She started to relax as we walked around the museum looking at the various artwork on display. The works of art being auctioned off would be in a separate room, but we had time to wander. Both my parents would have already been here and placed their silent bid. Ideally, they would have already made their graceful exit.
“This photo is amazing.”
I stared at a photo of an elderly woman. The photographer seemed to have captured a look of mischief in her eyes, and it was truly like you could see her soul in that moment. Beneath the photo was a plaque.
Estelle – To know her, is to know real joy – Nathan James
Whoever the photographer was, I would love for him to capture Isabella so perfectly.
“It really is stunning. Makes me want to meet Estelle and the photographer.”
“Me too.”
Isabella linked her arm through mine and rested her head against my shoulder as she stared at the photo for another minute. She was finally relaxed and content. We took in a few more exhibits before heading toward the auction. My parents would always make sure to spend an enormous amount of money on a work of art, so they never expected us to bid, but they did expect us to provide a donation. I had my check in my pocket. It was my mother’s way of making sure I actually showed up.
As we started to approach, I heard Cassidy walking behind us and tensed.
“I mean, I know sickle cell research is important, but did you know it was also National Suicide Awareness Month as well? You would think that Mrs. Covington would have tried to get the hospital to focus on that this year, don’t you?”
My whole body froze in place. I expected Cassidy to be cruel, but I truly didn’t think she would sink this low. The worst thing was, I realized she was talking to Dylan.
“I’m sure they were just trying to divert attention.”
Isabella seemed to only just notice the pair, and I was desperate for her not to hear the conversation if it continued. Wrapping my arm around her, I caught her by surprise and noticed a small gasp escape her lips. Touching her cheek, I smiled softly at her and drew her into a kiss. I know kissing her didn’t leave her dreamy-eyed and besotted with me, but it did temporarily stop her from focusing on anything else. Like Cassidy and Dylan.
I deepened the kiss as much as I dared, my body frozen in place by the cruelness of my former girlfriend. Pulling Isabella closer, I started to realize that the kiss was just as good of a distraction for me until I heard Cassidy’s voice whisper so softly I knew it was meant just for me.
“This nice-guy act can’t last forever, dear.”
She was gone then, and I raised my lips from Isabella. For a moment, her beautiful big brown eyes just stared at me before a sly smile came to her lips.
“That was a valiant attempt, I must say.”
Releasing my breath, I realized she really hadn’t heard anything that Cassidy had said, and a wave of relief rushed over me.
Trying to force a sly smile to my face, I whispered, “And?”
With a sigh, she shook her head.
“Niente.”
Looking at the doorway toward the next room, I realized I didn’t have the nerve to go through with this day. Although I had thought this fake dating plan was a brilliant idea, I was beginning to see how dangerous it was. From this moment on, I had a new plan. I was going to keep Isabella as far away from Cassidy as possible.
The cost of keeping my past hidden: keeping my future as far away from it as possible.
Isabella
I had no idea what spooked Liam, but it was alarming to see the look of distress in his eyes.He didn’t think I could see it since he was trying to smile and flirt with me, but he wasn’t fooling anyone. We were far too close already for me not to notice how he was truly feeling.
“Dr. Wilcox, what a pleasure to see you.”
The gentleman seemed to be surprised by Liam but then turned to us with a smile.
“Liam, my boy, I haven’t seen you around in a while.”
Liam nodded.
“You know me, always trying to keep busy. In fact, I was wondering if you could actually do me a favor. We were looking at all the artwork and I completely lost track of time. I have an interview to get to; you know how these things are. If I go in there, I’ll be stuck in polite conversation for at least an hour.”
