Rebecca's Little Secret (15 page)

“And you look lovely. All three of you do. Rachel, have you got all your things moved in?”

“Yes, Vivian, we finished this afternoon. Vanessa helped me.”

“Oh, good. I’m glad you’re finally here.”

Betty entered with a tray of hors d’oeuvres. “Here now, this should hold you until dinner is ready.”

“Thank you, Betty. I’m sure it will,” Vivian agreed.

After Betty had left the room, Bill said, “This could hold me until Saturday.”

Will chuckled. “I know, but you have to share with us.”

“Oh, I knew there was a catch.” Bill got up and passed the tray around.

A few minutes later, Betty called them in to dinner. She served the roast beef and vegetables, then said, before leaving the room, “Be sure you save room for dessert. I baked coconut cream pies.”

Rachel groaned after Betty left the room. “I knew moving in here was a mistake. I can’t stay on a diet around here.”

“Yes, you can, dear,” Vivian promised. “I’ll make sure she adds some lower-calorie vegetables and not as many good desserts.”

“Oh, no, I won’t be here often enough to make everyone hate me. And
I
would hate me if I changed Betty’s menu.”

“Good for you,” Will said. “I enjoy every calorie I eat of Betty’s cooking. It’s why I keep working out in the gym.”

“I try to do some kind of physical regime, but with all the traveling I do, it isn’t easy. And then I meet Rebecca, who looks just like me, and she doesn’t diet at all.”

“Ah, Joey’s my secret. Keeping up with him is my workout.” Rebecca smiled at her son. He was seated between her and Jeff. Vanessa and Rachel sat on the other side with Bill.

When dinner was over, it was almost Joey’s bedtime. Everyone retired to the library, but Rebecca told Joey to tell everyone good-night. He did so, but Jeff immediately stood and offered to help put him to bed.

Rebecca hesitated. She wanted to refuse his offer, but she couldn’t do that. It might be the last time Jeff tucked Joey in for a long time.

Jeff carried his son upstairs and helped him brush his teeth and don his pajamas in the bathroom. They came into Joey’s bedroom, both laughing.

“What’s so funny?” Rebecca asked.

“Joey was making funny faces in the mirror.”

“You started it, Daddy,” Joey said.

Jeff laughed. “I guess I did.”

“Choose the book you want us to read, but not the dinosaur book.”

“Why not?” Jeff asked.

“Because it’s his longest book. That’s why he chooses it so often.”

“Aw, Mommy.”

She crossed her arms and stared at her son. With a shrug of his shoulder, Joey picked another book about a dog.

“Someday I want to have a dog,” he said as he gave it to his father.

“Maybe someday you can. What kind would you like?”

“I like golden retrievers.”

“Those dogs are bigger than you are,” Jeff protested.

“But I’m going to grow, aren’t I?”

“Yes, you are, son. And I’m going to watch you grow.”

Rebecca turned her back to the pair. She was afraid her face would give away her anguish.

“Rebecca? You ready to read?”

“You start. I want to tidy up the bathroom.”

When she came back into the room a couple of minutes later, Jeff was halfway through the book. She took over the reading for the last few pages. Then she kissed her son good-night and stood, waiting for Jeff to do the same.

When he’d done so, she tucked the covers around her little boy, kissed him again and tiptoed to the door where Jeff waited.

“Are you okay?” Jeff asked when they had closed Joey’s door.

“Yes, of course, why?”

“I just got the feeling you were upset.”

“Please, I don’t need anyone else reading my mind.” She hurried down the stairs ahead of Jeff.

Betty was bringing in a tray of coffee and hot tea when they reached the library. Jeff gave a sigh. “I think coffee is the perfect antidote to that pie.”

“But, Mr. Jeff, I thought you’d want an extra piece to take home,” Betty said, a shocked look on her face.

Jeff began to stammer, trying to think of a way to avoid hurting Betty’s feelings.

“He’s afraid he’ll put on weight and Chelsea won’t want him anymore.” Rebecca finished by smiling at Jeff, but it wasn’t a pleasant smile.

Jeff gave his apologies to Betty. Then he accepted his fragrant cup of coffee.

After an enjoyable hour, the two men excused themselves. As they walked to the car, Bill commented on the pleasant evening and got almost no response from Jeff.

“Is something wrong?”

“Yeah, I’m beginning to think Chelsea was right. There’s something wrong with Rebecca.”

