutch purse and turned to her. Elenore’s eyes narrowed. “What are you doing in here?”

“Nothing.”

“Hiding from responsibility?” Elenore folded her arms and glared. “Honestly, child. I have no idea why I put up with you.”

“Why do you?” The words were out before she could think, and she regretted them instantly.

Elenore sighed. “I have no choice. I married into this—” She waved her hand over Isabella. “Situation.”

That’s what she thought of Isabella?

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