Page 105 of The Princess and the Paparazzi
“Of course I knew. Every time she handed someone a drink, she splashed coffee on me and the cash register. With her right hand. You pass drinks with the left hand, and you don’t spill.”
“Was that the only tell?” I ask.
“No. When she didn’t recognize Cody, that’s when I knew for sure.”
“I’m sorry, Carlos. I hope it wasn’t too hard on you.”
“Are you kidding? I can’t believe I was working with a celebrity for a week. It’s like one of those undercover reality shows. Secret Barista. Wait til I tell my wife.”
“Carlos, there is no such show,” I argue.
“But there should be!”
I excuse myself to refill the half-and-half carafes on the coffee bar.Secret Barista. What a funny idea.
“Oh good, the gang’s all here.” I hear the barstool squeaking as Lorelei swivels on it behind me.
When I turn around, I see Rafe, Naomi, and Orly coming in.
“Give her back the camera, Rafe.” Lorelei says, “I bet it fits a hell of a lot better than a glass slipper.”
* * *
I drop the creamer and bolt. Out the back door, into the alley. I don’t know why I ran. I just saw them and panicked. Last week was supposed to be a dream. Not a recurring nightmare. What am I going to say to Naomi? She must know now that I deceived her. Rafe looked absolutely miserable. And Orly. Lee Lee. Sweet Orly.
I lean up against the wall, trying to catch my breath and gather my thoughts. It’s ridiculous that I ran away, but the minute I saw them all standing there and knew that they knew who I really am, I just had to flee.
Rafe is in the diner. Waiting for me. Rafe Barzilay just walked into the diner with a camera.
“He’s in love with you,” Lorelei says, following me into the alley. She looks around and pats the wall. “Oh hey, this spotiskind of special, isn’t it? It’s where Georgia kicked the crap outta me.”
“How? How can Rafe be in love with me? He’s perfect!” I moan.
“Perfect? Seriously, have you seen his hairy big toes?” Lorelei leans against the brick wall.
“I couldn’t care less about that,” I admit.
“How about the snail speed at which he drives?” she asks.
“Who cares about that?” I say. “Better safe than sorry.”
“And where do you stand with regard to his penchant for food that is loaded with beans and garlic?”
“I love both of those things, too. Especially his mom’s hummus.” I pace in circles.
“Okay. So whileIdon’t think Rafe is perfect, I do think he might be perfect for you. And Kenna, I think you’re perfect for Rafe, too. I’ve never seen him this miserable,” Lorelei says.
“What?”
“I mean, he’s just miserable because he thinksyouaren’t into him.” Lorelei grins, like she thinks this is really funny.
“That’s ridiculous! Why wouldn’t I be into him?” I am offended on Rafe’s behalf. Lorelei shouldn’t be laughing at him, and obviously, I would be into him.
“Then what’s your problem? Why’d you leave? And why didn’t you keep the camera?” She looks exasperated.
“Because! We had to swap back. None of it was real. And I’m not good enough. I’m not you. It’s messy. He’s a dad!” I tick off all the reasons on my fingers. All the reasons I can’t have Rafe Barzilay.
“Nobody asked you to actually be me, Kenna. Lord knows, Rafe doesn’t want you to be me! And real? Shit just gotreally real! We’resisters.It’s like your uncles said. We’re family now, that’s a fact. There’s no going back.” She pauses, kicking at the bricks, no longer making eye contact.
