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.
“There,” Savannah said, lowering her hair. “It’s perfect. Look.” She turned Isabella toward the mirror.
Isabella stared at her reflection. “Wow.”
“I know, right? This dress is awesome. And you look hot in it!”
Heat rose to her cheeks. Isabella had never felt so beautiful. Without her glasses, her eyes actually looked pretty. She turned both directions to see how the dress looked from each side. Not bad.
Savannah brought out the matching shoes. They were flats with teal jewels on them. They looked like ballerina slippers. “Those are gorgeous.”
“And they feel like you’re walking on air. Try them on.”
Isabella slipped her feet into them. “They’re a little big, but I think it will work.” She walked around the bathroom. “Yeah. They won’t come off.”
Savannah started scooping up her hair. “Now to get the wig on you.”
Chase looked at the clock again. Almost eleven. He stuffed his hands in his pockets and walked around the outside of the gym once more. She was coming, right? He didn’t want to hold out too much hope, but this meant more to him than he wanted to admit.
Five had become his confidante. His best friend. And he wanted her to be more. His phone chimed, and he took it out to look at the message.
On my way now. Sorry it took so long.
Relief lifted the tension from his shoulders. I’ll be by the entrance.
I’m wearing a teal dress.
Can’t wait to see you.
He adjusted his black mask and began walking toward the front doors.
“Chase!” A voice called out, and he turned to see Delilah coming at him in full force. Her dress took up the whole hallway. She must have shopped for hours to find it. Or maybe she paid someone to make it for her. He wasn’t sure, but he did feel a twinge of guilt for leading her on.
“Hi, Delilah.”
“Your date still hasn’t shown up?” She made eyes at him. “Must be fate.”
“She’s coming right now. In fact, I need to go meet her at the entrance.”
Delilah pulled on his arm. “Come on. Stop pretending. I know you wanted to come here with me. You can stop being coy. Let’s dance.”
He wriggled out of her grasp. “Sorry, I told you. I’m here with someone else.”
Delilah put her hands on her hips. “Then where is she? Huh?”
The doors opened, and Isabella stepped in. At least, he thought it was her. Her hair was piled on top of her head, a few curly tendrils falling down. And it was a deep red color. She wore a teal dress that showed off her figure, and she had on matching slippers. A masquerade mask with a large black feather extending up adorned her face. She nervously bit her lip.
“There she is,” Chase said under his breath. He walked away from Delilah. As he neared, he couldn’t help but smile. “You made it.”
Delilah followed after him. “Her? This is your date?” Her screechy voice grated on his nerves.
He didn’t even turn to look at Delilah. His eyes couldn’t get enough of Isabella. “Yes.”
Delilah made a disgusted snort. “Why, she’s so plain.” When he didn’t respond, she grunted and turned on her heel. “Well. I never.” She stalked off down the hallway, leaving him alone with Isabella.
He suddenly felt nervous and a bit shy. “Five?” he said, tentatively.
She nodded. “Sorry I’m so late.”
He itched to touch her, but he tempered his desires. “I understand.” He glanced toward the gym. “Want to go in?”
Isabella gave him a smile. “Okay.”
They walked down the hallway. “You look lovely,” he said, feeling like a tongue-tied little kid.
She blushed. “Thank you.”
When he opened the door for her, the music grew louder. The gym was decorated in light and dark purples, with clusters of balloons on the walls and hanging from the ceiling. Streams of fabric hung, coming out from a large cluster of balloons in the center like spokes on a Ferris wheel. White twinkle lights adorned the walls. A live band played on the stage, the strains from the song “Imagine” by John Lennon rang out.
He took Isabella’s hand. “Want to dance?”
“Yes,” she said, a little breathless.
He pulled her out onto the dance floor and placed one hand on her back, taking his stance as he had learned in dance class. He began moving to the music.
She peered up at him through her mask. “You’re a good dancer.”
“Actors have to know how to dance. At least, that’s what Mom always said.” He grinned at her. “But right now, I don’t mind so much.”Electricity skittered across where his skin touched hers, and he pulled her closer.
Isabella lowered her lashes. “So, do I look like you imagined?”
He grinned and whispered in her ear. “Better than I imagined.”
She peered at him, her eyes skeptical. “But I’m . . . just average.”
He caressed her hand with his thumb. “How many times do I need to tell you that I don’t care what you look like?”
She stayed silent, so he continued. “As we’ve been texting each other, I’ve gotten to know who you are on the inside.” He looked into her chocolate-brown eyes, just now realizing she wasn’t wearing her glasses. He swallowed. “You’re beautiful.”
She blushed a deeper shade of red and looked past him. “Has it been this crowded all night?”
“No. It was pretty bare earlier. Most people probably went out to eat before the dance.”
The song ended, and he let go of her. “Are you thirsty? Want something to drink?”
“Sure.” She led the way to the punch bowl. It sat on a table by the wall. He scooped up a cup for her, and she gulped it down.
He chuckled. “More?”
She shook her head. “No. But thank you. I needed that.” She tossed the empty plastic cup in the trash.
“You look flushed. Do you want to go outside?”
A look of relief came over her. “Yes.”
He held the door for her. The light breeze felt good on his face. Isabella smiled up at him.
They walked down a path that led them around the school. Chase wasn’t sure if she would pull away if he tried to hold her hand, so he put his hands in his pockets. It was driving him crazy that she liked another guy. But there wasn’t much he could do about it.
“Do you feel like everything happens for a reason?” she asked.
“What, like fate or something?”
She nodded. “Yes. Do you believe in fate?”
He took in a breath and let it out slowly, trying to think of a good answer. “I guess I kind of do. I mean, I think sometimes we make our own destiny, but ultimately I believe there’s a higher power out there who has control.”
Isabella slowed her steps. “If there’s a higher power who is in control, then why do bad things happen to good people?”
He stopped walking and turned to her. The moonlight lit up her face, and he looked into her dark eyes. “That’s a question people have been struggling with ever since time began.”
She peered up at him, her eyebrows furrowed. “What do you think?”
He cupped her cheek with his hand, unable to stand it anymore. “I think even the bad things that happen ultimately do some good. They shape us into the people we become.” He didn’t finish the thought because he didn’t want to tell her what an amazing person he thought she had already become. He’d embarrassed her enough tonight.
She blinked at him, her mask hiding her expression. “What about right now? Is this fate?”
His gaze landed on her lips. “Yes,” he whispered, mesmerized. He leaned in, and her lips parted.
Did that mean she wanted him to kiss her? He came a little closer, waiting to see if she would back away from him. When she didn’t, he brushed his lips across hers.
Her lips were soft and warm, and the sensations washing over him left him breathless. He wanted more. He kissed her again, slowly, more thoroughly. Her lips were like nothing he’d ever experienced. He’d kissed girls before, but none of them tilted his world quite like Isabella.
He kissed the corner of her mouth, and then her jaw. A desire to show her he knew who she was welled up in him. He wanted her to realize he liked her for who she really was. He pulled back and reached up to her mask. Slowly, he began lifting it.
This broke the spell and Isabella gasped, stepping back, both hands on her mask. “Don’t,” she said, her voice almost panicked.
He ran a hand through his hair. “Sorry.”