Read Online The Cinderella Moment by Jennifer Kloester - Free Book Online Page A

what?”
    Lily hung her head. “I was hateful and I’m sorry.” She peeked up at Angel through her lashes.
    “Do you mean it?” demanded Angel.
    Lily smiled. “Definitely. You were right, I am a bit spoiled sometimes and not all my plans work out.”
    “I'm sorry, too. I didn’t mean all those things I said.”
    “I know. That’s why I brought you these.” Lily stood up and held out the paper bag.
    “You know my weakness,” said Angel, taking a chocolate.
    “Well, I had to do something to make up. You are my best friend.” Lily hesitated and then said, “Which is why I have to warn you that I haven’t given up on my plan.”
    Angel choked on the chocolate. Lily banged her on the back. “You know, you really shouldn’t get so worked up.”
    Angel glared at her with streaming eyes.
    From the moment they’d met, Lily had pushed, cajoled and persuaded Angel into joining her in countless crazy schemes. Admittedly, some of them had been fun—but not this one. This was an insane idea that meant only one thing—trouble.
    “Don’t look at me like that,” begged Lily. “You just need to think about two weeks in Paris seeing fashion shows and going to the Louvre.”
    “Which sounds great, so long as you leave out the bit about me pretending to be you,” said Angel, picking up her needle. “You can talk all you want, but you’ll never convince me to go to Paris in your place.”
    Lily just smiled.
     
    ***
     
    For the next week she came down to Angel’s room every evening, outlined her plan and explained how awesome it would be for them both. Angel sewed and listened, but wouldn’t change her mind.
    On Wednesday night she went to see Our Town and was awestruck by Lily’s performance. She lit up the stage and Angel almost felt guilty for denying her the chance to go to the London Drama Academy.
    Almost.
    The school year finished and Angel retreated to her room to sew. She sewed all day and into the night and only went to bed when her eyes grew too tired. She wouldn’t risk a single stitch being anything less than her best.
    Ten days later her ball gown was almost complete. She’d finished tambour beading the delicate stylized angel on the bodice and all she had left to sew were the last bits of silver gauze.
     
    ***
     
    Angel glanced at her watch and walked faster. She’d run out of silver thread and been forced to rush downtown to buy more. She did a quick mental calculation. Another few hours sewing ought to do it. The courier was coming in the morning and he’d guaranteed to get her entry to Vidal’s before the Friday deadline.
    Angel gave a little skip of excitement.
    Tomorrow her designs would be winging their way to Paris. She tried to imagine them hanging on a rack at Vidal’s and wondered whether Clarissa’s entry would be there too. If they both made the finals she’d get to see the black-and-silver cocktail dress as well as Clarissa’s ball gown. Angel’s heart beat faster at the thought and she quickened her step.
    “Angel! Wait up.”
    Angel turned to see Lily dodge a large white delivery van as she ran across the road to join her.
    “Look, Lily, it’s Harrington’s again,” said Angel, nodding towards the van. “Do you think Margot’s ordered more clothes?”
    Lily didn’t reply.
    “You okay?” asked Angel.
    “Oh, Angel.” Lily’s mouth quivered. “It’s not too late. I leave for Paris on Saturday so you can still take my place, please , Angel!”
    Angel’s heart sank. She’d thought Lily had accepted her decision not to embark on her mad plan. Obviously she was wrong. Struggling to know what to say, Angel was momentarily diverted by the sight of the Harrington’s man carrying several large boxes into the house.
    At last she said, “I’m sorry, Lily. I know it’s hard to give up the London Academy, but I can’t do it.” Lily’s shoulders slumped and Angel’s heart went out to her. “I can’t go to Paris for you, but maybe there’s something we haven’t