New Note: Same story, re-edited and fixed for grammar and spelling.
Chapter Two, Older Sister
Jess took deep breaths. It had been a long first day with Bethany. How she wished she had gone into work. She had decided that she was going in tomorrow, no matter what Lester said. He was, after all, only the boss. Apparently, he knew nothing about sisters. Jess was about to strangle hers.
They ate breakfast, at Jess' favorite little café.
"How's yours?" asked Jess, as she ate.
"Oh, fine," said Bethany.
She didn't sound fine. Jess waited for more.
Sure enough, Bethany wasn't through with her critique. "It's adequate for a little peasant breakfast, but don't forget I've been spoiled with French croissants, fine cheeses, and their excellent coffee."
Jess rolled her eyes, but then realized the owner was standing just behind their table. Jess was mortified, but the owner simply patted her on the shoulder and mouthed the words, 'good luck.' Jess had to chuckle.
Shopping fared better. Until Bethany ruined it. Jess was happily humming her way to the checkout when Beth took the clothes right out of her hands, insisting they were more to Bethany's complexion, age, and height than to Jess'. She actually bought them herself. Jess was about to cause a scene when she saw a salesgirl drop her mouth open and shake her head sympathetically at Jess. This little act of justification calmed Jess. She was right in thinking that Bethany was unbelievable.
Jess had more things planned, but gave up after the shopping fiasco. For the first time in years, Jess returned home without one pair of new shoes. She wasn't about to let Bethany steal cute shoes from her as well.
Jess spent the afternoon on her computer, working through some programs she had been designing in her spare time. As she typed, she grinned evilly, one thing that always drove Bethany away was Jess on the computer. It wasn't Jess' fault that she was practically a cyborg. It came naturally. Bethany hated computers, and Jess knew part of the reason was that she, her little, kid sister excelled in them.
Jess lost track of time. Her mobile rang, and she finally looked at the clock. She swore. It was about time for Becker to leave the ARC. That was probably him on the mobile. She ran to fetch it.
"Jess' phone," said Bethany.
Jess cursed. 'Please, don't let it be him. Please, please,' she whispered. Jess saw Beth's eyes widen and her mouth morph into a devilish grin. 'She just heard that sexy, smooth baritone of his,' moaned Jess to herself.
Finally, she wrestled the phone away.
"Hi," she said into the mobile.
"Hi, Jess, is everything ok?"
He was just such an angel, a gorgeous, well-toned angel. "Of course," she said, smiling at her sister. Then she turned away, and whispered, "Help me."
Becker laughed. "Help's on the way. I got held up here, but I sent reinforcements to you. Abby and Connor are on the way. I filled them in, briefly, nothing too personal, I promise. Abby has a brother, and she commiserates. I'll be over soon as I can."
"Is everything all right?" asked Jess. Beth was in the room, so Jess carefully asked, "There isn't a ...bright, shiny you-know-what, is there?"
Becker laughed. "No, just had some new recruits accidentally stun each other with EMDs. I have to stay until the knuckleheads wake up. Won't be long, promise."
"Thanks, Becker. I really appreciate everything. I do," she said.
"I know, and it's no problem, Jess. I love helping you." There was a short pause, and then Becker said, "See you soon."
Jess smiled into the phone, said, "See you soon," and hung up.
Bethany's face was excited and...hungry. "Who...does that...sexy...voice belong to? And when can I meet him? He sounds...tasty."
Jess really fought to stay calm. "His name is Becker and he is the head of security where I work." Jess got a sudden jolt of courage. "We're really close, Beth, really. Please, don't...get carried away."
Bethany looked like Jess had slapped her. "What are you talking about?"
"I...like...him," Jess said simply. She had no idea what Beth's reaction would be.
Her reaction was to laugh in Jess' face. "Jessie has another one of her famous crushes going. Ah, how sweet. I promise I'll be the dutiful, chatty sister I always am, and I'll handle things for my geeky little sis."
Jess stared. She wasn't 12 or 14 anymore. Was Bethany oblivious to Jess' true feelings, or was she a mean cow, simply not caring?
"I don't need your help," said Jess following Beth into her bedroom. "It's not a stupid crush, Bethany. I'm serious. I, I like him, please, just...back off."
