Page 187 of Ice Darling
“But I still want to go to her party.”
“Are you sure? You might not have a lot of fun,” I warn.
“All my other friends are going to be there, and they were talking about going as princesses. I want to do that too.”
I wait for her to say more.
When she doesn’t, I suggest, “Do you want me to take you to the party?”
“It’s not that.” She hesitates. “I told Daddy about the party, and he helped me pick out an outfit this morning, but it looks really bad.”
My throat chokes up at Renthrow’s name. “I’m sure he did his best.”
In the background, I hear Gordie snapping a picture, and a moment later, she sends me a photo of her scowling into a mirror.
She’s wearing her usual pigtails, Hello Kitty leggings, and a T-shirt. She looks cute, but not exactly party-ready. And definitely not “princess” party-ready.
Gordie lowers her voice. “Daddy doesn’t understand, and Grandma says she doesn’t have time to take me shopping.”
“What time is the party?”
“It’s at six at the arcade in the mall.”
“I’ll come over and take you shopping. We’ll figure this out together, okay?” I hang up and start putting my tools back in their toolbox.
“What’s wrong?” Rebel asks, walking by.
“Is it an emergency?” April says, poking her head out of a suspended car.
“Yes, it is.” A fashion emergency is still an emergency, right? “Gordie needs me.”
“Go.” April gives me an understanding nod.
My bike roars loudly through the air as I ride over to Renthrow’s house and pound my fist on the door. Brenda opens it and seems surprised to see me.
“Cordelia, what are you doing here?” she asks.
I walk in and tilt my head toward the second floor. “I came to talk to Gordie.”
“Now’s not a very good time.” Brenda dabs her upper lip with a handkerchief and avoids my gaze.
“I heard she’s going to a party, and I wanted to help her get dressed,” I explain.
“Oh, that? I’ve already made arrangements.”
My stomach churns. Why is Brenda acting so strange? Is it because of me and Renthrow? Did he forbid Gordie from seeing me?
I knew it would be a possibility, but it still hurts to know that he doesn’t trust me anymore.
Even so, I stand my ground, refusing to be pushed out. “Brenda, I know Renthrow and I are having our problems, but that has nothing to do with Gordie. She called me to help, and I promised her I would, so either we get Renthrow here and hash this out now, or?—”
Brenda shakes her head. “I had no idea about you and Renthrow. The truth is I already…”
“Helloo!” A familiar voice singsongs. “Brenda! Are you here? The door was open, so I just…” Mom freezes when she sees me. “…Walked in.”
“Mom.” I blanche.
“Delia?” Mom blinks slowly.
