3. Elodie

ELODIE

“ A re you able to go anywhere without causing a scene?” Rachel shoves a tablet into my hands. “Last night was the opposite of keeping a low profile like we needed.”

“At least no one suspected I wasn’t Stella,” I mumble, sinking into the plush white sofa in Stella’s penthouse. Stella scoots close to me, her gaze drawn to the screen in my hands.

Taking a deep breath, I look at the tablet. It’s filled with far too many photos of Hunter and me. I don’t even know when most of these were taken. There are, of course, the ones from him helping me on the stairs, but there’re also ones of us laughing and chatting together at dinner. But most prominent of all, and the one used in all the headlines, is the one with his hand on my lower back while we argue with Jax .

“It’s not ideal, sure,” I say. “But at least they aren’t saying anything bad about Stella.”

“You’re not getting it,” Rachel says with a huff. “Stella wouldn’t have put herself in that situation in the first place. Stella wouldn’t be in a love triangle after a couple hours at an event and have Jax release a statement saying that you all are endgame and that he’ll be there when you get bored of Hunter. Stella wouldn’t?—”

“I think we get the picture,” Stella says to Rachel and then turns to me, voice gentle. “My results are back, and I need the surgery. It’s impressive that you were able to fool people in person. You just need some training on how to mimic me. The good news is, I have a couple weeks before the surgery and can teach you.”

“We can’t have what happened last night happen again,” Rachel says. “If you agree to switch with her, you need to become Stella completely. Elodie can’t exist anymore, especially when you’re at events.” She takes the tablet from me and waves it in the air. “Or else this happens.”

Shit, they’re right. I acted like myself last night. It was the only way to power through the nerves and deal with Jax and Hunter. But I caused the media to put us all under the microscope at the worst possible time.

“I’m sorry,” I say again. “I really didn’t mean to cause a media storm.”

“It’s okay,” Stella says.

“It’s not,” Rachel cuts in, “but we’ll monitor the situation, and put out a statement only if we absolutely have to.”

“I’m not sure that’s the best idea,” Stella says. “Maybe we should say something before it all spirals out of control. It’s already gaining a lot of traction and?—”

“Have I ever steered you wrong before?” Rachel asks. “This is the best course of action. Trust me.”

Stella gives her a long look, her lips pursed as if disagreeing with Rachel’s statement. But after a few moments, Stella nods in agreement and turns to face me.

“So, will you do it? Switch places with me?” Stella takes my hands in hers. “Please help me with this. I have too many people relying on me, and I can’t let them down. If we don’t continue with the shows, people will be out of a job and my fans will be so disappointed. I need to make sure everyone and everything will be okay while I’m recovering.” She’s close to tears by the time she finishes speaking.

She cares so much. And I have a sneaky suspicion that if I don’t do it, Stella won’t get the surgery. Or if she does, she won’t relax while she’s recovering and will hurt herself in the process.

“But what if I’m horrible at this?” I whisper. Sure, I like to run, and I’ve been a theater kid for most of my life, but that doesn’t mean I can pull this off. Performing in a stadium of eighty thousand people is vastly different from an auditorium of one hundred parents, if that. “Last night didn’t end up how it was supposed to.”

The thought of disappointing someone I’ve looked up to for so long is crushing. Stella’s music helped me get through life after my mom’s accident and my parents’ divorce. It helped me heal, and I can’t let her down.

“I’ll be here to help you,” Stella says, “and I have specialists to also support you.”

Stella’s face shines with sincerity, like she really will hold my hand during this entire thing. I’m terrified, but I want to do it. For my mom. For Stella. Helping her is a win-win solution for everyone, and I can’t let an opportunity like this pass me by because I’m scared.

“Okay,” I finally say. “I’ll do it.”

Rachel doesn’t waste any time and has the contracts in front of all of us in a blink. With a pen in hand, I sign away my next four months. When the doorbell rings, Rachel asks Stella to go to another room.

I watch Stella leave with trepidation as a team of hairstylists, makeup artists, and wardrobe people enter. Wow, Rachel works fast. A hairdressing chair and washing station are wheeled into the middle of the living room like it’s just another Tuesday for these people.

“This is Alessandro.” Rachel waves a hand toward the chic, thin man with earrings lining the outside of his entire right ear. “He’s the best hairdresser in the world, and we’re lucky to be working with him for the first time.” She turns to Alessandro. “Stella decided she wanted bangs, and we need them to look better as well as cutting off four inches and to lighten the color.”

“Right.” I should’ve expected this, to be turned into Stella and have my hair match hers, but in the whirlwind of the last twenty-four hours, I didn’t. Last night, they put my hair in an updo to hide the differences and made it look wet and slicked back so the color couldn’t be scrutinized, and my bangs would disappear.

Alessandro gets me into a cape and sits me down in the chair. “All right, darling.” He runs his hands through my hair. “Are you ready?”

“Maybe?”

He laughs like it’s a joke and Rachel shoots me a look that says cooperate . 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 dental bonding. 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 doppelg?nger.”

“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 doppelg?nger 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 facade. 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.

“Do you want anything?” I ask Brian.

He doesn’t look at me as he shakes his head, still scanning the room. Maybe he’ll want one later? And Stella, too.

“I’ll also take a latte and two more cinnamon buns to go,” I say to the person at the register.

