The Glass Slipper Project (13 page)

Isabella walked over to the window and stared out at the house in the distance. “I don’t want to stay there.”

“Why not?”

“I can’t.” She gripped her hands into fists cocooned in her own misery. “I have to get away.”

Gabby came up behind her and rested her hands on her shoulders. “You’ll get your chance. Trust me. You’ll get everything you want.”

Isabella turned to her and forced a smile. “Thank you.”

Gabby soon left and Isabella buried herself under the covers. She hated herself for her feelings. Alex had achieved nearly all of his dreams and she hadn’t achieved any. She remembered when she was fifteen she’d once bragged that one day she’d move away and travel the world, and yet, she was still here.

She hated herself even more when she lingered on the memory of his smiles, his humor, intelligence and the light that entered his dark eyes when he teased her. Even though the class had ended, her feelings for him continued. She remembered the touch of his hand against hers, the subtle scent of his cologne and the way he spoke about the house. She shouldn’t feel this way. He was engaged to her sister; her dear sweet sister who deserved better than her jealousy.

As the engagement party grew closer, Isabella fought a violent battle with her emotions. She was determined to show joy she didn’t feel, smile when she wanted to weep and laugh when she wanted to scream. She endured Gabby and Velma’s excited plans for the house and the wedding, wishing she could be somewhere far away.

I
sabella never thought she would be glad to be in Mrs. Lyons’s company, but she was eager to get away from all the engagement and wedding preparations. And with Alex’s help, she had amazed Mrs. Lyons on a number of occasions with her now extensive knowledge of antiques. So it was no surprise when, while Isabella sat playing the piano, Mrs. Lyons said, “I’ve decided to take a companion with me on my travels this year.”

Isabella kept her fingers smooth over the keys as her heart began to race. At last her dream would be coming true. She could finally escape. “Really?”

“I don’t usually take someone with me besides Ms. Timmons, but I thought about this carefully.”

“I’m sure you did.”

“So I’d like you to know that I’ve decided to take Daniella with me.”

Isabella’s heart cracked; she felt as though her throat would close and choke her, but she managed to say, “Daniella?”

“Yes, and because she would need a companion of her own I thought I would also take someone else.”

Her heart began to heal. Of course she would take someone else. She knew Mrs. Lyons wouldn’t let her down. “Yes?”

“I’m also planning to take Sophia.”

Isabella bit her lip to keep from crying. She missed a note and Nicodemus nudged her and meowed in protest. She focused on the piano keys though they had become blurry.

“I think those two young women will be wonderful on the journey I’ve planned.”

“Oh, I see.” Isabella moved her hands over the keys feeling no connection.

“I know you probably had your heart set on going, but I’m sure you can wait until next year.”

Isabella continued to play.

“Your sister wasn’t sure you would approve. She hasn’t said yes yet. I hope you can convince her and tell her what a wonderful opportunity this will be for her and her friend.”

Isabella gave a curt nod.

“Good. I knew you were a sensible girl. Now play me something fast and light. I’m in the mood for Chopin.”

When the day ended, Isabella went straight home ready to disappear into her bedroom, but Daniella met her at the front door, anxious. “She told you, didn’t she?”

Isabella shut the door with a snap, but kept her tone light. “I would have preferred hearing it from you.”

“I didn’t want to hurt you and I thought it would be better coming from her.”

“Oh.” She pushed past her sister and went up the stairs, pleased by how she had maintained her composure although inside she wanted to scream.

“I won’t go.”

Isabella stopped at the top of the stairs, welcoming the solid railing as needed support, and turned. “Of course you’ll go. You’ll go with Sophia and have a marvelous time. There’s no reason for two of us to be stuck here feeling miserable. And you know what? You have to go because even if you didn’t she wouldn’t take me anyway.”

Tears streamed down Daniella’s cheeks.

Her tone softened. “There’s no reason to cry.”

“But it’s so unfair, isn’t it? You’re the good one.”

The good one.
She didn’t feel good. For one wild moment she hated her sisters. She hated Gabby for winning Alex and hated Daniella for winning Mrs. Lyons, but the feeling soon passed and settled into a deep resigned sadness. She looked at her youngest sister and noticed a subtle change. She dressed more fashionably now and always made sure her hair was carefully styled. Sophia had made a strong impression. A trip to Europe would add a cosmopolitan polish that their mother would have wanted for them. “Promise me you’ll write from every country you visit.”

