Page 21 of Two Hearts' Subterfuge

“That’s because I’m too excited to sleep so I thought I might go through some of my wardrobe. Eve said something about having me perform with her on tour this summer.”

“Sis,” Ben said. “I’m so proud of you. I could never get onstage and do what you did tonight. Where did you even pick up the moves?”

“Oh. When I’m home alone, I watch a lot of music videos. Well, I used to anyway. Not so much this past year,” she answered, biting on her lip.

“Mom has all that great equipment downstairs. Is that where you practice?”

She shrugged. “Yeah. She doesn’t really use it much anymore since Eve built that place at the Giordano vineyard after she and Harry decided to make Crystal Rock home base so they could help take care of all the foster kids.”

Ben grinned. “That place has turned into quite the estate between the winery and the restaurant along with the greenhouses and vineyard.”

She smiled wryly. “Tell me about it.”

Ben looked around. “How in the heck did you get that couch up here?”

“Oh, Dad and one of the maintenance guys came over from the Inn to help. Mom said I could use whatever I’d like from storage, so I kind of took advantage.”

“It’s nice in here,” Ben admitted. “It looks like one of the cozier rooms from the Inn.”

“That’s what I was hoping for,” she confessed.

“So, I wanted to give you a warning before Mom or Dad brings it up,” Ben said quickly. “How would you feel about talking to a psychiatrist?” He held up a staying hand when her mood suddenly changed. “Listen. I think it would be good for you. Remember, no one has to know what you talk aboutbecause it will stay confidential. So, whatever you’re hiding, can stay hidden as long as that’s what you want.”

She sighed, dropping on the couch.

“And then there’s the benefit of Mom not worrying quite as much about you. She’s been scared for you Lara. All of us have.”

Ben strolled over to the section of the room where the ornate bedroom furniture was set up. And shook his head. “Geez, that bed is big enough, isn’t it?”

She grinned suddenly. “It’s really comfy. And I love the canopy.”

Noticing two sketches clipped to the top of the ornate vanity mirror, Ben studied them closely. “These are nice. Is that a picture of you wearing the gown that you had on tonight to perform?”

“It is. Although she hadn’t fit me into it yet. That’s what made me take a closer look at myself. Aylin drew both sketches when I went in to drop off Mom’s gowns at Rene’s.”

He turned to Lara as she approached. “Who’s Aylin?”

“My new friend,” she said softly. “I wouldn’t have done anything I did today without Aylin asking me which girl I’d rather be. We sat and talked for about an hour—or rather I did—when she asked me to sing after finding out who my mom and sister were. She’s a big fan. Anyway, while I was busy singing, she was busy drawing and secretly recording me so she could send the sound bite to Marc and Desiree, her sister.”

“You should frame these drawings,” Ben said decisively. “Something magical happened to you today, and you should always remember this night.”

She nodded her agreement. “I will. And I guess I’ll think about seeing a shrink. If it doesn’t work out, I could always stop. It’s not like Mom has ever pressured me.”

“Thank you,” Ben said softly. “Now that I’ve seen some signs of the little sister I used to know, I really don’t want to lose her again.”

As her face suddenly scrunched up, Lara began to cry.

“Oh, no. What did I say? Please don’t cry, Lara,” Ben said, awkwardly attempting to comfort her when she ran into his arms.

“It’s what you didn’t say. You didn’t make fun of me or yell. When did you grow up, Ben?” she sobbed.

“It’s funny,” he answered, patting her gently on the back. “I was just thinking the same thing about you.”

Chapter Twelve

The following day was hectic. Aylin found a few minor tweaks that needed to be fixed in each bridesmaid gown, but what required adjusting would take very little time.

The bridesmaids all stuck around waiting for Camille to arrive at the boutique so she could try on her wedding gown one final time. She’d spent the morning with Dad and Mom finalizing some of the wedding plans at both the flower shop and chapel.

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