Page 105 of All In Good Time

December 1985

“Hi, Becca.” Mal raised her hand in greeting, as Jane smiled next to her.

Becca looked between the two teens and raised her eyebrow. “What are you two doing here?” When she’d heard the knock on the door, her heart had jumped, and she’d rushed over, expecting to see Derek there. Instead, his little sister grinned mischievously at Becca.

It was both a relief, and a worry.

A no show was a good sign, right?

“Do you want to have a sleepover?”

Becca’s brows knit together. “A sleepover?”

“We were going to have one at Jane’s house but thought it might be fun to include you.”

It sounded innocent enough, which is exactly why Becca questioned the girl’s motives. Especially since they both looked suspiciously eager.

“Do your parents know you’re here?”

“They know I’m having a sleepover with Jane.”

Becca bit her lip. She’d seen that look on Mark’s face when he noticed her in Derek’s car outside the post office; she knew he didn’t trust her. There’s no way he’d be okay with Mal staying at her house.

Mal, sensing Becca’s hesitation, brought her hands up and clamped them together, pouting her lips theatrically. “Please,” she begged.

Becca scoffed, but laughed at the girls’ antics. Her weak spot for Mal was almost as strong as the one for her older brother. “Fine. Make yourselves at home, I guess.”

They didn’t need to be told twice. They made their way in, with a bag of clothes each, before plopping themselves onto the couch and getting comfortable.

Becca followed them in.

“Let’s play a game,” Mal announced, pulling her legs onto the cushions of the couch to get comfortable.

“That was quick,” Becca said. She planted herself onto the floor next to the couch, and raised a single brow at the suspicious question.

Mal shrugged like it wasn’t that big of a deal, but the smirk sitting on her face gave her away. “I’m just eager to get started.”

Jane giggled and shared a look with Mal.

Oh shit. Just what sort of trick had she allowed these girls to pull on her?

“Becca, truth or dare.”

“Oh, no. No way.” Becca shook her head. “I’m not playing this game.”

“Come on! It’ll be so fun.” Mal leaned forward. “Truth or dare?”

Becca blinked, and bit her lip. She was going to regret this, she could already tell. “Truth.” She didn’t want to take the chance of whatever these girls might come up with for a dare.

Mal grinned, and both girls simultaneously got closer to Becca as Mal asked the question, “Have you and Derek kissed?”

Jane cackled, finally letting out the laugh she’d been holding since she came in the door.

Becca blanched in surprise. She bit her lip and tried to act calm. “Why would you ask that?”

“You have to answer.”

“I don’t want to answer.”

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