No one looks twice at me as I pay and wait off to the side for “Ella” to be called.

“Think you have enough cinnamon buns?” a voice says from my left. I glance up and do a double take not at all expecting to see Hunter here.

He’s not trying to disguise himself like I am. He’s wearing a floral shirt, which should look ridiculous but unfortunately doesn’t, and tight black pants. Or are they jeans? Wait, is he wearing jeggings? Do they make those for men?

Either way, the jeggings (my best guess) hug his muscular legs to perfection. His considerable package is like a beacon. And I can’t help but stare at it and wonder if he has enough space for what I’m assuming is a massive dick based on the outline I’m seeing. Or is his dick being strangled, all for the sake of fashion?

“Are you done checking me out?” he asks, stepping into my space. He’s a little too close for a casual meeting between strangers. He’s also a little too close for my heated body to handle after thinking about his package, but I don’t move away. If anything, I take a small step closer to him.

Shit, no, I need to act like Stella. But I don’t have a clue where to start with that. I take a small step back, trying to figure out what to do.

“I wasn’t checking you out.” I force my gaze up to meet his eyes. There, that feels like something Stella would say. But before I can stop myself, I stupidly continue and say, “I was just wondering how much tighter your pants can get without cutting off circulation to your dick.”

He chokes on his coffee and laughs so loudly it draws the attention of the entire coffee shop our way. Not good; I need to be flying under the radar after last night. Willpower and intentions apparently mean jack shit when Hunter’s around. All I had to do was stop talking and I couldn’t.

It takes him a few minutes to compose himself, and when he does, he gives me a scorching look. “I like that you’re thinking about my dick.”

I ignore that correct comment and say, “I’m actually surprised you’re wearing jeggings. I didn’t think they made those for men. ”

“Jeggings?” He laughs again. “Fuck, I’m going to have to tell my stylist that I can’t wear these pants again.”

“Or, and hear me out, what if you wore only that type and mystify the media about the material.”

“That’s actually a good idea.”

I grin and take a sip of my drink. Why is it so fun to talk to him? “So, what brings you here?”

“I heard you live in the area and was hoping to run into you.”

“That’s not stalkerish or anything.”

“Not at all.” Hunter winks. “But I’m glad I caught you.”

“Oh? Why’s that?”

“Because you owe me a dinner for helping you. Are you free tonight?”

Now it’s my turn to choke on my coffee. “Or maybe you owe me a dinner for putting up with you last night.”

“Then let’s owe each other. Shall we say seven tonight?”

Hunter is making my life more complicated by the minute. Not only does my weak Stella mask slip when he’s around, but I can’t make any decisions about Stella’s life without asking her for permission. I don’t want to be in a situation like last night again and headlining the tabloids because of my actions. And going to dinner with Hunter when Rachel wants it all to blow over? Even I know that’s a bad idea .

“Oh, um.” I take out my phone. I have to message Stella. “Hold that thought.”

“What are you doing?”

“Being kind of rude.” I cringe. “And that’s normally not like me, but I just remembered something super important, and well, I can’t let it go and…” I trail off not sure what else to say. Normally I’m interrupted by now, and it’s weird that he’s listening to me ramble without cutting me off.

“Okay?” He takes a sip of his drink and watches me intently.

I push the bag of cinnamon buns into his chest and one-handed text Stella. Turning the phone away from him, so he can’t read over my shoulder, I really hope I don’t look as awkward as I feel.

Me: Hunter is at the coffee shop, and he wants to take me to dinner. What should I say? What should I do? I should definitely say no, right?

S: SAY YES

Me: You’re joking.

S: Nope, you need to say yes.

Me: All I read there is for me to say no.

S: Say yes. I’ll explain when you’re back .

I glance from Hunter’s confused face to the phone and back. Oh shit. I’m going to have to do it. I’m going to have to agree, and I don’t even know why I’m agreeing. Sure, he’s hot and talking to him is surprisingly fun, but I can’t afford to bring more media attention to Stella. Rachel made it clear I already messed up last night and now Stella’s giving me mixed signals. But, at the end of the day, it’s Stella’s life. Not Rachel’s.

“Okay, fine,” I say, resigned. “I’ll go to dinner with you.”

“Way to sound excited about it.”

I snort. “Sorry, it’s been a long day and I’m hangry. I guess we should exchange numbers so that you don’t have to visit every restaurant tonight looking for me.”

“I’d do it though. But a bat signal might be easier to spot you with.”

I grin. “I’ll be sure to find one.”

He rattles off his digits for me to put in my phone.

“You got a new one,” he says, nodding to the black device in my hand.

“Oh, yeah.” Shit, how did he notice that? “My other one was on its last breath. It’s time I upgraded, but I’m sad to give it up.”

His lips twitch. “Maybe you should hold a service for it and give it a proper goodbye.”

“Only if you’d officiate it. ”

“I guess I have to now. Good ole Breaky, the best and most loyal phone in the world.”

“Breaky?” I huff out a laugh. “I thought she looked more like a Cracky.”

“That works too. Don’t worry, I’ll be sure to get the name right for the service.”

“At seven tonight?” I ask.

“See you then. I’ll text you the address.”

I nod once before turning and speed-walking away. What the hell did Stella make me agree to? And why is my stomach swarming with butterflies at the thought of seeing him again?