Bethany laughed again. "That's cute," she said, patting Jess's head. "I'm sure the security man thinks it's cute too. I am surprised, at his voice. He didn't sound like a geeky, overweight security guard. I'm sure he's wonderful, though, perfect for my little Jessie."
Jess winced. So, Bethany had decided she knew the type of man Jess' would be attracted to. Becker, in her mind, was stocky, short, and geeky and probably wore glasses. Every stereotype Jess herself had encountered over the years. Now, Jess really didn't want her to meet Becker. When she did, Bethany would be all over him.
About ten minutes later, Connor and Abby arrived home. Bethany was kind to them; none of her earlier 'starving artists' comments came out.
After the introductions, Abby handed her a shopping bag, and said, "Becker thought you might need these."
Jess opened the bag, "Oh, he is so sweet," she said, rifling through the many chocolate bars in the bag. Of course, this only fueled Bethany's assumption that Becker was fat and lazy. Jess wasn't fat or lazy and she was the one who ate mountains of chocolate. Sometimes her sister could be so dumb.
Abby smiled. "I thought we might all need this," she said, producing a bottle of wine.
Jess smiled. She had the best friends.
Connor came out with a plate of cheese and crackers, to tide them over till Becker got free. Jess watched with amusement as Beth checked Connor out as he bent over the coffee table. Bethany grinned and kept admiring the scientist's form. Abby 'accidentally' poked her in the arm.
"Sorry," she said, with a grin at Jess. Jess than helped her friend out by chatting about the upcoming wedding. Then, to make sure Bethany got the message, she asked Abby to demonstrate some of her kick-boxing. Jess couldn't send her sister back to Paris in pieces, after all, and if anyone could take Bethany Parker apart, it would be Abby Maitland-soon-to-be-Temple.
"Thanks," said Abby, after her little demonstration.
"She isn't really that bad. I mean, she's never actually taken someone's man."
"She never stole any boyfriends? I thought you said she had."
"No, not like that. I didn't date that much when she was home. I was in college classes at age 15, so no one was interested in me. Maybe my friends, the ones I had, preferred her because I was 'odd.' They probably did have more in common with her, than little 'egghead' Jessie. Once she left I did make friends and had boyfriends. I just blamed her, but it may have been a coincidence: her leaving at the same time that I simply grew up."
Abby smiled affectionately at her friend, "You're too good. You know that? You may be younger, but you act so much more mature than she does."
Small talk was awkward. None of the ARC crew could talk about work, and when Bethany talked about her work, Abby got this sick look on her face. She wasn't that into fashion, and hearing Bethany describe 'dressing the world' like she was curing hunger or saving humankind from anomalies, made Abby sick. Eventually, the knock on the door came. Jess jumped up to run to the door. Bethany, who had also jumped up, was held back by Abby glaring at her. Bethany sat back down.
"Hi," said Jess, greeting Becker.
As he always did when he saw Jess, Becker took in her appearance. He hadn't seen her for nearly 48 hours, and it surprised him how much he'd missed her. She looked as beautiful as always. Today she wore a green and white shirt dress. Her hair was pulled back with a yellow hair band, she wore green dangle earrings, and a blue bracelet, and topping it all off, she had heels in bright yellow. She looked fresh, spring like, and adorable.
"You look very pretty today Jess." She smiled and blushed a little. "We barely made it through today without you," he said, then he leaned up, kissed her cheek and whispered; "It's going to be OK."
God she loved this man. Jess nodded, smiled, and took his hand. They walked toward Bethany, who had her back to them.
"Oh, hey, Becker, mate," said Connor.
"Have some wine," said Abby.
Becker took the glass, and smiled.
Jess cleared her throat, "Beth, I'd like you to meet my very good friend, Becker. Becker, this is my sister, Bethany."
Bethany turned around, her best fake smile ready. As she laid eyes on the captain, she nearly dropped her wine glass. Jess watched Beth's eyes grow huge, then run up and down Becker's body. She could practically see Bethany's drool.
"Nice to meet you, Bethany," said Becker, cool, calm, and in control, as always. He held out his hand.
"N-nice to meet you too, Mr. Becker," said Bethany, less cool, hardly calm, and obviously not in control. She did manage to shake his hand, though.
Connor snickered, and mouthed the word, 'Mr.'
"It's just Becker," corrected the captain.
