A gasp sounded behind her and Rebecca turned to see her favorite actress on the outdoor television.
A few of the Morgans had stopped in front of the TV to watch while Anthony said to Bart, “She fell off the face of the earth it seems. I would have thought that impossible as she’s a famous actress.”
Huh? Rebecca’s head pivoted back to the conversation but she pointed to the TV as she asked, “Jennifer Gonzales?”
Anthony didn’t follow where she directed as he asked, “Yes, you know her?”
Bart turned on his heel. “She’s on TV over there.”
All four of them walked closer to the TV as Anthony asked Peter, who stood with his wife, “What’s she saying?”
Peter said, “She married someone in Vegas.”
Anthony placed his hand on his heart like he’d been shot. Rebecca pressed her lips together. He was clearly the dramatic one in the family which was funny because Matthew Morgan was an award winning actor.
“Who?” Anthony asked.
Peter’s wife gave Anthony a look of pity and said, “The press is saying it’s someone she just met.”
“I have to go.” Anthony marched out of the house.
Aurelia called, “Anthony!”
Bart gently bumped into his sister and said, “Let him go. She’s not pregnant which meant she had the baby.”
Aurelia's brow lifted in confusion. “I’m worried.”
Bart hugged his sister and said, “We all are--but the rest of us are glad you’re here, Aurelia, and I promise we’re not so… involved with drama.”
Aurelia crossed her arms. “Anthony was always super sensitive, though he was good at pretending he was macho and nothing affected him.”
“I understand.” He released Aurelia and returned to Rebecca. Aurelia gave his hand on her waist a pointed look. “I’m going to get a drink and speak to Valentina. Lorenzo promised me a ride home so you two can spend some time together.”
Her heart sped up. She needed to clear the air with Aurelia quick. She needed her friend. She patted his arm on her side and asked, “Bart, can I speak to your sister alone for a minute?”
Aurelia didn’t move.
Good.
Bart kissed her cheek. “I’ll be right over there.”
Life with him was unbelievable and amazing. She needed to get a grip but that required changing more than she already had. She waited until he walked a few feet away and steeled her nerves.
Aurelia leased close and asked, “What’s going?”
Rebecca put her untouched glass down, tension filling her as she stalled and said, “Nothing. I wanted to check on you. There are a lot of Morgans. Are you okay?”
Aurelia exhaled and blew a lock of dark brown hair off her forehead. “I’m glad to see everyone again but it’s surreal for me--I thought for so long that I wasn't wanted."
She remembered the sadness that never seemed to go away and hoped now her friend could heal. "It is good that you are here."
"How is Bart treating you?”
This was it. Her hands shook a little. “He’s… been introducing me, as his girlfriend.”
Aurelia glimmered in gold in the dim lighting. “Good! I’m happy for you.”
Rebecca turned her back to the others in the room and whispered, “He doesn’t know my dad owns a garage, or that I work in one.”
