Diner Girl(29)

No use in stalling, better to face the henchman. Opening her eyes, she forced a smile. Rebecca stood to his right, definitely the same beautiful young woman she’d met in the diner. The same smile, the same eyes and wearing an outfit very similar to the one she’d worn that night so long ago.

“I’m awake.” She sat up and forced a smile. “We really don’t have to do this. Rebecca, I’ll understand if you are uncomfortable, please don’t think I expect—”

“Don’t be silly, Mark has told me all about you.” When Rebecca smiled, her teeth shone white against her dark skin and her eyes twinkled. She sat in the chair next to the bed. Awareness registered moments later, and her mouth spread into a thin white line.

“I think I’ll leave you two to get acquainted. I’m going to go get your equipment from the van, Beck.”

Why’d he have to look so pleased with himself? Was this punishment, somehow, for last night? Something extra to put on her for not telling him the truth? That smile reminded her of a hungry shark, mouth gaping, teeth dripping and ready. Jennifer couldn’t help but feel confused, more so than she’d ever felt in her entire life. Equipment? And people just weren’t this accepting. Were they? Why is this woman being so nice to me? “Rebecca—”

“No, please, I like to be called Beck. Actually, Rebecca is fine, too, either way.” She smiled warmly. “Hey, how did you like the rose? Mark asked me what kind to get you. I’ve never really liked the plain colors, so I told him something more unique. I thought he’d go for the Queen Annes, you know, the purple ones?”

“I liked it. Reb-Beck, how are you okay with this?” She decided no good would come of bringing up the past. Best to leave it be.

“I love Mark.” She crossed one leg over the other and sat with her hands folded on her knee. “So do you have any questions about what I’m doing today?”

“Doing?”

“Yes, I’m a masseuse, and I’m giving you a massage. Do you have any questions about what we’re going to be doing, or what to expect?”

Wondering for a moment if this woman planned to kill her and fake it as a massage, Jennifer blinked back tears. What in the hell was going on? “You can’t give me a massage!” It came out sounding forceful, but Jennifer didn’t care. She might have kept a secret for Rebecca a lifetime ago, but she was not letting her put her hands all over her body now.

And as unfair as it seemed, she felt pissed that Rebecca would act so nonchalant, knowing full well that Jennifer knew her dirty little secret.

“Oh, don’t worry. I work on a lot of pregnant women. Mark gives my business card out all over the hospital. Pregnancy massage is nothing to be worried about. It’ll be a lighter touch than what you’re used to, but—”

Mark came back into the room carrying a large contraption that somewhat resembled a folded chair. “So, are you two ladies getting acquainted?”

Jennifer looked at him helplessly, begging him with her eyes to intervene.

Mark, the devil, just smiled in return. Teasingly he asked, “Beck hasn’t told you any secrets about me, has she?”

“Beck,” Jennifer began tersely, “hasn’t really told me anything.”

“I was trying to tell her about the massage, Mark,” Rebecca chimed in. “I’m not really sure she wants it. I mean,” she looked at Jennifer, “I’ll be happy to give it to you, but I don’t want to force you into anything you are unsure or nervous about.” She picked up Jennifer’s hand.

“Mark!” Jennifer could hear the dismay in her own voice.

“Beck,” Mark said, a twinkle still in his eye, “isn’t there something you should tell her?”

“I thought you had. Wait,” she looked at Jennifer. Then back at Mark. “You didn’t tell her. Mark!” Rebecca got up her seat and punched him in the arm. Jennifer watched the two of them as they picked back and forth.

Then it dawned on her. “You’re not...”

“Beck is my sister.”

Jennifer looked from Mark to Rebecca and back again. “I don’t understand. You look nothing alike.” Her eyes settled on Mark. “And you told me you didn’t have any siblings growing up.

“I was fifteen when I was adopted. I didn’t until then.”

Rebecca said, “Listen, guys, I’ve got a few calls to make, and I’ve got to pick up some things. Is it okay if we postpone this for a half hour or so?”

“That’s fine.” He kissed Rebecca on the cheek. “Jennifer, is that okay with you?”