Page 10 of Faking Ties

He laughs like it’s a joke and Rachel shoots me a look that sayscooperate. Hours later, I’m starving, and the team finally finishes. I haven’t been allowed to see anything as they worked, but when they finish, they spin me to face a mirror they brought in. I suck in a sharp breath and stand, walking toward it. I look…just like Stella. Gorgeous. Stylish. Wearing a laid-back outfit of jean shorts with what I really hope are rhinestones and not diamonds on the pockets, a black top, and a slouchy jacket. It’s cute, and I’m in love with it.

I run my fingers across my face, getting acquainted with the new me, but also reminding myself of the real me. The barely noticeable scar at my hairline from hitting the corner of a table when I was five is there, even if it’s covered by makeup. I pull at my red, top lip. My chipped front tooth is now covered by dentalbonding. My teeth are also whiter than they’ve ever been and it’s a little blinding.

“Do you like it?” Alessandro asks.

I’m too shocked to reply, so I just nod and whisper a thank-you. Rachel hurries everyone out and, in the next instant, the penthouse is quiet once more. Stella comes into the room debuting bangs and stops dead in her tracks when she spots me. “Oh wow. You look…”

“Just like you,” I finish.

“You do. I never thought I’d have a doppelgänger.”

“Me neither,” I say. “This is kind of weird, right? There’s two of us.”

“It’s almost like we’re twins.”

“Yeah,” I say. “You sure you aren’t adopted?”

Stella laughs. “I’m sure. I guess that saying that everyone has a doppelgänger out there is true.”

I glance at myself in the mirror again and then at Stella. It’s disorienting to not recognize myself in the mirror, like the person I’m used to seeing doesn’t exist anymore. What if I forget who I am while I’m pretending to be Stella, especially since I need to bury Elodie deep inside to embody her fully.

“I…” My breaths turn ragged, and my vision swims at the edges. I need to get out of here, get some air and process all the changes and what I’ve really gotten myself into. Reaching for my navy-blue bracelet, I spin it on my wrist, trying to ground myself. Clearing my throat, I say, “I’m going to go grab something to eat from a coffee shop I saw a few blocks away.”

“But we have food here,” Stella says, confused.

“I know,” I say, trying to think of something truthful to say to explain my behavior without telling her I’m freaking out about everything already. “I want to see a bit of the city. It’s my first time in New York.”

“Okay, but be sure to take Kai with you.” Stella gestures to a bodyguard in the corner who wasn’t there earlier. When did he arrive? He’s hot with a chiseled jaw that’s covered in scruff, and he’s sporting a manbun. The jeans and a collared, button-down shirt don’t do anything to hide his muscular build.

Kai looks intently at Stella. “I have strict orders to not leave your side.”

“And you gave yourself those orders.” Stella rolls her eyes. “Kai’s in charge of my security and has been with me for the past few years. He’s the only one of the bodyguards who will know the truth about us since he’s the only one allowed in the apartment.”

“Why didn’t I have security last night?” I ask Kai. “When Jax harassed me.”

“Because the event had some and your driver was one of my men,” Kai says. “I didn’t plan for Jax to act up, but I won’t make the same mistake twice. I’ll assign Brian to you.” Kai turns his attention back to Stella and gives her a steady look, like he’s used to arguing with her about these things.

“Fine.” Stella throws her hands in the air. “You’re an overprotective babysitter.”

“Only when you act like a child.” Kai shrugs.

Stella’s jaw drops and she sucks in an offended breath.

“I’m going to go get that food now,” I say, interrupting whatever is going on between them.

Kai nods and mutters something in his earpiece before saying, “Brian will meet you in the lobby.”

“Wait,” Stella says, coming to my side. “Here’s your new phone and credit card. My number is already programmed, as well as Kai’s, Brian’s, and Rachel’s. The passcode is 1111.”

I take the swanky new phone and the black credit card and stuff them into my shorts pocket. I meet Brian in the lobby, and he looks like what I’d imagine a bodyguard would look like complete with a bald head and a stern expression on his face. He nods to me in greeting and passes me a baseball cap.

I put it on, and he remains silent as we exit, constantly scanning our surroundings. The sun blinds me as I step onto the streets of Tribeca. The scent of concrete and exhaust fumes fill the air, and I take in everything around me in awe. It’s all so different from Cedar Hill, from the cobblestoned sidewalks to the historic building façade. The sidewalks are peppered with people walking intently to their destination, far more people than the entirety of Cedar Hill. Horns honk regularly, creating a rhythm to the city. Back home, no one would ever use one since it’d be considered rude in our small town where everyone knows each other.

It’s overwhelming.

It’s amazing.

I walk a few blocks, looking for the coffee shop I saw from the car last night. The one that’s painted white with ivy crawling up the front. Finally, I spot it and enter. A blast of cinnamon, sugar, and coffee greet me, and my stomach rumbles in answer. I pull the hat lower over my eyebrows and order a bagel and a cinnamon roll the size of my hand.

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