One Glass Slipper

"A woman like Cathy dreams of Prince Charming, but that's not what she wants. She wants an ordinary man with a predictable life¡­¡­"

"Who are you?" Five-year-old Allie gazed up at the pink haired girl with wide eyes.

"I'm Fay Goodwin. I was sent here to do an emergency makeover. Your mama's going to an important party tonight."

"She's my Aunt Cathy."

"Whoever she is, tonight, she's going to be the belle of the ball."

"You mean like Cinderella?"

"Just like Cinderella."

Sooner than she could imagine, Cathy was transformed into a princess. She twirled in front of the mirror for one last look before climbing into the limo. Her sea-foam green gown skimmed her shoulders and dipped dangerously low. Her hair was swept up and fastened with glittering jeweled combs. Matching faux gems glinted at her ears and wrists and throat. Even her toes glittered. Her shoes, fashioned from a simple flexible material and studded with Swarovski crystals, sparkled in the light. It was as if she'd stepped into Allie's favorite fairy tale.

As the limo whisked her away, she pulled a note from her evening bag and read it again. Clutching it, she wondered. Had Cinderella felt this same icy alarm as she sped toward her dream-come-true?