Tapestry of Trust by Mary Annslee Urban

spoke up. “Let me help, Isabelle.”
    “I’m fine. I don’t need―”
    “Don’t be silly,” Mrs. Johnson cut in, pushing Charlie toward the table. “Grab a plate and enjoy the snacks. Isabelle and I have been slaving in the kitchen, so please eat, eat, eat. I don’t want leftovers.”
    Promptly, Isabelle moved down the hallway, willing herself to relax. Life with Charlie was over. Done. Kaput.
    She stepped into the family room, and Kate swung in behind her. “Charlie showed up.”
    No kidding. Isabelle grabbed a folding chair and set it against the wall. “Old news, Kate.”
    “Sorry.” Kate came up beside her. “I would have told you sooner, but I didn’t want to upset you.”
    “Thanks. I guess this is a better time to upset me?”
    Kate shrugged.
    Isabelle knew Kate meant no harm. She crossed the room, and switched on the fan. “Did you know Charlie brought his girlfriend?” The fan blades whirred overhead, and her head felt as if it was spinning, too. She drew in a weary breath, fighting a wave of nausea.
    “He brought his girlfriend? Which one is she?”
    How could she have missed her? Isabelle pressed a hand against her churning midsection. “Tall, blonde, beautiful. She was standing next to him when Mark introduced them.”
    “Are you sure?” Kate scrunched her brow. “Mark thought Charlie wasn’t dating anyone now.”
    “I saw them together at Tenille’s.”
    “So. Maybe they were studying.”
    Isabelle flapped a hand. “Never mind. You should get back to your guests.”
    “I can’t leave you alone when you’re upset.”
    “I’m fine. Besides, I’m glad Charlie’s here, for Mark’s—”
    “Isabelle, the food is great. What did you make?” Charlie’s voice cut in.
    On second thought, she wasn’t fine. Reluctantly, Isabelle faced Charlie. He balanced an overflowing plate in his hand but, fortunately, no blonde babe on his arm. She felt a little better.
    “Isabelle made everything,” Kate answered for her. “Mark’s mother can’t cook.” Slick as a snake she edged toward the door, giving Isabelle a wink as she skittered out.
    Hey, what did you say about leaving me? Isabelle’s almost blurted out, but that wouldn’t be fair. It was Kate’s party.
    “Isabelle, you look nice.”
    Ignoring Charlie, Isabelle turned and started arranging gifts. Large ones on the bottom, smaller on top, gift bags and cards in the front.
    She felt a touch on her arm and winced. “What?” She immediately regretted the snap in her voice. After all, Charlie was a guest. Turning back to him, she forced a smile. “You should take a seat. The games will start soon.”
    “Where are you sitting?” He popped a stuffed-mushroom into his mouth.
    Isabelle bit back a snort. Here he was totally relaxed, asking where she’d be sitting, with his girlfriend in the next room. Some nerve.
    She adjusted the sash on her dress, and although tempted to say, “Forget you ever knew me.” She refrained as guests filtered into the room. “I’ll be leading the games.” She kept her voice calm. “Have a seat over there.” She pointed to the chairs on the left.
    “Let’s start the games.” Mrs. Johnson clapped twice.
    Isabelle could have hugged her.
    Charlie nudged her with his elbow. “Let’s talk before I leave.”
    From the unmistakable glint in his eyes, he obviously thought she would oblige. She gave him a look meant to shout, “Are you out of your mind?” before jerking her gaze from his. Why couldn’t he take a hint? Wasn’t as if she’d been friendly. In fact, she’d been downright standoffish. Something she’d probably worked too hard at. Forgive and forget came to mind. Like that was easy.
    While Mrs. Johnson waded through the crowd and assigned seats, Isabelle noticed the blonde stop and whisper in Charlie’s ear. Whatever words he spoke back sent her turning on her heel and plopping in a seat across from him. Isabelle shifted her focus, refusing to speculate.
    “OK, everyone.” She