Isabella and the Slipper, page 14
He didn’t stay there for long, only a short conversation, but Chase grew insanely curious as to who he was. Then he remembered Five talking about a guy at school who had spoken to her. A guy she liked. Was that him? His gaze trailed after him as he deposited his lunch tray and exited the room.
He had short hair and wore khaki pants and a button-down shirt. He even wore glasses. Maybe Isabella liked him because he was smart, which suddenly annoyed Chase. He was smart, too.
“What are you doing?”
Chase looked at the girl by his side. Belinda. “What?”
Belinda pointed to his sandwich. He was clutching it so tight the bread held finger impressions and the meat and cheese were falling out.
“Nothing,” he said, setting the ruined sandwich down. He wasn’t hungry anymore, anyway.
“What did that guy do to you?” Belinda stared after him as well.
Chase wiped his hand on his napkin. “He didn’t do anything.” He picked up his tray, slid his sandwich in the trash, and tossed it on the stack. He didn’t feel so much like celebrating his victory from this morning anymore.
He walked into his American history class and sat in his seat. The teacher wasn’t in there yet, so he pulled out his phone and messaged Five again.
Just curious. Have you been talking to that guy you like?
Aren’t you in class??
The teacher isn’t here yet.
Well, mine is! You’re going to get me in trouble.
The bell rang, and his teacher walked in. With gray hair and thick glasses, he figured he probably wouldn’t notice if Chase kept his phone in his lap.
You didn’t answer my question.
Yes, he’s been talking to me. Happy?
Not really. How much do you like him?
Honestly? A lot.
A gut punch. That’s what it felt like. Now that he knew who Five was, and had more than just a small crush on her, he couldn’t stand the thought of her liking another guy. Who was he, anyway?
Forget him. Date me instead.
Why? Are you jealous?
He had nothing to lose by being honest with her. Yes!!
This situation is hysterical.
What did she mean by that?
He glanced up at his teacher, but he was writing on the chalkboard and wasn’t paying attention.
It’s not funny to me. He sent her a pouty-face emoji.
The teacher is glaring at me. Gotta go.
Okay.
Chase slipped his phone in his pocket, not feeling much better. He vowed to find out who Isabella liked so he could size up his competition. History class dragged on, and he stared at the wall, not paying much attention.
His sour mood continued until he entered his physics class and Isabella smiled at him. He sat down and turned to her. “Hey.”
She pushed her glasses up with one finger. “Hi.”
“How’s everything going?”
“Fine.”
Her eyes held something he couldn’t quite put his finger on. “You free to work on our paper tonight?”
Her smile disappeared. “I have to clean the gallery. Get it ready for my stepsister’s big debut.”
Mr. Morgan walked in. “Why did the chicken cross the Mobius strip?” He waited for a moment, then said, “To get to the same side!”
A couple of people chuckled. Mr. Morgan grinned and waved a hand in the air. “It’s okay. You don’t have to clap.”
Chase gave Isabella a frown. “Sorry,” he whispered, then turned around.
Mr. Morgan opened his briefcase. “Today we’re going to partner up and work on our projects. If you haven’t started on your papers yet, today is the day to do it.”
Chase turned his desk around. Good. He’d get to spend the period looking at Isabella. And maybe charming her a little. It couldn’t hurt, right?
Chapter 20
Isabella tried really hard not to smirk at Chase. He was jealous of himself. What a weird situation. His crush on Five was cute. But also a bit annoying. Five wasn’t real. She was a girl in his imagination. A girl who didn’t exist in the real world. As long as he didn’t know who she was, Five could be anyone. He could imagine her to be what his heart desired. And that was the danger of revealing herself to him. Because Isabella wasn’t nearly as fascinating as the mysterious, sexy woman he’d conjured up in his brain.
Chase pulled out their paper. They discussed a few options and wrote the rest of the paper together. Then they talked about how they would present the materials to the class.
After they got all the details ironed out, Chase cocked his head to the side like he wanted to say something, but he stayed silent.
Isabella mimicked his stance. “Yes?”
“Sorry. Was just thinking.”
She gave him a small smile. “About what?”
