“I’ve only known you for twenty-four hours, and I already think you’re incredible.”

“Uh-huh.”

“I do! For starters, your baby blue eyeshadow and winged eyeliner are perfect.”

Dawn rolls her eyes.

“They are,” I insist.

She sighs. “My ex was a beauty guru. I was trained by an extremely judgmental professional.”

“Oh.” I press my lips together. “I’m sorry…”

We’re silent for a moment.

“I don’t really follow beauty gurus,” I say quietly. “But I had a major crush on this one girl who was big on YouTube when I was in high school. I watched her tutorials religiously … and I didn’t learn anything. It takes skill to acquire those eye makeup capabilities, not just a teacher.”

Dawn studies me curiously. “Hm. It’s so weird to see someone who’s not Jamie … dressed like her.” She sniffles. “It’s really messing with my brain. If we’re going to continue hanging out, I’m going to need you to be you.”

I am genuinely shocked. “I—Wa—You want to keep hanging out with me?”

She shrugs. “I mean, I’d like to get to know my best friend’s long-lost sister.”

“I—I’d love that.”

A muffled sob slips out of Dawn, and her face crumples in on itself again. I scoot over and pull her into a hug, the sweet scent of her hair tickling my nose.

“I’m sorry.” I hold on to her for an extra moment before pulling away.

“You know,” Dawn says as she swipes away her tears, “Jamie’s not a hugger. We high-five when she wants to get across the sentiment of a hug.”

My mouth pops open. “I’m so sorry—”

She waves me off. “No, it’s fine. It was a great hug; I’m just sharing.”

I frown. “I guess that’s why I was straight up shut down at the airport when I kind of raised my arms.”

Dawn nods. “She’s a strange one.”

I laugh. “Tell me about it.”

Dawn is still watching me carefully, like she’s afraid I’ll shape-shift again into yet another stranger. It’s making me hyperaware of my movements.

“You laugh different. Some of your facial features are freakishly similar. But you use them differently. It’s unsettling.” Dawn shakes her head, her eyes clearing and refocusing on mine. “I don’t want to seem rude, but … I think I have to kick you out. I need some time to process all this. Would you mind giving me some time alone?”

I leap up from the couch. “Of course, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to overstay my welcome.”

Dawn shakes her head. “It’s okay, Siri. I wasn’t lying, I’m down to hang out. But I just had a huge fight with Jamie and—”

“You need a second. I get it. I completely get it.” I hustle toward the door and start pulling on Jamie’s yellow boots.