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My words bury the truth that my instinct wants to scream. Sealing my fate for another two days. Zara deserves the truth. She deserves better.
“Shh, don’t tell anyone,” she whispers, and I feel the warmth of her lips on my cheek. A stolen kiss to tide me over. A gift from the woman with the biggest heart I know.
Too bad she’s shared it with the two-faced man who no longer listens to his heart. I whisper back to her, “I can keep a secret.”
Chapter Thirteen
Devon
There’s no place to hide. That’s my first thought when I step out of the bathroom vestibule and catch my reflection in the mirror. The skintight mascot uniform fits like a glove. A very tight, don’t breathe too hard, painted-on glove.
“Hurry up, I want to see.” Zara pounds on the bathroom door, and, without looking, I know she’s bouncing on her toes.
I snicker at her excitement. “I’m going to need a minute.” I run my fingers across the sleeve; the cool white material, some kind of special blend according to Zara, is adorned with tiny electric-blue stars, the same color as the mascot’s name plastered across the back of my shoulders.
My eyes capture the ginormous head sitting on the sink. Foot-high eyes stare back at me, calling me a fraud. “Who cares what you think?” I lift the surprisingly light head, inspect it for the damage I committed a few days ago, and come up empty.
Zara is a magician. If she hadn’t told me she repaired the head, I would swear this one is brand new.
My phone dances across the thin metal counter, the buzz from the vibration causing it to scoot across the counter. I scoop it before it bounces off the ledge.
I swipe, expecting a text from Zara requesting a selfie with the head. Instead, it’s from a number I don’t recognize. I tap.
Unknown -Hey Devon, this is Stacy, Zara’s adorable sis. I might have swiped your number from her phone the other day when the two of you were making googly eyes at one another.
Immediately, my defenses shoot up. Why is Stacy reaching out to me? Did she find out who I am? I hold my breath and swipe.
Unknown -Thanks for stepping in for Michael. This is a really big deal for Z. Don’t screw it up. She told me you’re trying on the mascot uniform tonight. It’s the centerpiece of the entire collection. It’s unique, and it’s what separates her collection from anything else the owner will be evaluating.
What Z hasn’t told you is that she and Michael prepared a walkout playlist for your entrance. Surprise her tonight and play it for your entrance. It’ll put a smile on her face. Take good care of my big sis. She doesn’t get attached to many things.
Below the text is a link to a SoundCloud Playlist.
I exhale. I’m an only child. I’ve never had someone in my corner the way Zara has with her little sister. The closest I’ve come is my agent Marvin, and that speaks volumes as to what and who I’ve prioritized in my life. I tap back a reply.
Me:Thanks for this. Your sister is in good hands.
Three bubbles appear, she’s typing.
Unknown:From what I’ve seen, I doubt it. I’ve seen your hands in action at the café. (smiley face emoji). I’ve seen the damage you’ve done to the head; be more careful with her heart. It’s one of a kind.
My guilty eyes read Stacy’s love-filled words as a warning. We’re so close to the pitch. My assignment is almost done. In a few days, I’ll come clean.
I do a quick search for a GIF image of a kid gently cupping his hands, holding a butterfly. He raises his hands and watches in awe as it soars high in the sky. His hand rises to his brow to follow its path until it disappears. I type out a final reply.
Me:She’s in good hands. I can’t wait to see her soar.
I tap the link and lower the volume in case Zara has her ears pressed to the door.
I listen to the walk-up music, and a smile pulls on my face. I know exactly what I’ll do, and I think Stacy would approve.
***
Chapter Fourteen
Zara
What’s taking him so long? Is he having trouble putting on the uniform? Oh my God, did he rip it? Or worse, did he accidentally flush the head down the toilet? Would it even fit?
