One Tiny Lie – Jennifer Youngblood Page 0,62

to your best friend?”

“You’re no friend of mine,” Ava fired back. “Not anymore,” she thundered.

Beverly’s face was ashen. “I—I don’t understand what’s going on here.” She looked back and forth between Ava and Luna.

“I’m sorry, Mom,” Ava said meekly. “This is all my fault. Luna is my identical twin. My birthmother contacted me. That’s the real reason I disappeared for a few weeks.” She smiled faintly at Luna. “While in Atlanta, I learned that I have a twin sister. I talked Luna into switching places with me.” Her voice gathered enthusiasm. “Mom, you have two daughters now.”

Panic filled Beverly’s eyes. She turned to Luna. “Y—you’re not Ava?” Her voice was childlike, plaintive.

“No,” Luna uttered. “I’m sorry.” She looked at Hudson, tears blurring her vision. “I—I’m so sorry.” Her voice broke. “That’s what I was trying to tell you.”

He pushed a hand through his hair. She could feel his confusion, his disappointment, his anger.

“I can’t believe this,” Beverly sputtered. Her legs wobbled. She would have fallen had Ava not stepped forward and caught her.

“It’s okay,” Ava soothed. She steered Beverly to the stool and helped her get seated.

Beverly’s eyes widened incredulously. “There are two of you,” she stammered, as if trying to make herself believe it. She looked at Ava. “I can’t believe you have a twin. I never knew.”

“Neither did I,” Ava chuckled. “It’s great having a sister, actually.”

“What happened to your arm?” Beverly asked.

“It’s my shoulder, actually. I’ll explain later.”

Irritation bubbled in Luna’s chest as she looked at Ava. “You certainly know how to make an entrance.”

“I’m sorry.” Her eyes were pleading. “I didn’t know what else to do. I was trying to help.”

Luna’s mind raced to put the pieces together. “What’re you doing here?”

“It was supposed to be a surprise. Cash and I had the night off, which was a miracle in and of itself. It was just how the concert schedule worked out. That’s why I asked you to wait until after the party to tell Mom and Dad the truth. I wanted to be here with you when you did. I figured I owed it to you and them to help any way I could. Also, I wanted to be here for Dad’s party. I was standing in the back when you sang. I had intended to sneak out the back before anyone saw me and meet up with you guys at the house.” Admiration flickered in her eyes. “You were great, sis. Hearing you sing Lonely Moon … well, it helps me understand what you’ve been through.”

“Somebody had better do some explaining,” Alistair roared.

Luna heard Todd make a noise. She thought he might be trying to answer Alistair, but then she heard gurgling and saw the panic on Todd’s face as his eyes bulged. His face turned dark purple as he clutched his chest and collapsed.

“Oh, no!” Beverly cried as she jumped up and ran down the platform. “Somebody call 911,” she screamed. “I think he’s having a heart attack!”

16

The next few hours were a blur as the paramedics rushed in and carried Todd off on a gurney. Beverly was beside herself, perpetual lines of tears streaking down her face. Ava stayed by her side, trying to comfort her, but Luna could tell she was also fighting her own emotions. Luna saw Cash Romeo and another man whom she guessed might’ve been Ramsey standing off to the side, keeping a respectable distance. The guests all dispersed, offering their mumbled condolences.

“I need to get to the hospital,” Beverly said.

Ava looked at Cash. “We’ll take you,” she said.

Beverly nodded. Luna wasn’t sure where she fit into this picture. She felt completely numb from head to toe.

She saw Hudson over in a corner, talking to his parents. Alistair and Juliette were livid. They kept casting dark looks at Luna and Ava. It looked like Hudson was trying to calm them down.

“I guess I’ll go back to the house,” Luna said. She wanted to go to the hospital, but she didn’t know if she would be welcome. She was surprised when Beverly caught her arm in a strong grip.

“No,” Beverly asserted, squaring her jaw. “You’re coming with us.”

Tears rose in Luna’s eyes. “Do you still want me?” she squeaked.

“Of course, I want you,” Beverly harrumphed. “Like Ava said, I have two daughters now, and you’re much more agreeable than the other one.” She gave Ava a sharp look.

“Hey,” Ava protested, but relaxed when she saw the blip of a twinkle in Beverly’s eyes. It was quickly overshadowed, however, by