“Mrs. Lyons wants to leave before Gabby’s wedding. She said she’d planned her trip long before they’d planned their nuptials.”

“I’ll take pictures.”

Daniella ascended the stairs and hugged her. “I love you, Izzy, and don’t worry, with Gabby marrying Alex we’ll all be happy soon.”

“Yes,” she said, but her words sounded empty.

Days later, Isabella sat in Martha’s restaurant with a cup of coffee and a pastry. She let the coffee go cold and cut the pastry into tiny pieces.

“I thought I’d find you here,” a familiar voice said.

She glanced up and watched Alex slide into a seat. She showed a look of surprise at the slick dark suit and tie he wore. It should have given him a quiet commanding presence, but somehow it made him look younger. The thought further depressed her. She didn’t want him to be here. Her feelings were too raw and tender. Just the sight of him hurt. The way he sat with broad confidence and vitality made her feel even smaller and insignificant. Alex noticed her attention on his suit and ran a self-conscious hand over his tie. “I just came from a meeting.”

She looked down. “Oh. I hope it went well.”

He was silent a moment then said, “Daniella told me what happened. I’m sorry.”

“It doesn’t matter.”

“Then why are you sulking?”

She cut her pastry even more.

He pulled the plate away. “I told you that you should have just told Mrs. Lyons that you wanted to go.”

“Yes, you’re right. You’re right about a lot of things,” she said dryly. “Congratulations.”

The waitress came and placed a plate of stuffed mushrooms in front of them. “I ordered this for you.” He pushed the plate towards her.

She pushed it back. “I’m not hungry.”

“Gabby said you’ve barely eaten anything for three days.”

“I’m still not hungry.”

His dark eyes sharpened. “I’m not going to allow you to punish yourself and your sisters because of the decision of some spiteful old woman. Your sisters love you and you’re hurting them by starving yourself. It won’t change anything.”

She boldly stared back. “I’m not hungry.”

“And I don’t embarrass easily. So if I have to put you on my knee and force feed you I will.”

She folded her arms in defiance; he stood up ready to meet it.

“All right, all right,” she said quickly. “You big bully.”

He sat. “Say that while you eat.”

She reluctantly bit into a mushroom.

He watched her, a smile tugging on his lips. “You’re as spoiled as Mariella.”

She glared at him. “I am not spoiled. I am not sick and I’m not depressed.”

“I know,” he said quietly. “You’re angry.”

She swallowed hard, fighting the sting of tears. “Yes, I’m angry. She knew how much I wanted to go. I’ve worked for her for five years and after only eight weeks Daniella gains her good favor.
Eight weeks!
While I have toiled for hours trying to learn different types of porcelain marks. I’ve spent money wanting to please her and none of that means anything because she wants a nice, sweet, pretty companion. And I don’t fit the bill.” She brushed tears away in a quick, vicious manner. “I hate myself for making it matter. But it does. I’m angry that she didn’t choose me and I’m angry that you’re here. I don’t like to be bullied.”

“Really? Then why didn’t you ever stand up to your mother when she was alive? I saw the way she bullied you around. Why didn’t you stand up to your sisters or Mrs. Lyons? You’re not angry with me or them. You’re angry at yourself. Because the game you’re playing isn’t working.”

She let her hands fall. “I don’t play games.”

“Of course you do. I know why you cancelled the tutoring sessions with me.”

She froze. “You do?”

“You’d outgrown me weeks ago, but didn’t want to tell me the truth because you were afraid of hurting my feelings. So you abruptly say it’s over and say I should spend time with Gabby.”

Isabella didn’t reply determined not to show her relief that he was ignorant of the truth.

He continued. “You like to pretend you’re pious and patient and sweet with hopes that people will be kind in return. Well here’s a news flash, they won’t be. If you want something you don’t just sit around waiting and hoping for it to happen. You go out and grab it. And if you fail you fail, but at least you tried.

“Do you think I’d spend years hoping to butter up some old woman to get what I wanted?” He laughed cruelly. “No one thought I was good enough for anything. So I had to fight for what I wanted. I had to fight for every scrap. Every cent I own is stained with my sweat and blood. Where do you think I’d be if I’d waited around this town hoping for something to change?”

She was silent a long moment then said, “Do you know the biggest problem with me?”

