Chapter 581
—- Chapter 453 Before Maggie could respond, Franklin said, “Where are you? I’ll come pick you up.” “No need.” She’d thought they were out somewhere; hearing they were at their place, she said, “Put Isabella back on.” Franklin didn’t press and handed over the phone. “Mommy?” Isabella chirped. “I’m sorry, honey,” Maggie said gently. “Something came up, so I may not make it to hear you today. Next time, when I’m free-” Isabella’s little face fell; even over the line, Maggie could feel her disappointment. She hesitated-she truly didn’t want to go over there-so in the end she didn’t soften.
“I’m sorry, Isabella. Mommy-” —- “If you’re busy, take care of that first,” Franklin cut in, then added, “Are you free at noon? If so, let’s have lunch.” Maggie understood-he didn’t want Isabella to stay upset. Lunch, at least, was easier for her to accept than going to his place. After a two-second pause, she said, “I’m free.” “Then it’s settled!” Isabella piped up at once, cheerful again. “No backing out this time, Mommy!” “Mm. I know.” Maggie chatted with Isabella a bit more and hung up. Half an hour later, while she was reading, a new message came in. It was a video from Franklin.
Seeing Isabella on the thumbnail, Maggie tapped it open. From the distance of the shot, it had clearly been filmed —- on the sly-Franklin’s doing. Isabella spoke with her drum teacher for a moment, then started practicing again. When the clip ended, Maggie had to admit:Isabella had rhythm now-she really did sound pretty good. Franklin texted:”Finished it?” Maggie:…Mm. A beat, then she added despite herself:”She’s actually pretty good.” She was about to type about the divorce when a voice message came through-Isabella: “Mommy, my teacher says I’ve got talent!
When I get a few more songs down, I’ll have Daddy record them for you!” Caught off guard, Maggie deleted the half-composed text. Isabella went back to practicing; Franklin didn’t message again until close to noon: —- Franklin:”What do you want to eat? Isabella says it’s your call.” Maggie:”Let Isabella choose.” Franklin:”Okay.” A few minutes later, he sent an address-and then:”We’ll come pick you up.” Maggie started typing No need, when another message arrived: “Isabella insists.” Her fingers stilled.
She erased her reply and typed:”Got it.” About half an hour later, Franklin and Isabella arrived. Franklin got out and opened her door. Maggie paused-then silently got in.