The Unexpected Wedding(10)
“Well, that’s another thing. I think it would be better if we didn’t. The fewer connections we have to your sister, the better. At least for now. Most people assume he’s my son. If it gets around that you’re his aunt, it’s one more clue for my father to find us.”
Becky Lee didn’t like that, but she could see Cal’s point. “Okay. For now, anyway.”
~ * ~
Becky Lee went over to talk to Keely for a few minutes, then met him at the door. “I asked off for tonight. I need some time to absorb all this. She’s calling in someone to take my shift.”
Cal opened the door and they headed outside. The sun was firmly tucked behind a bruise-gray cloud. They hurried towards the city park but ran into Steve and the boys before they made it there.
“Storm coming in. I figured I’d better get the boys back inside.” Steve glanced up at the sky. “I don’t trust storms much these days.”
“I hear you on that.” Becky Lee glanced upwards, too.
“I think we’ll head out and ride out this storm at home.” Steve turned away then looked back over his shoulder. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Cal.”
“Okay. Thanks.”
Becky Lee’s glance roamed over Cal, searching for answers.
“Steve gave me a job and found a sitter for Scotty. Going to meet her tomorrow and start the job on Monday.”
“Steve’s a good man to work for. You do construction?”
“Some. A little here and there.”
“I can help out with Scotty. Watch him around my shifts. I’ll talk to Keely and see if we can sort out my schedule.”
Scotty looked up at Cal, his eyes wide. “So strangers are gonna watch me?”
“I’ve gotta work, kiddo. We’ve got to find someone to babysit you while I do. Josh’s neighbor will help out some, and Miss Tesson will help, too.”
“I’m too old for a babysitter.”
“Okay, someone to keep an eye on you.” Cal hid a smile.
Scotty eyed Becky Lee. “You know how to take care of kids?”
“I’m pretty good at it.” Becky Lee nodded gravely.
Scotty scowled. “Are you fun?”
Becky Lee’s laugh danced on the humid air. “Yes, I think I am. I’ve watched my younger siblings, and I’ve taken care of my best friends’ kids. I do the fun stuff, then send them back for the hard stuff.” Becky Lee winked.
“Well, Josh and me are gonna play ball when I’m with that sitter lady. What am I gonna do when I’m with you?”
“We’ll find fun things. I promise.”
Scotty let out a long sigh. “Okay.”
Cal reached out and touched Scotty’s shoulder. “Come on, kiddo. Let’s head back to the Sweet Tea before the rain hits.”
Becky Lee stopped him. “How about you two come over tonight for a homemade supper? I bet you’re tired of eating out all the time. It will give Scotty and me some time to get to know each other better before I start baby—keeping an eye on him for you.”
“I’ll take you up on that.” Cal was grateful for not only the dinner but the help with Scotty. He should have a chance to get to know his aunt, even if he couldn’t know she was his aunt right now.
Becky Lee took out a piece of paper from her purse and wrote down her address. “Six o’clock sound good?”
“We’ll be there.”
He watched as Becky Lee hurried off down the street with a few wayward glances towards the gathering clouds.
A few big drops of rain splattered down around them. “Come on. Let’s hurry up before we get caught in the rain.”
CHAPTER SIX
Becky Lee heard the front door open and Jenny’s voice. “Bec? You here?”
“Back here.”
Jenny came into the kitchen as Becky Lee put a pan of lasagna into the oven and turned around. “What are you doing here?”
Jenny plopped down in a kitchen chair. “You sounded upset when I called. Or something. Just not like yourself. I have this feeling that something is wrong and you’re not telling me.”
“No. Everything is fine.” Becky Lee dropped the hot mitt on the counter.
Jenny eyed her closely. “Nope. Won’t work. Something’s wrong.”
There really was no use trying to keep a secret from either Jenny or Bella. They’d always weasel it out of her.
“It’s a long story.”
“Well, pour me a glass of tea and get talking. And who are you cooking that big pan of lasagna for?”
“Ah, Jenny. So much has happened.”
“Since this morning?”
“Well, I just found out.” Becky Lee went and grabbed a glass and poured her friend some sweet tea. “It’s about Theresa Jean. She’s in trouble.”