Friday morning, Rebecca got Joey off to school. Then she joined Vivian, Vanessa and Rachel at the breakfast table. Rachel would have to leave soon to make her flight. Peter was going to drive her as soon as he got back from taking Joey to school.

“In honor of your departure, Rachel, I think I’ll have just one more cinnamon roll. These are even better than the coconut pie last night,” Rebecca said, closing her eyes to savor the taste.

“Yes, they are,” Rachel agreed.

Rebecca’s eyes popped open. “Did you eat one?”

“No. But Vanessa gave me a bite of hers.”

“I’m glad you ate your scrambled eggs, Rachel,” Vivian said. “They have a lot of protein in them.”

“Yes. Eggs are one of my favorite foods.” Rachel paused before she said, “Eggs and cinnamon rolls.”

They all laughed. Betty came in and poured more coffee in Rachel’s cup.

“Thank you, Betty.” After Betty went back to the kitchen, Rachel said, “I’m going to miss this service
while I’m gone. It seems like all they do is yell at us at these shoots.”

“That doesn’t sound pleasant,” Vivian said with a frown.

“It’s not. Modeling is not an easy job, but it pays well. If it weren’t for Mother stealing all my money, I’d have a nice nest egg.”

“How much had you saved?” Vanessa asked.

“Almost seventy-five thousand. And that included paying Mother a salary to handle my money.”

“Your mother spent that much money?” Rebecca asked.

“Yes, over a period of a year. And borrowed another twenty-five thousand against my future earnings.”

“Oh, my,” Vivian said, her gaze sad. “That woman has no right to call herself your mother.”

“Certainly not compared to you, Vivian,” Rachel said with a smile. “Now, I’ve got to go. I hear Peter in the driveway and he said we’d have to hurry.”

She hugged all three women goodbye. “This is the first time I’ve gone on a shoot and really had family to say goodbye to.” She brushed away the tears, grabbed the suitcase she’d brought down with her and ran out the door.

Rebecca gave a sigh of relief.

“You’re glad she’s gone?” Vivian asked, staring at her.

“I’m glad the goodbyes are over. I’m not very good at them. And I knew they might be difficult this morning.” Rebecca breathed a sigh of relief when she
saw understanding in Vivian’s smile and gaze. She stood, excusing herself.

“I guess you do have to go so you won’t be late to class.”

Rebecca had intended to tell them she wasn’t going to school today because she had too much to do, but she couldn’t do that. So she grabbed her purse and books to hurry out. Only she didn’t go to class. Instead, she went to the library. There she wrote goodbye letters to Will and Vivian, Rachel, Vanessa and Jeff.

She received several funny stares as she wrote while tears slid down her cheeks. She kept a tissue in her hand and mopped them up, but the tears kept coming.

“Rebecca?”

Rebecca gasped as she realized Vanessa had come to the library and found her. “Vanessa!” she managed to get out.

“What’s wrong?” Vanessa whispered as she slipped into the chair beside her. “And why aren’t you in class?”

“I couldn’t go. I was too upset.”

“Because Rachel left?”

“Yes, it seemed to release some emotions I hadn’t dealt with. I’m sorry. I thought if I wrote about them I’d feel better.”

“It doesn’t seem to be working. Why don’t we go get a hamburger together?”

“Okay, that’s a good idea.” Rebecca quickly
tucked her letters away so her sister couldn’t see them.

They walked a short distance to a favorite lunch place the students enjoyed. They found a table, and Vanessa insisted Rebecca sit down while she went and got their food. Rebecca could only agree.

Vanessa came back to their table with a tray full of food. “I got us some onion rings, too. I never asked you if you like them, but since we seem to like all the same things I thought you might like them, too.”

“You noticed that about all of us?”

Vanessa grinned and nodded.

“Well, you’re right. I love onion rings. I don’t think I can eat all this food, though, after those cinnamon rolls for breakfast.”

“It’s a good thing Rachel won’t be going on a trip every morning. We’d all get fat.”

“Yes.” Rebecca took the thick hamburger off the tray, cheese dripping down its sides. “Oh, this looks so good.”

“I know. I love these hamburgers. It took me a while to convince Betty that college kids didn’t take sack lunches to school.”

“No—really?”

“Really. She’d always packed lunches for me because she was sure that the school food would be bad for me.” Vanessa grinned as Rebecca laughed.

“It sounds good to hear you laugh, Rebecca. I was afraid you were falling to pieces back there in the library.”

