Kara arrived at noon.
Isabelle spoke first.
“You know I’m angry, right?”
“And you have every right to be.”
“I’ll wait upstairs.”
“Then tell me the truth,” Isabelle insisted. “Did you ever want me, or was I just the mistake everyone wanted to erase?”
“I wanted you. I just wasn’t brave enough to fight for you. I let fear decide—and you paid the price.”
“So what do you expect from me now? Forgiveness? Or just a way to stay in my father’s life?”
“I want to know you. But only if you want that. I’m not asking for anything except honesty between us.”
“Then tell me the truth.”
“I don’t know yet what I want,” Isabelle said.
I finally spoke from the hallway. “Whatever happens between Kara and me can wait. Right now, this is about you, sweetheart.”
