Page 22 of My Twin Sister's Extremely Famous and Incredibly Hot Neighbor

I eat the last of my brisket and set my fork down on my plate. My mind wanders to the gala event tonight. I’ll have to go out into public and be seen as Jera. I was supposed to schedule her hair stylist to come, but my phone doesn’t work. My throat tightens with the thought. Why did I say yes to this, anyway?

We finish and I take the plates to the sink. I wash the dishes in silence while Dustin dries them and puts them away. I sense a shift in the mood, but I’m now too nervous about the turtle benefit tonight to put a lot of thought into it.

Dustin puts the last dish in the cupboard and turns to me. “Look, I think I made a mistake tonight. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable or upset you.”

“I’m not upset.” Lie. I’m frustrated with myself for flirting with him and allowing myself to forget why I’m here.

He folds his arms and gives me a look like he doesn’t believe me. “I’m sorry for stepping over the line earlier. I’ll try to remember what you said yesterday.”

“What I said?”

“That you want to keep things on a friendship level between us.”

Guilt surfaces and I put a hand on his arm. “It’s not you. It’s me.” Truth. I’m feeling all kinds of bad for the way I acted. I started the flirting. He was just acting on my lead.

His expression softens. “I understand.”

“Will you still take me to the charity gala?”

“Of course. I’ll pick you up at six.”

I whistle and Squint comes running. “Thank you.”

* * *

What in theworld does a person wear to a ‘Save the Sea Turtles’ charity party? I would text Jera to ask, but, alas, my phone is still stuck in a Ziploc baggie in the hopes that I don’t lose my only picture of my father. I’m counting down the hours until I can check it. I have 24 to go.

I pace Jera’s closet, looking at all the sequined gowns and sparkly shoes. After riffling through all her clothes, I find a plain black dress, and a simple pair of pumps. Perfect.

I get dressed and stand in front of the full-length mirror. I twist from side to side, examining myself. “What do you think, Squint?”

My dog looks up at me and barks. I laugh. “That good, huh?”

I sit down at the makeup table. I’m kind of lost, but I try harder this time, as I’ll be out in the public eye acting as my sister. Luckily I’d found a couple of professional photos of Jera in a magazine, and I try to duplicate her look. It’s not terrible when I’m finished, and I’m pleased with myself.

I leave my hair down, just give it a little curl on the ends, like I often see in photos of Jera. It looks pretty good, if I do say so myself. I stand and take one last look in the mirror.

A bell chimes which I know means Dustin is at the front gate. I grab Squint and rush down the stairs. I know I can’t bring him along. This isn’t the type of event where you can bring your dog. I just need him in my arms for a few more minutes before I say good-bye. I press the button that opens the front gate.

A limousine pulls up in front of my house, and for a second I panic. I’m actually doing this. I’m going to be Jera at some fancy party. I pet Squint and tell myself it will all be okay. Jera didn’t say I had to stay long, right? Just make an appearance.

The limo driver opens the door and Dustin steps out. I give Squint a kiss before setting him on the tile flooring. “I’ll be back soon,” I say, more to calm my own nerves than to calm his. He just sits on the floor and stares at me.

“Be good while I’m gone.” I brush a dog hair off the front of my dress and straighten my spine. I can do this.

I step outside. Dustin is wearing a tuxedo, and I about swallow my tongue. My imagination was so right. He looks like he’s stepped off a movie set.

“You look beautiful,” he says, his gaze traveling over me.

“So do you. I mean…handsome.” Perfect. I’m already making a fool of myself. A horrible thought jumps into my head. No. I’m not making a fool of myself. I’m making a fool of Jera. Dread fills my chest. That’s ten times worse. If I totally mess up, it’s Jera’s name that will be dragged through the mud.

Dustin smiles and helps me into the limo, then joins me. “You look nervous.”

“I’m going to throw up.”

His eyes widen in alarm. “Are you sick?”

“No,” I quickly assure him. “I just get some anxiety when I’m in crowds of people.”

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