Free Rebecca's Little Secret by Judy Christenberry

the fact that Jeff wasn’t going to be her partner in raising Joey.
    “Let’s not discuss the past, Jeff. It’s gone. Let’s deal with the present. I’m allowing you as much visitation as you want with Joey. And I think things are going well.” She gave him a bright smile, one that hid tears and lonely nights.
    “All right. We’ll concentrate on the present…and the future. I’ll see you at work tomorrow.” With his hands in his pockets, Jeff went down the stairs.
    Rebecca didn’t follow.

Chapter Six
    When Rebecca got to the office the next afternoon, Chelsea was waiting for her. Or at least that’s what she said. She was busy talking to Bill when Rebecca came in.
    Harriet, too, was waiting to talk to Rebecca. She’d learned Vivian’s news and wanted to discuss it with her.
    Jeff stood on the sidelines, watching the life of his office whirl around Rebecca. He was drawn to her, too, as he’d always been. But he remained still, waiting to see her reaction to Chelsea’s plan.
    “How is Vivian feeling?” Harriet asked.
    “Very well, except for getting tired more frequently. She’s taking naps, though.”
    “Oh, that’s good. I’ll have to take her to lunch to celebrate. This is so exciting.”
    “Yes, it is, Harriet. I’m sure she’d love to do lunch,” Rebecca assured her, smiling.
    “Rebecca, I have a great idea,” Chelsea said almost before Rebecca had finished speaking.
    “You do?” Rebecca asked politely, edging her way to the desk Harriet had assigned her.
    Chelsea stayed right beside her. “Yes, it’s a new thing for us to do with Joey. It’s perfect.”
    “Okay, what is it?” Rebecca asked, putting her purse and books down on the desk.
    “It’s the Sesame Street Show on Ice. Jeff can get us very good tickets, maybe even front row. It will be wonderful.” She was very enthusiastic.
    “Why, that sounds like a fun thing to do. I’m sure Joey will enjoy it.”
    “I think we all will,” Chelsea responded.
    Jeff crossed his arms over his chest and grinned at Rebecca when her gaze met his.
    “All?” Rebecca asked faintly.
    “You, me, Bill and Jeff, of course, plus Joey. We mustn’t forget Joey,” she added with a laugh.
    “But, Chelsea, surely you and Jeff can take Joey.”
    “Oh, no, not yet. You promised to teach me all about little boys. I don’t know anything yet.” Chelsea gave her a stubborn look that Jeff had seen before.
    He suddenly noticed, too, that Chelsea was wearing jeans and a sweater, similar to what Rebecca had worn to the zoo. That was a change. A big change. Usually, Chelsea wore tailored slacks, silk shirts and jackets.
    “But—” Rebecca began, and Jeff stepped forward.
    “I think that’s a good plan, Rebecca. And how hard can it be? We’ll sit in air-conditioned seats and watch other people perform. It’s not like we’d be camping out or going fishing or something.”
    He almost burst into laughter as he saw Chelsea’s eyes light up. Would her next suggestion include some of those things? He wasn’t sure what was going on, but he was willing to let it run its course. If nothing else, his fiancée would understand Joey and know how to deal with him more.
    “That’s right, Rebecca. And Bill said he’d buy us a hamburger beforehand.” Chelsea exchanged a bright smile with Bill.
    “Well, that’s very nice of Bill, but surely it’s not necessary,” Rebecca responded, seemingly unsure of the invitation.
    Bill stepped forward. “Don’t be silly, Rebecca. It will be a treat for me. I’m so tired of eating alone.” He pulled on a curl of Chelsea’s blond hair. “It’ll be fun to take all of you kids out to dinner. And hamburgers aren’t that expensive.”
    Jeff touched Rebecca’s arm. “You can tell Bill’s willing. It will be fun, Rebecca. How about Friday night? Are you free then?”
    Rebecca hesitated and Jeff’s heart sped up. “What’s wrong? Do you have a date then?”
    “Of course not. Vivian was talking about having a