"No first name?" asked Bethany.
"Not that any of us know," said Connor. "We think Jess knows but won't tell us."
"It's none of your business, Temple. See, I know your first name, and hardly use it," he said with a smirk. Connor held up his hands in defeat.
"Where are you guys going?" asked Abby.
Bethany took advantage of this to excuse herself and her sister.
"He's gorgeous!" said Bethany in a loud whisper, once they were inside Jess' room.
"Didn't I mention that?" asked Jess innocently.
"No, you did not," hissed Beth. "Oh, my god. I can't believe this." She was panicking, rummaging in her suitcase and throwing clothes around. "Nothing is good enough," she moaned. She looked down at her clothes, and nearly cried. "I can't believe you let me meet that...that god wearing this!"
Jess stood still, incredulous at her sister's behavior. "He doesn't care what you're wearing Beth. You're acting...well, silly."
Bethany didn't seem to hear. She kept trying on clothes, attempting to find a perfect outfit. Finally, Jess left her alone. Jess and Becker sat on the sofa with Connor and Abby. They waited on Bethany who took forever in the bedroom.
"I'm starving," said Jess. "I'm so sorry."
Becker just smiled.
"Why are we waiting?" asked Connor. "Let's eat, Abby."
"We were being supportive of Jess." Abby smiled, for a second, and then whispered, "I'm sorry. I'm just so hungry," and her flat mates disappeared.
Becker turned to Jess. "We could order takeaway."
"She'd kill us. She isn't dressing to eat in." They waited a bit longer, and then Jess said, "I don't care. I'm getting a takeaway menu."
Just as Jess got to her feet, Bethany came out of the bedroom. "Ready," she said. "So, where are we going?"
Jess' mouth dropped open. Bethany was wearing Jess' silver, zebra-striped mini skirt, which looked even shorter on her and a turquoise, sleeveless top, that when Bethany turned around was nearly backless. She clutched a shiny black leather jacket and wore black stilettos, Jess'favorite black stilettos.
"Why are you wearing my clothes?"
"Only the skirt and shoes are yours."
"Uh, ah, uh..." Jess was speechless.
"Very articulate, Jessie."
"Come on," said Becker. "We'll all feel better after we eat."
Bethany latched onto Becker's arm and tried to pull him away, but he wrenched backwards, and caught Jess with his other arm.
Dinner, the whole evening, actually, was like that. At the restaurant, Bethany pushed Jess in the booth first, and then climbed in, so she would be between Jess and Becker. Becker merely smiled, and walked around to the other side, scooting Jess over. The result was not only was Bethany not beside Becker, but Jess was practically on his lap. Bethany sighed and moved over so they could have more room. Jess looked up at Becker like he was her white knight.
After dinner, Bethany suggested a walk along the Thames. Bethany grabbed Becker and tried walking off, but he stood still until Jess caught up, and then he linked his arm around her waist so Bethany couldn't leave her behind again.
Then Bethany tried to steer the conversation away from Jess, but Becker calmly pulled Jess back in.
When they came home, Jess suggested cake and coffee. Becker walked briskly into the kitchen to help Jess dish it up. Bethany managed to sit next to Becker at the table, but Becker paid ample attention to Jess anyway. After dessert, Bethany tried to get Jess stuck in the kitchen, but Abby took over cleaning the coffee cups, and literally pushed Jess out into the living room, right into Becker's arms. He had been coming to help Jess.
"Sorry," she said, laughing as he caught her.
"That's alright, I really don't mind. There are far worse things than an arm full of Jessica Parker." Jess broke into giggles, and Becker smirked. "It's good to see an honest laugh from you," he said.
Neither one of them moved. They just stood entwined, smiling.
Bethany sat on the sofa, watching her sister and her 'friend.' Jess had said that they were close, but Bethany saw clearly what was happening. There was no way this gorgeous, charismatic man could be interested in shy, awkward, geeky Jessie. It was clear, to Bethany, that Becker was being polite, and that Jessie had no clue. She honestly believed she had a chance with this man. Well, Bethany would not let her kid sister be humiliated, and have her heart broken.
Bethany had to save Jessie from herself, and if that meant showing Jessie that he had no real interest in her by dating him herself, well, so be it. Anything for Jessie. It was sheer luck that he happened to be very handsome.
End of Chapter Two