“I have a few ideas —”

“I’ll tell you,” she interrupted. “The biggest problem with me is that I’m invisible. Completely invisible. I might as well not exist.”

“Don’t say that.”

“Why not? It’s true.”

“But —”

She sat back and rolled her eyes. “Don’t start with those ‘sweet words’ you’re so good at spreading. I heard what you thought of me at the party.”

“That’s what happens when you eavesdrop.”

“So, you meant what you said?”

He speared one of the mushrooms with his fork. “I don’t even know what I said.”

“You said I was invisible.”

He ate the mushroom then nodded. “Yes, that sounds like something I’d say.”

“You were right. But one day I’m going to escape this place and be somebody people notice. Go ahead and snicker.”

“I’m not snickering. I’m just curious to know what you’re waiting for.”

“What?”

“Why wait to leave? Why not be somebody now?” He shook his head before she could speak. “No excuses. You know what the problem is with you?”

“Yes, I just told you.”

“No, what you said was wrong, but here’s the truth. You’re invisible because you
want
to be. Now, before you bite my head off remember you haven’t finished your food.”

“I don’t want to be invisible.”

“Then why do you dress the way you do?”

“Because it’s comfortable.”

“Is that why you always put your sisters first?”

“Someone has to look out for them.”

“Or maybe you don’t want to appear to be in competition.”

She stood. “No.”

He grabbed her hand, forcing her to stay. “Don’t walk away from me.”

“Lower your voice.”

“I will when you sit down.”

She glanced at the door.

He rubbed his thumb against her wrist; his silken voice held a cold edge. “I told you that I don’t embarrass easily. But if you don’t believe me, try walking away.”

Isabella met his gaze feeling the impact of his resolve and knew she couldn’t fight it. She sat. “You’re infuriating.”

Alex released her hand, his tone deceptively casual, and speared another mushroom. “I know.” He leaned back and raised an eyebrow. “I also know something else.”

She blinked, bored. “What?”

“You’re just as attractive as Mariella, just as sensible as Gabby and just as sweet as Daniella. I don’t care what anyone else thinks. You don’t have to be invisible anymore if you don’t want to.”

Isabella rested her chin in her hand. “You think it’s that easy?”

“Yes. Your mother was wrong. There are many beautiful women in the world and you are one of them. I used to hate watching her with you. You could never do anything right, you always got the second or third best clothing and she treated you like an assistant instead of a daughter. And your father never said anything.”

Isabella let her hand fall to the table, offended by his description. “My father was very considerate and my mother had her faults, but she loved us.”

“Do you think she loved you?”

“I just said —”

“No, you said she loved
us
. Do you think she loved
you
?”

“Yes.”

“Then would she want you here feeling sorry for yourself?”

She held back tears. “No.”

Alex stood, shoving the rest of the mushrooms in front of her. “That’s something to think about.”

Isabella sat in the booth trying to make sense of her conflicting emotions. A part of her resented Alex’s insight into her life, but another part knew he was right. She had to stop being invisible. She had to stop pretending things didn’t bother her when they did. She had to change and she had no time to waste.

“W
hat do you mean you’re giving me two weeks’ notice?” Mrs. Lyons demanded.

Isabella drew back the curtains. “Just as I said.”

“Oh, I see,” she said with a smirk. “You’re upset because I’m taking your sister instead of you and this is your childish way of getting back at me.”

“No, I’m doing us both a favor. I’ve never liked you and you’ve felt the same way about me, so I’ve decided that it is time for me to leave.”

She sniffed. “I’ve never said I didn’t like you.”

“You didn’t have to. Besides it doesn’t matter now.”

Mrs. Lyons waved her hands in distress. “How am I supposed to find someone else at such short notice? I’m leaving at the end of the month.”

“I know. So it’s not a problem. When you return, Daniella could come and help full-time.”

“She’s still young,” Mrs. Lyons grumbled.

“But you two get on so well. There. The problem is solved.”

“You’re trying to be assertive, but it doesn’t become you.”

Isabella only smiled.

Mrs. Lyons waved an impatient hand. “Do you want more money? Is that it?”

“No, thank you, Mrs. Lyons.”

“But you’re the best companion I’ve ever had. How about if I promise to take you with me next year? I can’t cancel on your sister and her friend at this late notice.”

“I don’t want you to.”

Mrs. Lyons nodded satisfied. “So it’s settled then. I’ll take you with me next year. Now I would like you to read —”

“Mrs. Lyons I don’t need more money or a promise of a trip. I’m giving you my two weeks’ notice.”

