Tapestry of Trust by Mary Annslee Urban Read Free Book Online

the past. She clenched the steering wheel tighter. That craziness was going to stop now. She had more important issues that needed solving.
    She thought about the new quarter and exhaled, long and hard. Twenty-two second graders bursting with spring fever and no one to help her. Even if the principal promised to hire a new aide, she doubted that would happen. Not with only nine weeks left of school. Thankfully, she’d send a note home with her students requesting a parent volunteer. So, far one mother had offered to help in the classroom one day a week. Now she’d be freed up a bit more to pursue Kate’s shower plans and hopefully, get to the barn to ride Admiral. Things were definitely moving in the right direction.
    A pang of guilt about her lack of trust tugged at her heart. She said a quick prayer of thanks, knowing God was always there for her. She pulled into the strip mall parking lot, feeling better. Her favorite coffee shop beckoned.
    The bell jingled on the door as she walked into Tenille’s. She already knew what she wanted. Still she took a moment to peruse the pastry case. Baked goods lined the shelves and they looked delicious. Fresh and — Willpower, she reminded . Too many calories for seven-thirty at night.
    She moved to the register. “Caramel latte, decaf, sugar free, skim milk.” Isabelle bit the inside of her lip, still eyeing the glass display case, thinking twice. OK, three times.
    “Go ahead, try one. Spruce up that boring drink with some carbs.” The customer behind her chuckled.
    Isabelle glanced over her shoulder at him and smiled. “You’re right. They’re tempting.” She pushed a handful of change across the counter to the clerk.
    “My favorite is the pound cake. The best I’ve tasted. The cinnamon rolls aren’t bad either, especially with a cup of dark roast coffee. Excellent combo.” The older man rambled on.
    Not wanting to be rude, Isabelle nodded as if listening, but she wasn’t. In her peripheral vision she noticed someone at a table across the room. Charlie …but it was the blonde across from him that held her attention. The woman stared into Charlie’s eyes as he leaned in, his hands on the table, talking to her. A serious conversation.
    In spite of all reason, a jolt of remembered love washed over her. Sadness bubbled up in her chest and into her throat. She swallowed hard, scooted past the chatty man to a display of coffee mugs, and squinted to get a better peek. The woman looked more stunning up close. Long platinum hair, designer jeans, and her purse, the same tangerine color as her shirt, probably cost more than Isabelle made in a month.
    She heaved a sigh and wrenched her gaze away. She heard Charlie worked for his girlfriend’s father. What she didn’t know was how awful it would feel to see him with her. Someone so attractive. So well to do. Charlie’s mother must be thrilled.
    She bet Sharon Hamilton already had their wedding planned, probably even names picked out for their children. As Isabelle thought about that, her head throbbed. She rubbed her brow, not sure what she felt more—frustration or curiosity.
    A beat passed. She swallowed. OK. Curiosity won.
    After a moment’s hesitation, Isabelle eased her gaze back and zeroed in on the woman. The blonde twirled a pale curl around her finger, Isabelle couldn’t be sure, but she thought she saw a sparkly ring on her finger. Of course, Charlie had to be engaged. He worked for the woman’s father. To think just two days earlier he’d asked her out for coffee. That rat.
    “Miss, your order is ready.”
    Isabelle spun around, snatched up the drink, and started for the exit. The fear of being spotted quickened her pace. She pulled open the door and risked one last glance back.
    Charlie still looked deep in conversation. She couldn’t make out his words. Good thing. He was probably telling the woman he loved her.
    Grief washed over her, making her feel even lower. Something she hadn’t thought possible.