Free WanttoGoPrivate by M.A. Ellis Page A

and waited for her
to attach the glittery pink string.
    Isabel paid no heed to the comment or the look, wondering
what had prompted her to share a few details about her public display of lack
of decorum. She hadn’t mentioned names and she sure as hell hadn’t mentioned
the masturbation portion of her evening’s entertainment, but she’d brought up
the fact a friend element was in play and that he had pushed her to the point
that she let her temper rise. Then felt bad after.
    She didn’t have to tell her friend that the whole event made
her reevaluate her reactions and expectations. Lucy had come up with that
kernel of knowledge on her own, perceptive twenty-six-year-old that she was.
    “You’re still pissed and it was four days ago. As my Mima
used to say, ‘shit or get off the pot, Missy’.”
    “Classy woman, your Mima,” Isabel replied, wondering why the
Tri-County Diabetes Foundation’s annual fundraiser, which was slated to start
in less than four hours, wasn’t diverting her from thoughts of Chris. Activity
buzzed around them as the volunteers worked to get table decorations just right
and gift bags in order and, for once, Isabel felt good about delegating and not
interfering with the people she had put in charge. In fact, it was the first
time she hadn’t spearheaded the entire event, just stepped in and volunteered
for the decorating committee and nothing more.
    “She was that and more,” Lucy replied. “As soon as we’re
done, let’s head up to the suite and get ready. If we stay down here, you’ll be
tempted to step in and help, I just know it. And who doesn’t want a go at that
awesome shower?”
    Isabel laughed. She’d seen showers much bigger and five
times more opulent but the suite that had been donated for the volunteers’
convenience was beautiful and much appreciated.
    “Jennifer still won’t tell who sprung for it, but they’ll be
here tonight she said. Guess they had a family member who had Type Two. She
said their loved one passed away just last year so it’s a new donor.”
    “New blood is always good but never at that cost. As for
stepping in, I have moments of thinking I’m totally burned out,” Isabel
admitted.
    “Well, that’s nothing a hot, forbidden love affair won’t
cure. One with a guy friend who seems waaaaaay off-limits. Just sayin’.”
    “Speaking from experience, Lucy?”
    “More times than I care to remember,” she admitted. “And
still friends with them all.”
    “That’s amazing,” Isabel said. She reached out a hand,
waiting for Lucy to give her the last balloon but the girl brought it to her
lips and inhaled deeply then put her hands on her hips.
    “Totally doable, so don’t let that be a deterrent where your
guy is concerned. Heeheeheehee. ”
    Isabel shook her head and laughed, maybe she needed to be a
little more carefree. Which would probably entail getting in touch with Chris
sometime soon and asking if they could talk.
    “Come on, duckie.” She looped her arm through Lucy’s. “Let’s
grab a couple pinots and waddle on up to the room and you can soak to your
heart’s content. We have until five thirty, when housekeeping comes in to clean
up before the mystery patrons arrive.”
    “And what are you going to be doing since your hair and
makeup are already fabulous?”
    “I think I need to send an email.”
    “To him?” she asked expectantly.
    “To him,” Isabel replied.
    “Yay!” Lucy said, clapping her hands. “This is going to be
epic.”
    Epic was not the word Isabel was thinking of. Not by a long
shot.
    * * * * *
    Chris stared at the email and weighed his options.
    I’d like to see you. So we can
talk.
    This could definitely go one of two ways, both of which he’d
make sure ended with Isabel screaming his name. He had known she wouldn’t show
up at the bar, that would have been too easy. He also knew she was probably
struggling with her emotions and that was perfectly normal. But as of this
morning, he was pretty