Baggage Check by M.J. Pullen Page B

conversations as everyone began discussing the song and Marci’s morning sickness that was apparently also midnight sickness.
    Rebecca stood, stretched, and walked back down to the water, enjoying the sand under her feet. It had grown more overcast as evening came, and there was no moon. The night was inky black over the water. Except for the tiny waves at her feet lighted by the blaze, there was nothing to see but a few dim stars visible between the clouds. It felt like standing on the edge of nothing.
    She felt him behind her before she saw him.
    â€œQuite a night,” Jake said.
    â€œYes,” Rebecca said. A chill ran up her spine. She could not bring herself to turn around.
    â€œI heard this was your idea,” he said.
    â€œWell, sort of. I mean, I guess it was my idea but Beth did most of the planning.”
    His hand on her bare shoulder was warm and strong. Rebecca sometimes forgot how little real human contact she had these days, aside from the bustling and jostling of the airport. For years, she had measured her life in increments of Jake: a smile, a phone call, a brush with his hand, a peck on the cheek. And for a few moments, four years ago … But that had been between his engagements to Marci—the disastrous first one, and the real one that stuck. Now, he belonged irrevocably to Marci, no matter what Rebecca’s feelings were.
    The hand on her shoulder seemed to radiate warmth. She knew she should turn and walk back to the safety of the fire and the gaze of other people. But her feet were glued to the sand. “Congratulations again on the new pregnancy,” she said. She wasn’t sure if she was building a bridge between them or trying to tear one down.
    â€œYes. It’s … it’s such a blessing. Of course.”
    The thing was, and Rebecca didn’t think she was imagining this, he didn’t sound blessed. She hesitated. “I’m sure you’re thrilled to have another baby. Bonnie is so beautiful.”
    â€œShe’s the light of my life,” he said. This much was genuine. “And, yeah, I’m thrilled, it’s just—”
    â€œHey guys,” Suzanne said suddenly. Rebecca jumped. She hadn’t heard anyone approaching over the sound of the waves. And the blood pumping in her ears.
    â€œHey there, Mrs. Dylan Burke.” Jake did not remove his hand, but simply put his other arm around Suzanne so that he was draped between the two of them. It was an affectionate gesture. Brotherly.
    â€œUgh, don’t say that,” Suzanne said. Without looking, Rebecca knew Suzanne was wrinkling her nose. “It makes me feel old.”
    â€œYou’d better get used to it,” Jake said. He kissed Suzanne on the cheek. “Congratulations, Suze. Really. He’s a good guy, especially for a famous person.”
    â€œThanks, Jakie,” Suzanne said, using the nickname she’d had for him in college. How was it possible that had been almost fifteen years ago? “Now we just need to find the right guy for Rebecca. Don’t you know anyone? Maybe one of those pro football players from your film? Just think, she could be on the Real Housewives of Atlanta in a couple of years.”
    Jake mumbled something to the ocean. Rebecca felt humiliation rising in her chest. “Actually,” she said impulsively, “Rebecca is already seeing someone.”
    Suzanne’s shock was visible even in the dim light from the fire behind them. “What? Who? Why didn’t you mention this?”
    â€œYou didn’t ask,” Rebecca said. “He’s a pilot.”
    â€œReally?” Suzanne said. “How wonderful. Anyone I’ve met?”
    Rebecca was already regretting the lie. “No, he flies the international routes. His name is…” She searched her database of pilots for someone who was real and single. Better to keep a lie as close to the truth as possible.