“No, I’m fine. It was just a hard day.”

“Are you going in to work today?”

“No. I’ve missed all week. I don’t see that going in today would do any good.” She released her breath as Vanessa nodded in agreement.

“True. Have you told Jeff?”

“No, I thought I’d give him a call in a few minutes.”

“Here, you can use my cell phone and call him now.”

Vivian had wanted to get Rebecca a cell phone, but she’d refused. She didn’t consider one essential. “All right, if you’re sure you don’t mind.”

“Of course not.”

Rebecca dialed the number for the law office. When Harriet answered, she began giving her the message for Jeff.

“Jeff specifically said if you called I was to let him know so he could talk to you. Just a minute.”

Rebecca wanted to protest, but Harriet had already gotten up and wasn’t there to hear her words.

“Is anything wrong?” Vanessa asked.

Rebecca shook her head no.

“Rebecca?” Jeff’s strong voice sounded in her ear.

“Yes, Jeff?”

“You’re not coming in to work today?”

“I didn’t think one more day would matter since I’ve missed all week.”

“No, that’s fine if you don’t want to come in. Are you all right?”

“I’m fine.”

“I was thinking about taking Joey shopping tomorrow to buy him some winter clothes. We can have lunch out, too. Is that okay with you?”

“No, tomorrow’s not convenient. Maybe next weekend.”

“What have you got planned for Saturday?”

“We’re way behind on several chores, and I want us to get caught up on them.”

“Can I help?”

“No, you can’t.”

“But I haven’t seen much of you…and Joey this week.”

“Jeff, don’t be difficult. You came to dinner last night.”

“Okay. You’re sure nothing’s wrong?”

“I’m sure.”

“Okay. I’ll see you Sunday.”

He waited, as if to see if she would protest.

She didn’t bother. “Goodbye.”

“Bye.”

“Why was he being difficult?” Vanessa asked.

“He wanted to see Joey on Saturday, but I didn’t want to spend the day with him.”

“Why didn’t you let him take Joey for the day? You could have some rest.”

“The invitation was for both of us.”

“It’s a wonder Chelsea doesn’t get jealous.”

“She does. And I feel terrible about it.”

“Oh, I’m sorry.”

“Yes. I didn’t think I’d like her, but I do. I’ve tried to tell Jeff he can’t put me and Joey first and always
leave Chelsea as third, or she would become resentful. I also told him that he had to stop turning her over to Bill’s care. But Jeff acts like there’s no problem.” Tears had filled Rebecca’s eyes, and she tried to blink them away.

“Is that one of the reasons you were crying in the library?”

“Yes, I’m afraid so.”

“Well, I imagine Chelsea will let him know that.”

Rebecca was so tempted to tell her sister about her conversation with Chelsea, but she couldn’t or Vanessa would know what she planned to do and try to stop her. She would tell her parents, and Rebecca knew she wasn’t strong enough to stand up to their persuasions.

“Probably so.”

“M
RS.
W
EXHAM
, I
NEED TO
speak to Chelsea. It’s an emergency,” Jeff said.

“What kind of emergency?”

“It’s
my
emergency. Either you let me speak to her, or I’m coming over to talk to her in person.”

“That’s not possible. She’s in her bedroom.”

Jeff hung up the phone, then started out of the office. Then he went back to Bill’s office door. “I’m going to force my way through Mrs. Wexham’s fortress. Want to come?”

“Sure. Why are you going to do this?”

“Because something is wrong with Rebecca, and I think Chelsea knows more than she’s told me about it. The dragon lady won’t let me talk to Chelsea on
the phone, so I’m going to demand to see her in person.”

“Sounds like a good idea. We can surround her.”

“I’ll take all the help I can get.”

After they got in the car, Jeff said, “I think it might help the situation if I introduce you as the senator’s son. Would you mind too much?”

“If you think it will help, I won’t hide in the bushes.”

“Thanks, Bill. You’re a good friend.”

Bill didn’t respond.

They parked in front of the house. Just as they got out of their car, Chelsea’s father pulled into the driveway in his Mercedes.

“Do you think she sent for reinforcements?”

“I find that hard to believe,” Jeff said. He’d always figured Mrs. Wexham ruled the house.

As they walked to the front door, Mr. Wexham came around to meet them. “Jeff, what are you doing here?”

