Page 30 of Secret Admirer
“I have my dad.” Rebecca took the dress into a side room that was probably a closet, but it was big enough for a bedroom.
Rebecca stripped and changed into a long gown that was fancier than a prom dress. She returned, and the workers pinned the fabric to fit. Caro supervised. “Well, we’re not all snobs. Growing up, my brother and I didn’t have much, but my mom raised us, not that far from where you live.”
Rebecca breathed deep and let her shoulders drop. All the Morgans weren’t insanely fancy then. Caro’s assistants started pinning the dress in places while she still wore it as Rebecca said, “Bart thought I owned some shack. How do you know where I live?”
Caro’s face reddened. “I’m sure it’s lovely--I overheard the driver talk to the staff. The Morgans don’t always realize the luxury that they are surrounded with isn’t normal.”
“Right.” She hoped Caro was on the level with her. It would be nice to make friends inside his family and she had nothing in common with celebrities.
The shorter assistant motioned for Rebecca take the dress off. Rebecca nodded, but Caro grabbed her hand and stared at her short nails. “Rebecca, what happened to your nails?”
Huh? She glanced down and saw specks of black oil. She tugged her hand away as her face felt hot. “Oh. Nothing.”
Caro tapped her lower lip and then spoke like she was giving orders. “I’ll ensure we have essential lavender and extra virgin olive oil. Let your hands soak in that to get the oil out. Motor oil?”
One of the women who worked for her rushed out, likely to get the supplies.
The shorter one answered the knock as her lunch from room service had arrived.
Rebecca stepped back with embarrassment. “How did you know it was oil?”
Caro lowered her voice and said, “I was a maid for a while. I can get stains out of floors, fabrics and even skin.”
A maid? Caro was seriously a fashion goddess, according to Meli… er, Aurelia’s discussion on the clothing lines she’d overheard. Rebecca’s breathing returned to normal and she said, “Well, thanks.”
Caro’s assistant returned with the ingredients and mixed it together in a bowl. Caro ignored her staff and asked, “Are you and Bart getting serious?”
Rebecca smiled. This was easier to discuss than the job she hadn't told Bart about yet. “He’s wonderful.”
Caro took the bowl and set it on the living room table, pointing Rebecca toward a soak. “I’ll take that as a yes. I don’t know him well, as the family is always adapting, but Kiwi, his newest sister-in-law, has been trying to figure out a life in Italy and Miami both. You should talk to her tonight. And if you want beauty tips, Serenity owns a spa, and she knows more about health and beauty than anyone I've ever met. The…ourmakeup line will be launching in the spring, but she always makes room for us.”
Makeup. Beauty. Fashion. Aurelia would fit into this world. Rebecca’s hand trembled inside the bowl--this wasn’t her normal life at all. “I will and thanks for everything.”
Caro directed her team toward the door and they started taking out the racks. The taller one hung the green dress on a hanger over the door--was it done? Caro said, “I’m always happy to help the people who brighten my family. The Morgans have been my second family long before I married Luke.”
This life was transformative and completely opposite of anything she’d ever really experienced. She lifted her hand from the bowl and wiped it on a soft cotton towel, then followed Caro out. “How did you transition from maid to fashion goddess?”
Caro hugged her and said, “I was always interested in designing. I teamed up with Victoria, as she had the vision for a company that lets me create. If you and Bart become serious, you’ll find where you fit. I get the sense you’re one of the smarter ones.”
“I didn’t go to college yet.”
“Yetmeans it’s in the plans, so I stand by my thoughts.”
Rebecca had no grand life vision like Caro, just an idea for a better battery, which might come to nothing and didn’t equal a career. She’d figure it out. For now, she knew how to handle a wrench and an engine and had an interest in engineering. She opened the door for them. “And your husband is the doctor?”
Caro stopped, widening her eyes. “Luke? Yes. Why?”
Rebecca pressed her lips together. No matter what else came of all this, at least she'd helped her friend return to her previous life. She couldn’t say that though, so she chose her words with care. “My… my friend has an appointment with him today.”
“Well, I hope she’s okay. See you tonight.” Caro directed her crew toward the elevator.
Rebecca held the door. “Goodbye.”
They left, and she took her cheeseburger and sat down with the oil. She soaked one hand and ate her meal with the other.
If this picture ever got out to the paparazzi, she could just imagine the gossip--but the burger and fries gave her energy.
Once she was done and the black specks were gone from her nail beds, she showered and changed.
