Page 20 of Two Hearts' Subterfuge

A few hours later, she was finally finishing up, returning the fourth dress—the one that she would wear—to the dress form, when none other than Rene walked inside through the front entrance, dressed all in black and looking like the former model that she was, diamonds dangling from her ears and wrist.

“Aylin. I saw all the lights were still on. I can’t believe you’re still here.”

“Geez, you lookfantastic,Rene,” she exclaimed.

“Naturally,” Rene replied, giving her a toothy grin.

“I just finished,” Aylin said, smiling widely. “We’re good to go for the fitting tomorrow. I was just getting ready to head upstairs to our suite and get some rest. It’s been a long day.”

“What’s this,” Rene said, glancing at the list near the register.

“Oh. I bought a few things and kept a running total like you asked me to do the other day. And then there was a girl who brought in her mother’s clothes to donate, and I did a makeover-redesign with one of her mother’s gowns.” Aylin grimaced. “I hope that was alright to do without asking? I tried texting you again, but I figured you were enjoying yourself at the event when you didn’t answer.”

Rene looked around, heading toward the clothing bag that was still unzipped, glancing inside.

And then Rene stilled. “Aylin? By any chance was Lara Loughlin the girl you gave the makeover?”

“Yes. I hope that it was okay to use your shop like that? She just seemed so…lost. I couldn’t seem to help myself. She really needed a friend.”

Rene closed her eyes, and when she finally opened them again, Aylin saw tears.

“I saw her out there performing,” Rene whispered. “I couldn’t believe my eyes. It was like a miracle. I don’t know how you did it, Aylin, but I swear, you’ve got to be an angel sent from above, just in time for Christmas. I’ve suspected for a while now that Lara might be…”

“Suicidal?” Aylin finished Rene’s sentence softly. “I know. I saw it too.”

Rene nodded. “Danielle is a very dear friend of mine, and she’s been going through…well, hell is the only word I can think of to describe it.”

“I understand,” Aylin replied, heaving a sigh.

Rene squared off her shoulders. “Come on. Let’s get out of here. I’d tell you to dress and join me, but I know that your father wants you to lay low while you’re here.”

“I don’t mind,” she answered, her smile wry. “I’d rather watch the crowd, which I can do from the balcony of our suite once the dancing begins.”

“You’re an unusual teenager, Aylin. Don’t ever change. Alright?” Rene said as they finally left the boutique.

Aylin laughed as she headed toward the elevator while Rene returned to the ballroom.

Chapter Eleven

Even though he hadn’t seen his dream girl again, it had been a very good day, Ben decided after they finally arrived home.

He sighed, slipping off his tux jacket before tugging at his tie.

Hopefully, Lara was still on cloud nine, he thought, deciding to go check on her. In fact, he was going to make a point of doing it daily, just to be sure that her confidence was no longer an issue.

“Lara?” he called out, walking upstairs to the upper level. Lara had announced that the space was hers when Mom and Dad had decided to open up the attic to remodel.

Actually, she had the place fixed up pretty cozily, he decided, glancing around the space.

Stepping out from her bathroom wearing black sweats and a t-shirt, she blinked when she saw him at the top of the staircase.

“Ben. What are you doing up here?”

“Thinking about how nice you’ve got this attic fixed up and kind of wishing I would have taken first dibs.”

She laughed, which surprised him. He still couldn’t believe the transformation. She looked so pretty with her hair its natural color.

“You haven’t taken off your makeup,” Ben observed.

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