First a Dream (Dreams Come True #1) Read Free Page A

she could hear low voices and giggling from within. Any other day Isabella would have been naturally suspicious, but tonight was different. Tonight, she was determined to be happy and carefree, which was why she was blindsided.
    Angelica saw her first. She tried to act nonchalant as she adjusted her blouse and wiped the smeared lipstick from around the edges of her mouth. She nodded at Jack, who seemed to be struggling to tuck in his shirt and zip his fly before turning around. Isabella wasn’t sure who he expected, but he certainly didn’t plan on his wife standing there. His jaw dropped, shoulders drooped, and some indistinguishable moan was emitted from his Cotton Candy Pink clown lips. No one spoke for several seconds. At last he muttered, “I thought you had a late photo shoot.”
    “The client rescheduled.” Her words felt flat as she stood there trying to exude as much pride as she could muster, while feeling like the biggest fool.
    “And no Girl’s Night?”
    She raised an eyebrow. “The roads,” she murmured.
    “Oh.” He couldn’t seem to figure out what to do with his hands, although having seen Angelica’s blouse in a state of disrepair, Isabella knew it hadn’t been the case moments before. He finally settled on placing them on his hips, probably in an effort to make himself appear in control, though he was obviously holding on by a thread.
    “You know you can’t live with me anymore, right?” Isabella spoke quietly, yet assertively.
    “Uh, yeah. I guess so.” He looked down, unable to meet her steady gaze.
    There didn’t seem to be much more to say. “Well, okay then.” Isabella turned to go, then paused. “Oh, hello Angelica. I would never intentionally slight you. You will excuse me, however, if I don’t feel like talking to you right now?”
    Apparently Angelica had forgotten she was part of the equation. Now being addressed for the first time, she seemed unsure how to react. She simply nodded in shock for a moment then smirked. Why shouldn’t she be happy?  She was never happier than when she took from Isabella or wounded her in some way. Maybe Angelica and Jack had more in common than Isabella originally imagined. Whatever the case, she was certain Angelica was quite pleased with the way things were working out.
    As she walked out of the back room and through the store, she attempted to avoid Brad’s eyes. Must be the feeling was mutual. It was obvious Brad couldn’t meet her eyes either. Head back, inhaling deeply and blinking profusely, somehow she would keep those tears at bay. He’s not worth it , she thought to herself. Don’t ever let him see you cry. Don’t ever let him see you cry.
    Walking briskly through the mall with her eyes averted from passing strangers, she made it to the car intact. Already, the cold temperatures had her door sticking again. She struggled for a moment before gaining access to the interior. Once inside, she settled her head against the window and focused on breathing. She would never forget this day. April First had always been this victimless holiday, but now she had been made the ultimate April Fool.
     
    ***
    Gabriel
     
    Sighing, Gabriel parked at the office. As he exited the BMW, he ran a hand through his dirty blond hair and tried to collect himself. The day had not gone as it should thanks to the weather. His meeting began later than anticipated when the client’s flight was delayed. The snow increased travel time on the busy Montreal streets, ensuring he was late coming back from his class at McGill University and even later for this meeting with the president of the company, his father.
    “You’re late.”
    “The weather…” He struggled to explain the challenges he’d faced.
    “I expect more from you, Gabriel!” His father’s voice had boomed as soon as he’d closed the office door behind him.
    Throwing his hands in the air, Gabriel had shouted in exasperation. “What?  You expected me to grow wings?  There are things we