The Glass Slipper Project by Dara Girard Page B

took the note and read it then smiled. “It’s even better than I thought.” He cleared his throat and began to read it aloud. “My dear Alex, words cannot express how thankful I am for your generosity.”
    She tried to snatch the note. “I didn’t write that.”
    He moved it out of reach and continued. “I was wrong about you and sincerely apologize for my gross misjudgment.” He glanced at her. “I noticed you underlined
gross
twice. Nice touch.”
    She folded her arms and shook her head.
    “If there is any way I can repay you, just ask. Your humble servant, Isabella.” He tucked the note in his jacket pocket. “Apology accepted.”
    “You have an amazing imagination. Do you usually hallucinate?”
    He tapped her nose with his finger. “No, that’s not how this game works. I’m nice to you then you’re nice to me. Try it.”
    She took a deep breath then said, “Thank you for the books.”
    “Consider it a peace offering.”
    “I didn’t realize we were at war.”
    He unlocked his truck and got in. “Not any more.” He closed the door then started the engine. When Isabella knocked on his window, he lowered it. “Yes?”
    “Why do you drive a truck? Shouldn’t you drive one of those luxury cars?”
    “I like trucks. I buy what I want to, not what I’m supposed to.”
    “No, you never liked doing what you were supposed to.”
    He raised an eyebrow. “Any more questions?”
    “Yes, how did you make your money?”
    He grinned then put his truck in gear. “Good night, Isabella.”
    Gabby glanced at her clock as she drove her car into a space in the parking lot of Alex’s apartment complex. She was a few minutes early. She sat and stared at the building, then the ring on her hand. She was engaged. She still couldn’t believe she had managed it. She had succeeded in saving her family and her home. She’d made a good decision. Alex was not only rich, but he was sensible. Others might have thought he would rent an expensive condominium or grand home while he renovated his dream house, but he preferred to stay in an apartment.
    She got out of her car and headed inside. Alex wanted her to come by and visit him so that they could go over some plans for the wedding. Even though he said his mother and others would take care of everything and she was fine with them doing so, he told her that he also wanted her input. Once at the door Gabby raised her hand to knock, but it swung open and Tony appeared. They both jumped in surprise. Gabby recovered first. “I’m here to see Alex.”
    “He’s not here yet. But he’ll be back soon.” He glanced inside then at her. “I guess you could wait. Or…” He hesitated.
    “Yes?” she urged.
    “I’m going for a walk into town. Care to join me?”
    “Sure, but can you…” Her words trailed off and her gaze slipped to his bad leg.
    “A walk always does me good.” Once outside he said, “Congratulations on your engagement.”
    “Thank you. So where do you need to go?”
    “I’m not going anywhere in particular. I just wanted to go for a walk. I hate staying inside when the weather is this nice.” He glanced up at the pristine blue sky and inhaled the fresh scent of grass. The hand of winter still gripped March, but spring was slowly prying its fingers away with the arrival of new leaves and blossoms.
    “I know a nice path close by.”
    He gestured with his hand. “Lead the way.”
    She did, taking him to a popular walking path that was close to the river. Gabby slowed her pace when his limp became more pronounced. He didn’t say anything, but she knew he was grateful for the consideration. There was a lot he didn’t have to say. He had a calm air about him that made her feel comfortable. She understood why Alex had him as his friend.
    “So what do you do for Alex?” she asked eager to know more about him.
    “Many different things.” He rubbed his forehead. “I came home after the war a little lost.”
    “You were in Iraq?” she asked,