Page 96 of Beach Vibes

A mixed metaphor but an accurate description.

“What happened when you confronted him?” Agatha asked. “Did he try to deny it?”

“He couldn’t. He knew I’d seen him. He sort of fell apart. He really got what he’d been doing was wrong and felt awful about the mistakes he’d made.”

Agatha picked up her drink. “Somehow I doubt that.”

“No, he was remorseful. He said he was breaking things off with Galaxy.”

“That name.”

“He said her father works at Caltech.”

“I don’t care if he works on Mars, it’s a ridiculous name, but not the point. So Rick is going to stay with Jana, dump Galaxy and all is well? I don’t think it’s going to be that easy.”

“It’s not.” Beth thought of all she’d been wrestling with. “I know Rick is sorry.”

“You sure about that?”

“He’s texted me about fifteen times, telling me how wrong he was.” She looked at her aunt. “I don’t think he really meant to cheat. He said Galaxy was flirting and things just happened. A beautiful woman coming on to him would be a big deal for him.”

“You’re saying he was flattered?” Agatha didn’t sound convinced. “Or that it was an accident?”

“Not exactly, but he doesn’t have much experience when it comes to women, and until Jana, he’s always chosen so badly.”

“He has a lot more experience than you know. The man carried on an affair for who knows how long, and if you hadn’t caught him in the act, you wouldn’t have known. No one gets it that right the first time.”

Beth didn’t want to think about that. “He’s sorry he messed up, and he’s stopped seeing her. So everything is fine.”

“If it was fine, you wouldn’t have been crying in your bedroom earlier. You’re scared, and you don’t like that you have to cover for his lie.”

Beth ducked her head. “Something like that.” She drew in a breath. “Part of me thinks I need to tell the truth, but if I do…”

“Everything could fall apart. Jana would be hurt. You could lose Teddy.”

“I just found them,” Beth said, her voice pleading. “Things are so good right now. Jana’s a wonderful friend, and Teddy is…he’s perfect.” He was amazing, and she loved how she felt when she was around him. “We’re just getting to the good part.”

“Plus Rick’s your brother,” Agatha said flatly. “If it were anyone else, you wouldn’t feel torn, but it’s Rick, and you’ve always taken care of him.”

“What would you do if you were me?”

“Kick Rick to the curb.” Agatha held up her hand. “I didn’t mean that, exactly. I understand the dilemma. If he’s no longer seeing Galaxy and he’s committed to Jana, then I guess you just move forward. It was wrong of your brother to put you in this position, though. I knew he was more than we all guessed, but I never would have thought he was a player.”

“He’s not.”

“You saw him, my dear. You have physical proof. It might be time to accept your brother isn’t exactly who you thought.”

Not possible. Rick was who he’d always been. Maybe a little older and slightly more together, but not anyone who was capable of real deception. Not in the long term. What had happened with Galaxy was…a mistake. He’d said so.

Only as she did her best to convince herself, there was a tiny part of her that wasn’t so willing to believe. That same part worried that if any of this came out, it would be so much worse at a future date than it would be now. More would be on the line—more feelings, more hearts, more lives.

But to tell was to betray her brother. Her whole life she’d taken care of him—there was no way she could stop doing that now. Not for anything.

* * *

Jana ran her hand along the smooth, soft leather of the passenger seat. Every time she got into Rick’s sleek sports car, she was transported to a different world. There was nothing practical about the vehicle. It was low, it was fast and it was beautiful. Totally unrealistic for a single mom or just about anyone. Plus she was sure it had cost more than she made in a year. However, it was nice, and she liked the way it still smelled new.

“I’m excited about our weekend away,” Rick told her as heheaded north on the 101 freeway. “You’ve been working hard with your classes and your job. Getting away will be good for you.”

---