“I don’t know.” He shrugged and made an it-doesn’t-matter face. “I told you I have a secret crush. Just wondering if you have one.”
Oh, no. This wasn’t good. She was bad at lying. She could feel the heat coming up her neck.
“No,” she said, even though she knew she’d be tomato red in a second.
He squinted at her. “Really? Then why are you blushing?”
She rolled her eyes. “All right. Maybe I do. But it’s a secret crush, and that means I don’t talk about it.”
“I told you about mine.”
“You said you don’t even know her name. That’s it.” She squared her shoulders and returned his bold gaze, even though staring into his blue eyes was making her butterflies dance.
“True.”
“So we’re even in my book.”
There. She’d gotten out of that conversation.
He grinned his camera-ready smile and wielded the full power of his dimple. “Do you have any classes with him?”
Dang. He wasn’t going to give up. Fine.
She glared at him. “Yes.”
“How many?”
“One. But that’s all you’re getting out of me.”
“Have you talked to him today?”
She threw her head back and looked at the ceiling. “Why do you care?”
He glanced at the clock. “Just making conversation. We’re done with our project and still have five minutes until the bell rings.”
“Then let’s talk about something else.”
He picked up the papers on his desk and stuffed them in his backpack. “I don’t want to. You’re cute when you’re flustered. Who is he?”
Was he going to pester her until she gave him a name? Maybe she should just give him one. Any name. Savannah’s brother popped into her head. She’d spoken to him today, and he was in her photography class. “Paul. His name is Paul. Can we talk about something else now?”
Chase gave her a flat look. “Paul who?”
She groaned. “Evans.”
He raised an eyebrow. “Why do you like him?”
“Why do you like phone girl?” she shot back, giving him a death stare.
A funny grin spread across Chase’s face. “She’s witty. And caring. And we talk about all kinds of things. I just feel a connection with her.”
“And that’s why I like Paul.” Isabella folded her arms across her chest and clamped her mouth shut.
Hopefully, that would be enough.
Chase nodded. “That’s great.”
His face didn’t look like he thought that was great.
The bell rang, and Isabella silently thanked the heavens. She gathered up her things while Chase turned his desk back around.
He slung his backpack over one shoulder. “Want a ride?”
She shook her head. “No. I’m already in enough trouble at home.”
Chase worked his jaw, a hard look in his eyes. “You okay at home?”
It was sweet that he felt protective of her. “Yeah. Nothing like that. She’s just making me work extra hours to get ready for this weekend.”
He placed his hand on her arm, and the warmth from his skin spread. If he only knew what his touch did to her. “You call me if anything . . . happens.”
She nodded, unable to make words come out.
“Are you sure you won’t let me drive you?”
Isabella bit her lip. She did need to go home and get the painting for Mr. Kato. It would take her extra-long to walk home and then back to the gallery. She would get in trouble if she was late to work. “Maybe you could drop me off a block from home?”
He nodded. “Sure thing.”
She gave him a smile. “Thanks.”
Isabella lugged the painting as she walked to the Vibrant Hue. It was large and awkward, but she had no other way to get it there. And Mr. Kato wanted to purchase it that day. She’d snuck it out through her balcony, which was difficult, but luckily she’d made it without falling off the cliff.
When she entered the gallery, Leilani approached her. “Ooh, can I see?”Her eyebrows rose as she looked at Isabella’s painting. “Wow. You did this?”
“Yeah,” she said, heat creeping into her cheeks.
“It’s brilliant!” Leilani clicked her tongue. “You’ve improved. I have no idea why Elenore is hanging this junk up.” She pointed to Delilah’s butt print.
“Probably to punish me. She’s made that her life’s mission.”
“What are you going to do with your painting?”
Isabella grinned. “I sold this to Mr. Kato. He’s paying me a thousand dollars for it!”
Leilani clapped her hands. “That’s more than you would have gotten hanging it in here. Take it and run, girl.”
“That’s what I was thinking.” She took the painting into the office and set it against the wall. She proceeded to get out the mop and fill the bucket with water. Mr. Kato came in when she was halfway through with the floors. She heard his voice before she saw him.
