Page 75 of Just the Wrong Twin

She’d avoided social media like the plague at F5F, even though she was popular and photogenic.

She’d turned down the first invitation to do a podcast because she hadn’t wanted her family to find her.

“ItisKatia,” he guessed without one shred of doubt.

Sonia exhaled shakily before she nodded then put down the coffee cup.

Nate’s finger trailed to the other girl and Sonia’s lips tightened as she watched.

“Two hundred and thirty-seven pounds,” he said quietly. He didn’t know whether it was harder to believe that Sonia had ever looked any different than she did now or that her parents were famous actors.

She didn’t say anything.

And he looked different than he had in high school.

Sonia exhaled, then came to stand beside him. Nate saw that she was trembling when she reached out to tap on the headline, and his protective urges roared to the fore. “This must be what Katia wanted to tell me last weekend. I haven’t been to the store since then.” She flicked a look at him, then spoke lightly, as if trying to make a joke. “The only good thing is that they think I still look like this.”

She actually looked like she might be sick.

Nate didn’t know what to say. He knew he should leave, but, one more time, he couldn’t just walk out and leave Sonia alone. “It’s your superpower,” he said to her.

“What is?”

“Mixing me up. I know I should do one thing but when I’m with you, I want to do the other. It happens all the time.”

She smiled, against every expectation. “Really?”

“Really. It’s a gift. The Sonia Effect.” He shook a finger at her. “Remember that with great power comes great responsibility.”

Sonia’s smile widened. “I didn’t think you were ever indecisive.”

“I’m not, except when I plan to leave nine times in a row, like last Sunday, and fail to do so each and every time.”

“Just three times,” she said as if to reassure him. “You haven’t completely lost your edge.”

“And one-and-done, but here I am.”

“Because you’re a good friend.” She smiled and kissed him quickly, too quickly. “Thanks.”

“Are you going to be okay?” Nate stood up, uncertain.

“I don’t know yet. I’ll sure try.” Sonia moved to clean up their breakfast. “I guess I should be glad I had such a good run.” She started to pour the coffee down the sink. “Thanks for coming last night. I’m glad things are working out for you in Boston.”

She was talking as if she wanted him to leave, but she didn’t sound convinced of it. “Want to talk about it?” he offered.

“Oh God, no.” Her eyes rounded. “You don’t have enough time to listen to that story.” Sonia shook her head and took a steadying breath. “And I wouldn’t ask you to listen. It would be an imposition. You’ve already done so much.”

Predictably, Nate’s mixed feelings tangled up a little more. He wanted to help, but he didn’t want to be drawn into emotional territory. He was glad that Sonia understood that, but in a way, he wished she would confide in him. He suspected it would make her feel better.

She gestured to the door when he didn’t move. “Say hi to Pierce and the others for me and drive carefully.” Her eyes were doing that dark blue thing again, a sign that she was upset.

Nate didn’t move.

“What exactly did they do?” he asked softly.

“I’ll be fine. Really. I’ve been doing fine all these years.” Nate wondered who she was trying to convince. “I’ve just been surprised and I need to find my rhythm again. I can do it.”

“I know you can.”

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