Mistaken Identity (Identity 1)

“Honestly?” Her stomach flipped. “I think maybe it has the potential to be.”

“Whoa.” Mya placed her hand on her cheek. The gold bracelets on her right wrist clanked as they connected. “Never thought I’d see the day Kansas Collins got it bad. Someone alert the papers.”

“Shut it.” She took a sip of water to combat the heat that broke out over her entire body.

“I knew this convention would be just what you needed. Best birthday giver ever.”

“We’ll see.” Kansas wasn’t ready to get her hopes up yet. He’d already lied to her. Once is the only chance he gets to do that.

“When are you going to see this mystery man again?”

“I figured after lunch.”

“Good thinking.” Mya downed the last of her wine, dug into her purse, tossed down a few bills and took to her feet.

“What are you doing?”

Mya grabbed her arm and gave a gentle tug. “We’re leaving. We have some work to do.”

Kansas stood. “Work? I am so confused right now, Mya.”

“We want to wow him in an understated way that doesn’t make it seem like you spent forever assembling the outfit and artfully applying make-up.”

“I look fine now.” She eyed her friend as if she’d grown two heads.

“Yes, what we’re going for is fabulous.”

She opened her mouth protest, and Mya shook her head.

“Trust me, darling, I got a feeling.”

Used to her friend’s eccentricities Kansas rolled her eyes. I’m not going to win so I may as well yield early. “Fine.”

Mya clapped her hands together. Her heart-shaped face lit up with joy, and her doe-brown eyes sparkled. She was in her element, match-making and fashion. “Can you tell me anything about him? I need details, woman.”

“He’s taller than me with dirty blonde hair, killer eyes, a southern twang, and a wicked sense of humor.”

“Perfect for you.”

“Perhaps.”

“Oh stop feigning indifference. You’re moved, and that’s okay. Love is a beautiful thing everyone should experience. Not all relationships end like your parents’. This is your time, baby girl.” Mya squeezed her hand. “Are you listening to me?”

Kansas nodded. For the first time since the world around her had been blown wide open Kansas allowed herself to feel excitement. Maybe Mya was right. She’s spent thirty years protecting her heart. It was time to take a risk.

“Good, now let’s make magic happen.”

They minute they entered the room Mya went straight to the suitcase on Kansas’s bed, popped it open, and began to rummage.

“What exactly are you hoping to find in there?” Kansas asked, amused.

“I’ll know it when I see it.” The rustle of clothes filled the space. “Aha!” She held up a pink maxi dress. “This looks fantastic on you, and highlights some of your … attributes.”

“You’re such a delicate flower, Mya.”

“Hey, I could have said your giant knockers, but I was trying to be nice.” The agitation thickened Mya’s drawl, and Kasas laughed.

“I know. I’m just teasing.”