“And you’ve made up your mind?”

“Yes.”

She lifted her chin and her eyes grew cold. “Then you can leave right now.”

Isabella nodded. “If that’s how you feel.”

Mrs. Lyons stiffened her chin when it began to tremble. “That’s how I feel.”

“Very well.” Isabella quickly gathered her things.

“I thought you would be more grateful. I was there when you had no one else. I paid you a decent wage. Less than twenty hours a week and you received a full salary and this is how you repay me?” She covered her eyes. “It’s unbearable.”

“If those tears were real, I’d be deeply moved. Goodbye.”

Mrs. Lyons listened to Isabella’s footsteps then heard the front door close. She stood and went to the window and watched Isabella walk to her car. This time the tears that flowed down her face were real, filled with the bitterness of regret. She wiped them away and held her head high. No, she didn’t care. However, something else did. She caught sight of a lone silhouette as Nicodemus sat like carved wood on the porch railing watching Isabella go.

Ms. Timmons ran after Isabella before she got in her car. “Isabella! Please don’t go.”

“I have to.”

Ms. Timmons gripped her hands together. “She’ll forgive you, if you apologize.”

“But I haven’t done anything wrong.”

Ms. Timmons hung her head. “You were always too good for her.” She sighed resigned. “Somehow I knew this day would come.” She looked up and smiled sheepishly. “I hate to see you go but I understand. Good luck.”

“Thanks, I’ll need it.”

At dinner that evening, Isabella listened to her sisters talk about the upcoming engagement party. Velma and Sophia were out shopping. “I can help a lot more now,” she said.

“You won’t have time,” Mariella said. “I know your class ended, but you still have Mrs. Lyons.”

“Not any more.”

They all stared at her.

“I quit my job with Mrs. Lyons.”

“What!” Mariella said. “Now? You’re supposed to quit
after
the wedding not before.”

“Well, I did it anyway,” Isabella said.

Gabby frowned. “Why?”

“I realized I didn’t like her.”

“You never liked her,” Mariella said. “But that didn’t bother you before.”

Isabella strategically cut her potatoes into measured pieces. “Well, it bothers me now.”

“So what are you going to do?”

“I’ll find something.”

“Do you know the difficulty of finding a job when you don’t have another one?”

“I’ll handle it.”

Mariella sat as inflexible as marble. “I think it was very thoughtless of you. Fortunately, everything will work out. With Alex as a brother-in-law I’ll be able to meet important people.” She studied her sister. “I don’t know what has gotten into you, but I hope you come back to your senses in time for the party.”

Unfortunately, Mariella’s hope for her sister to come to her senses didn’t come true. A week later Mariella stood in The Orchid Boutique staring at her sister, astonished. “But you can’t wear that,” Mariella cried. “You’ll look ridiculous.”

Isabella looked at herself in the mirror. “I don’t think so.”

“It has stripes.”

“I like stripes.”

“Everyone will be looking at you.”

She lifted a sly brow. “That’s never seemed to bother you.”

Mariella rested a hand on her chest. “I’m different. I was born to be admired. You on the other hand…” She faltered.

“What about me?” Isabella pressed.

“You were not born to wear
stripes
,” she finished lamely. She turned to her other sisters. “Dani, Gabby say something.”

“It’s not like you Izzy,” Daniella said carefully. “But if you like it…”

Isabella ran her fingers along the neckline. “I do.”

Mariella rolled her eyes. “Gabby, you’re the sensible one. Say something.”

Gabby smiled at Isabella. “Promise you’ll let me do your makeup.”

The spring engagement party for Gabby and Alex was the most talked about event. A large tent stood in the back of the house, on the west lawn. Delicate china sat on sandy-colored tablecloths along with miniature spring bouquets for each of the guests. The soothing sounds from a harpist drifted through the air along with the light scent of sautéed vegetables, red and white wine and smoked fish.

Alex stood next to Tony and watched the crowd.

Gabby came up to him and he kissed her on the cheek. They suddenly heard whispers from behind them and turned and saw a stunning woman in a zebra-striped dress and large wide-brimmed hat. “Who is
that
?”

Gabby smiled at him. “Can’t you guess?”

He shook his head. “She must be new in town.”

“I know who it is,” Tony said. “It’s Isabella.”