Chapter 17

Avara POV

Today I sit inside the corner coffee shop with Sarah, both of us waiting for Kelsey's arrival. The buttermilk walls pair nicely with terracotta tiles with a volcanic ash glaze. A large, curved tile counter wraps around the cafe's kitchen area and welcomes customers as they enter.

"Are you sure this is going to work?" she asks in a frantic whisper. "What happens if I can't pull it off? I'm not as confident as you."

I swallow a laugh. "I'm not confident. I guess I just make people believe that I am." Colton's words filter into my thoughts. "Perception is power. A man I know told me this. And he was right. Reality is what we make of it, so show them only what you want them to see."

My counsel settles on her. She nods, each one growing more determined.

"Okay," she says with an unsteady breath. "Considering what you did for me in varsity. I owe you."

I give her a chiding look. "I did that as a favor. I never intended to cash in on it."

"I know," she chirps, sparing me a smile. "That's why I'm doing this."

We share a heartfelt smile.

"Sorry."

I look at the entrance. Kelsey clasps an apologetic hand on a stranger, excusing herself before she storms towards me, and she slows her pace once she notices my double. Her eyes bounce between Sarah and me with her eyes increasing in size. She and I are attired in an identical skirt suit with a matching beige belted blazer and an ankle-length skirt. Both of us have cream scarves wrapped around our heads with a twin set of brown-tinted sunglasses and pencil-thin white heels.

"Wow… I literally can't tell you two apart." Kelsey takes the third chair and sinks into her seat, studying the two of us. "If I didn't know you as well as I do. I'd believe this clone is you."

Sarah frowns, her brows furrowing. "Thanks?"

"We really look that believable?" I ask.

She nods pensively. "Sarah has more of a heart-shaped head and you, Avie has iconic high cheekbones and tanned, tawny skin and Sarah is a bit pale. However, you both have those long legs and a slim build, so you'll definitely pull off the duplicated appearance. Behavior wise… that's a different ball game."

"I prepped her before on what she needs to do," I point out. "This event is just an opportunity to pander to the public. Good for publicity, it's basically a glorified photo op. Fortunately, my brothers won't be attending. All you need to do is pose at the booth and smile and take pictures with the incoming horde. If anyone tries to talk to you, you pretend to be sick—just touch your throat and they'll get the message."

"And I'm tagging along as her plus one to really sell the charade?"Kel questions.

"When you're with her. No one will doubt that she isn't me."

Kelsey bobs a haughty shoulder. "Of course they won't." She fixes me with a probing stare. One I fear. "The question is, why do you need to be in two places at once?"

"I don't," I confess. "I am being watched every second of the day by guards, and I need my privacy for where I need to go."

She gives me a suggestive look, wagging her brows.

"Not what you think." I glance at the expansive window in the cafe that gives sight to the bustling road outside. "Frank and a security detail are parked right outside. You two go out front and I'm going out back."

Kel's brows leap to her hairline. "What about you? How are you getting to wherever you're going? Which you're going to tell me about later."

I submit a nod in accord. "I'm going to take an Uber. Once I'm done, I'll go straight to the venue, and Sarah and I can swap out."

Sarah nods fretfully. "Cool. No pressure."

"Don't worry, Kelsey will be your voice and she will shield you from the worst."

I stand up, and Sarah does the same, mirroring my actions. I tug my suit blazer down an inch and Sarah does the same. The long espresso brown wig is an exact replica of my hair. Sarah nudges the sunglasses up the bridge of her slightly sharper nose. A facade falls on her and she inclines her head with a regal composure. She struts to the door with Kelsey in tow. She flashes me a smile and soon they disappear out of the front door. And I leave out back.