Page 77 of Isabelle & Jason
“Anyway, he’s working at a café on the other side of town. They’re doing an event this weekend—a fundraiser, I believe. Your brother and sister-in-law own the company?”
Isabelle shifted, her expression remaining blank so she wouldn’t give anything away.
“Anyway, they’re promising to match the donations made. Looks like they’re supporting the equine therapy program run by Mr. Shane Owens.”
Isabelle nodded. It was all she could do not to give away her surprise.
“Perhaps you might consider stopping by and giving your support.”
The fact that her brother hadn’t mentioned this rubbed Isabelle the wrong way. Was this by design? Or had Jason requested that Isabelle remain in the dark? It didn’t matter. Isabelle was tired of running.
Tired of running from her past.
From the man who had hurt her.
And from the love she’d found with Jason.
Today marked a fresh start of sorts, and she knew exactly what she had to do. “Thank you, Dr. Klein. I appreciate it.”
Her therapist nodded. “Have a wonderful afternoon, Izzie.”
Isabelle jumpedto her feet when Charlie and Ash entered the diner. She’d insisted that both of them meet her for dinner before she lost her nerve. Charlie, being the best kind of friend a girl could have, made sure to make it happen. She had plenty of family members wanting to babysit her little one.
Charlie caught sight of her immediately and made a beeline in her direction. Ash followed with a more relaxed gait. When they were all seated in their booth and they’d been served their food, Charlie jumped right in.
“Okay, Izzie. Spill. Where’s the fire?”
Ash snorted and Isabelle couldn’t fight her own grin. Charlie rolled her eyes, but there was a hint of a smug smile touching her lips.
“What’s going on?” Charlie tried again.
Isabelle glanced from Charlie to Ash and back. “Did you tell him?”
Ash stiffened, and there was no missing the look of suspicion when he gazed at his wife. Charlie flushed, and that was the only indication that she hadn’t told Ash anything about Dillan.
Guilt swarmed Isabelle’s insides. She hadn’t meant to ask Charlie to keep a secret from him. And yet this was her story to tell. She hadn’t been ready. Not until today.
Charlie shook her head, and Ash’s eyes narrowed.
“Told me what?” he demanded.
Charlie sighed. “It wasn’t up to me.” She cut Isabelle an exasperated look. “But apparently you’re going to find out, or Isabelle wouldn’t have insisted you come.” Then, more under her breath, she muttered, “Or outed me to you.”
“Sorry,” Isabelle whispered.
“Tell me what?” Ash tried again. “Is something going on?”
Isabelle blushed bright red as she realized how in-depth she’d have to go in order for Ash to understand the importance of this particular conversation.
“It’s about Dillan,” Charlie said, her eyes never straying from Isabelle.
“Dillan? The new guy?” Ash glanced from his wife to Isabelle. “What about him?” There was an edge to his voice. “Did something happen?”
“Straight shooting, something happened,” Charlie seethed.
Ash tensed.
Isabelle reached for her glass of water and took a sip. Her hand shook, and she returned the glass to the table. She could do this. “A couple years ago, he drugged me with the intent to…” Her voice rasped and she could feel the heat beneath her skin intensify.
