Free Beauty and the Beach by Diane Darcy Page B

his ability. Others might disagree, but it seemed like a good plan to him.
     
    ~~~
     
    Isabelle could hear Courtney’s yawn over the phone. “We seriously looked everywhere, Izzy. It’s like it just disappeared.”
    “You should go to bed. You have school in the morning.”
    Courtney snorted. “Who cares about school when our lives are falling apart? I…I just feel so bad about this whole thing, you know?” There was a catch in Courtney’s voice and she sounded on the verge of tears.
    “I know.” It gave Izzy a pang to realize the last days of Courtney’s senior year of high school would forever be overshadowed by the guilt of losing the necklace. If Izzy could take that from her, she would. “But it’s going to be okay, I promise. Adam is willing to give us more time. So stop worrying.”
    “Who’s Adam?”
    “Mr. Wilder. Did you have any dinner?”
    “Yes, Erin had something ready for us when we got home. You call him Adam? How old is he?”
    “I’m not sure. A few years older than me, I guess.”
    “You’re kidding. I thought he was an old man. What are you helping him with?”
    “So far, just a little cooking. Tomorrow I’m going shopping.”
    “Is he married?”
    “No.”
    “Is he a perv?”
    “No! Courtney, let me talk to Dad, and you go to bed, okay?”
    A moment later Dad was on the phone. “Izzy?”
    “Hi, Dad. How’s everything going?”
    “Oh, it’s going.” He sounded tired and down.
    “I have some good news for you. I talked to Adam and he’s agreed something like this could take a few months. He’s not going to pressure us.”
    Dad blew out a breath. “That’s great news. Does that mean you’re coming home tonight?”
    “No. I’ll be here for the duration.”
    “Oh. I was hoping--”
    “It’s okay, really. I have a great bedroom all to myself and Adam has been a perfect gentleman. Don’t worry. It’s all going to work out.”
    “I visited every pawnshop in the area today. After I post the flyers tomorrow, I’m going to look for a job.”
    “Why don’t you take a few days?” she said. “I keep hoping the necklace will turn up. In the meantime, we still have my paycheck and I have some savings. I don’t need much while I’m staying at Adam’s.”
    “That’s your moving-out money.”
    “We’re in crisis mode, Dad. I can save up again.”
    He sighed. “I need a job sooner or later. It might as well be sooner. Besides, filling out applications is only the first step.”
    “How is everything else going?”
    “Erin’s a real trooper. She’s helping with everything.”
    “That’s great,” she said. At the same time it felt a little strange, because Isabelle was used to being the one to take care of her family. She almost felt pushed out, which was ridiculous.
    “You’ll be sure to keep Mr. Wilder updated on our progress, right?”
    “I certainly will.”
    “Okay. Good. That’s good. Here’s Erin, she wants to talk to you.”
    “Izzy?” Erin’s voice came on the line. “What’s this I hear about you staying at Mr. Wilder’s? Are you okay?”
    “I’m fine. I’m just helping him out.”
    “Hmm. If any fishy business comes up, be sure and let us know,” she said in her usual no-nonsense tone. “We’ll be there lickety-split.”
    “Thank you. But I feel perfectly safe.” And surprisingly, she really did. After saying goodbye, Isabelle got ready for bed, turned off the lights, pulled back the pretty bedspread, and slid between the sheets. She lay stiff for a moment, her body recognizing the difference between the comfortable mattress and the one she slept on at home. She spread out a bit and slowly relaxed. It was heaven. She jumped up to open the window and a soft breeze off the ocean drifted in. She hopped back in bed, cuddled under the blankets, and smiled.
    She did feel kind of like a princess in a tower. Remembering her coworkers accusing her of exactly that, the thought left her giggly, but slowly her smile faded. She didn’t have