Page 12 of Two Hearts' Subterfuge

When Lara suddenly laughed, Aylin couldn’t believe the transformation. She was such a beautiful girl. Why in the world was she covering herself up in that ugly black costume?

It’s not that Aylin had anything against the goth look. There were people who really rocked the look and genuinely wanted to make a statement.

But not Lara. She looked…troubled. More than troubled actually. It was if she was trying to disappear. Aylin studied her intently. She had a feeling if something wasn’t done about it soon, Lara might likely go through with it too. What had happened to give her such a low opinion of herself, Aylin wondered?

It was time for a break, and since Lara didn’t seem to be in any hurry to leave, Aylin decided that she needed a friend.

“Want some water or coffee? I was just about to take a break before working on the bridesmaid’s gowns, even though Rene’s gotten pretty far with the alterations already.”

Lara looked surprised. “Sure. If I’m not getting in your way, I’ll take some coffee.”

“Why don’t you take a look inside my sketchbook and tell me what you like and what you don’t,” Aylin suggested, pouring them each some coffee. “Want anything in this?”

“Nah. Thanks,” Lara said, settling on one of the comfortable club chairs.

After handing over her sketchbook, Aylin sat in the opposite chair with another notebook and began to draw.

“It’s awfully quiet in here,” Lara said, after studying one of the sketches pretty intently.

“I brought along my iPod, but sometimes it gets in the way. I know how successful your mom and sister are. Can’t you sing?” Aylin asked, continuing to quickly fill in one of the pages of her sketchbook.

Lara shrugged. “I can. Just not as good.”

Aylin paused, staring into Lara’s eyes. Aylin suddenly realized it was a touchy subject.

“So, why can’t I be the judge of that. Why don’t you sing something for me?”

Lara stilled. “You really want to hear me sing?”

“Sure. Why not?”

“I guess—since there’s no one else around to hear. What should I sing?”

“How about something Christmasy?”

She shrugged again, suddenly bursting into a breathy rendition ofWhite Christmas.

Aylin stopped momentarily to stare at Lara in shock. She couldn’t believe that Lara didn’t even realize just how talented she was. Sure, she didn’t have a full throaty voice like both her mom and sister, but what she had was unique—a beautiful quality to her voice that was truly incomparable.

Reaching for her cell phone nearby, Aylin discreetly pressed the record button.

When she finished, Aylin brushed some tears from her eyes. “Why in the world would you think that you’re not as talented as your mom or your sister? You’ve just got a totally different quality to your voice is all, Lara. Sing something else.”

Lara’s eyes went wide. “Okay.”

And for the next thirty minutes, they talked while Lara sang and made observations about Aylin’s designs, which she really seemed to love.

Lara finally looked at her curiously when Aylin closed up her second sketchpad.

“You know. You’re really pretty Aylin. Are you even wearing makeup?”

“Not much. You’re really pretty too, you know,” Aylin said reassuringly.

“Me?” Her eyes went wide. “I don’t think so.”

“Tell me something, will you?”

“What?” Lara asked, cocking her head.

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