“Where’s my little art mouse?”
She turned and smiled, a warmth flowing in her chest. She gave him a hug. “How have you been?”
Mr. Kato patted her on the cheek. “Just fine, love.” He searched her face. “And you?”
“I’m doing okay.”
“She’s treating you better?”
Isabella shook her head. “But I graduate this year. Then I’m on my own.”
Mr. Kato gave her a sad smile. “You’ll do well for yourself.”
“Thanks.” She wanted to change the subject, so she led him into the office. “Here’s the painting.”
He stood back and stared at it. “Amazing. It’s breathtaking. Even better in person. I can’t wait to hang this in a special place. Maybe above my fireplace.”
Isabella’s throat tightened. She was selling her first painting, and he was going to hang it prominently in his home. Mr. Kato was known for his gatherings. Important people would see it. Her heart beat faster as she thought about it.
“I’ll go wrap this up in the back.”
“I’ll make out a check.” He grinned at her, then held out his hand suddenly. “Wait.” He peered at the painting. “Oh, no. This won’t do.”
A sinking feeling started in her gut. “What?”
“You forgot to sign it.”
“Oh.” She’d been working on her artist signature but hadn’t perfected it yet. Most of her paintings were unsigned. “Sorry. I’ll sign it now.”
“Perfect.”Mr. Kato grinned with his whole face. He wrote her a check as she signed the painting.
She gave him the painting and another hug before he left. She couldn’t get over her emotions.
A thousand dollars!
It wouldn’t pay for school, but it would help get her started.
Maybe she could sell a few more paintings.
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?
She wasn’t a daughter. She was a “situation.” Blinking back tears, Isabella stood straight, determined not to let Elenore get to her. “I’ll be gone soon.”
Elenore made a face. “I know.”
What did that mean? It looked like Elenore wasn’t too happy about that fact. What was that about? Isabella cleared her throat and brushed past Elenore.
“I’ll go bring out more food.”
She left before she could hear Elenore’s reply. Typical. She wasn’t anything more than a nuisance to Elenore. It stung, but she didn’t want to think about it. All she wanted to do was leave.
Time crawled as she served guests and talked about how special the new art was. She had to listen to people go on about the interesting choice of color and shape and how the pieces flowed into one another. She supposed people were impressed with the art because Elenore had said it was innovative, and Elenore was seen as an important member of their high society.
Or some other bull like that.
As ten o’clock came and went, Isabella felt an urgency to get out. Leilani pulled her aside. “I’m sorry, I didn’t realize it was going to be this busy. And Elenore is watching you like a hawk. I don’t know what to do.”
Paco came up behind them. “I’ve called in reinforcements.”
What did that mean?
Before she could ask, Mr. Kato walked in and took Elenore’s arm. “Darling, how are you? It’s been way too long.” He carted her off into one of the showrooms.
Paco grinned. “There. He said he’d keep her busy for a while.”
Isabella threw her arms around him. “Thank you, Paco. You’re a lifesaver.”
His cheeks reddened. “Go on, now. Get out of here.”
“I want a full report,” Leilani said, shoving her toward the door.
Isabella paused. “Wait, I have to get my purse.” She ran into the office, grabbed it, and then sprinted toward the door. “Thank you,” she mouthed to Leilani and Paco.
Once outside, the night air felt good on her skin. She started toward Savannah’s when a car pulled up beside her, the window down. “Finally!” Savannah shouted. “I’ve been waiting out here forever. Get in.”
Isabella didn’t have time to question her. She climbed into the car and slammed the door shut. “Thank you! Let’s go!”
Savannah peeled out. They arrived at Savannah’s house in no time. Isabella followed her up to her room. Savannah opened her closet and shoved the dress at Isabella. “Get undressed. You brought your contacts, right?”
“They’re in my purse.” She held it up.
“Okay. Put them in. Now!” Savannah pushed her toward the bathroom.
Ten minutes later, Isabella stood before the mirror in the bathroom. She closed her eyes and held her breath while Savannah zipped up the back of the dress. It was a bit snug, but the zipper went up without too much gut sucking.
