Chapter 13 - 17
Avara POV
Today I sit inside the corner coffee shop with Sarah, both of us waiting for Kelsey’s arrival. The buttermilk walls pair nicely with terracotta tiles with a volcanic ash glaze. A large, curved tile counter wraps around the cafe’s kitchen area and welcomes customers as they enter.
"Are you sure this is going to work?" she asks in a frantic whisper. "What happens if I can’t pull it off? I’m not as confident as you."
I swallow a laugh. "I’m not confident. I guess I just make people believe that I am." Colton’s words filter into my thoughts. "Perception is power. A man I know told me this. And he was right. Reality is what we make of it, so show them only what you want them to see."
My counsel settles on her. She nods, each one growing more determined.
"Okay," she says with an unsteady breath. "Considering what you did for me in varsity. I owe you."
I give her a chiding look. "I did that as a favor. I never intended to cash in on it."
"I know," she chirps, sparing me a smile. "That’s why I’m doing this."
We share a heartfelt smile.
"Sorry."
I look at the entrance. Kelsey clasps an apologetic hand on a stranger, excusing herself before she storms towards me, and she slows her pace once she notices my double. Her eyes bounce between Sarah and me with her eyes increasing in size. She and I are attired in an identical skirt suit with a matching beige belted blazer and an ankle-length skirt. Both of us have cream scarves wrapped around our heads with a twin set of brown-tinted sunglasses and pencil-thin white heels.
"Wow... I literally can’t tell you two apart." Kelsey takes the third chair and sinks into her seat, studying the two of us. "If I didn’t know you as well as I do. I’d believe this clone is you."
Sarah frowns, her brows furrowing. "Thanks?"