by Girard, Dara
“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.
Chapter 14
“What 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.”
Chapter 15
Alex couldn’t keep his eyes off of her and neither could anyone else. She seemed as glowing as a spring day. Vividly beautiful. He looked at her in a way that a man shouldn’t look at his future sister-in-law.
Tony stared at Alex. “Having second thoughts?” he asked.
“No,” he said, sharper than he meant to. “I told you I don’t care which sister I marry. I’m not particular.”
“Perhaps you should be.”
Alex turned to him and frowned. “You’ve been in a bad mood for weeks. What’s wrong with you?”
“I don’t like how lightly you talk about marriage.”
“Marriage is lig
ht. People only pretend to take it seriously. I’m not that hypocritical.”
“But you are.”
“What?”
“I think it’s hypocritical to marry someone when you want someone else.”
“I don’t want anyone,” he scoffed.
“Then why can’t you keep your eyes off of Isabella?”
“Nobody else can either. I’m only human.”
Tony just stared at him.
He cleared his throat, uncomfortable. “I’m extremely fond of Isabella, but it doesn’t extend beyond that. I’m engaged to Gabby and I’ll keep my promise. You know that.”
At that moment Gabby returned to his side oblivious to his lack of attention. “Everything is fantastic.”
Alex smiled at her. “I’m glad you think so.”
Elaine Tremain approached the trio, holding a glass of wine. She offered Gabby a quick glance then focused her attention on Alex. “I wanted to offer you my congratulations.”
Alex bowed his head. “Thank you.”
“I find your engagement extraordinary.”
“Then you must be easily amazed because I don’t see anything extraordinary about it at all.”
“Well the Duvalls have always been an…interesting family. Frankly, I find Isabella’s outfit very amusing.”
Gabby tensed. “I think —”
Alex stayed her. “Elaine?”
She took another sip. “Yes?”
“Go away.”
She stared stunned then left in a huff.
“I can’t stand that woman,” Gabby said. “But now that she’s gone let me show you this.” She shoved her plate under Tony’s nose. “Have you tried this?” She used her fork to point to the slice of roasted almond mousse cake. When she lifted up a piece to take a bite, a cream-covered almond landed on the bare skin revealed above her neckline. “Clumsy me,” she said wiping the almond up with her finger and putting it in her mouth. “But never mind, it’s delicious.”
Tony ripped his gaze from her chest. “I’m glad,” he said as though he were choking.
“Are you all right?”
“I’m fine.”
“Then go ahead and take some.”
He swallowed and shook his head. “No, that’s okay.”