“I need to speak with Chelsea, and for a week your wife has given me excuse after excuse about why Chelsea can’t come to the phone.”

“Didn’t you try her cell phone?”

“There’s been no answer on her cell phone for four days.”

“Really? Has she been sick?”

“I was told she had a cold.”

“Really? Well, come on in. We need to get to the bottom of this.”

“Sir, have you met my law partner?”

“No, I don’t think I have,” the man said as the door opened.

Jeff checked to be sure Mrs. Wexham could hear him. “This is Bill Wallace. His dad is Robert Wallace, one of our senators.”

“To the U.S. Congress? Really? Well, welcome, young man.”

Jeff saw Mrs. Wexham’s eyes widen in surprise, and then narrow in speculation.

“Mrs. Wexham, I’m sorry to interrupt your day, but I need to speak with Chelsea.”

“I’ll go get her,” Mrs. Wexham said with a smile, her gaze fixed on Bill.

Jeff felt sure he knew the conversation that would take place upstairs. Chelsea was about to get chewed out for not telling her mother what she didn’t know. She was about to be surprised.

When Mrs. Wexham and Chelsea entered the room a few minutes later, Jeff thought he saw confirmation in Chelsea’s gaze. She was furious with Bill.

“Chelsea, I wonder if I could have a few minutes in private with you?” Jeff asked.

Abruptly, Chelsea stopped glaring at Bill and stared at Jeff. “With me? Yes, I suppose so.”

As they left the room, Jeff could hear Mrs. Wexham starting the cross-examination. It wouldn’t be long before she learned about the oil wells the family owned, too. Then Bill would find the door wide open should he ever want to visit.

“Chelsea, why did you call me to ask if Rebecca was okay yesterday?”

“She talked strangely while she was here.”

“About what?”

“About leaving.”

Jeff grabbed her shoulders and shouted, “What? What did she say?”

“Jeff, don’t do that, you’re hurting me.”

Bill suddenly appeared in the doorway. “Jeff! What are you doing to Chelsea?”

“Nothing! I mean, I may have squeezed too tightly on her shoulders, but she told me Rebecca is planning on leaving.”

“Leaving? Why would she go?”

“She—she was worried about us.”

“Us who?” Bill asked.

Chelsea drew back, but bravely said, “Me and Jeff.”

“Oh, I see. I’ll wait outside, Jeff.”

As he turned to leave, Chelsea called, “Bill, don’t go.”

“Why should I stay? This is between you and your fiancé.”

“No, he’s not my fiancé anymore. At least not for long. Not in my heart, anyway. That’s why Mother was so mad and took away my cell phone, my car keys, and threatened me,” Chelsea said.

“What do you mean you’re not engaged anymore? And besides, you could have come to me. All you had to do was call,” Bill assured her lovingly.

“Oh, really? Well, all you had to do was tell me your father is a senator, and I wouldn’t have had any problems. Unless you’re lying?”

“No, I’m not lying.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because that wasn’t why I wanted you to like me.”

“You idiot! Couldn’t you tell I
loved
you?”

“How could I? You were engaged to my best friend!” Bill snapped.

“I didn’t need to know about the senator for me, Bill. I needed to know about the senator for my parents. I can’t help it that all they care about is high society and public image.”

Jeff was enjoying seeing someone else in trouble. “Now you want to tell her about the oil wells?”

“No!” Bill returned, glaring at Jeff.

“What oil wells?” Chelsea asked.

“On the family ranch,” Jeff said with a smile.

“My dad’s in the oil business. He’ll be thrilled.”

“Yeah, I bet he will be. So, Chelsea, is this your way of telling me that you no longer want to marry me, that you want to pursue a relationship with Bill?” Jeff asked with a smile.

“If you don’t mind, Jeff. I think you’d be better off marrying Rebecca since you love her so much. I didn’t mean to hurt you or for this to play out the way it has.”

“Chelsea, I love you and I thank you. You’ll always hold a very special place in my heart, but you’re right. I’m in love with Rebecca.”

Chelsea took the ring off her third finger. “Here’s your ring back.”

“Keep it.”

“No, she’s not keeping another man’s ring. Take it back. Maybe you can trade it in,” Bill suggested.

Jeff grinned. “Right. I’ll see what I can do. Do I need to wait for you before I go see Rebecca?”

“No, I’ll take him home in a little while. I think Mom will let me have my car keys after she hears about the oil wells.” Chelsea stepped forward and hugged Jeff.