The Billionaire Playboy’s Secret Family
Chapter 13

Regina parked along the side alley and took a deep breath. She hated the feeling of helplessness that consumed her and she hated lying to her family even more. First she lied to her sister and next she lied to her babies. All of them thought she had some new job at a fancy restaurant providing entertainment for their exclusive guests. If only they knew the truth...

With a sigh she gathered her valuables into her bag and stepped out. Locking up her car she headed to the dimly lit side door marked Staff Only. She swiped her keycard and waited for the reader to beep. Once it flashed green she pushed it open and entered what was once the backstage area of the renovated theater.

She had discovered this place almost by accident. During auditions she and other potential actors traded information about work opportunities. Another actor was the first one who told her about this place though she hadn't paid much attention. Then she found a flyer calling for open auditions. There was no address on the flyer only a phone number which she thought was odd. Calling the phone number only brought her to an automated message giving her the address, time the auditions started and instructions of where to go. Regina had been more than a little suspicious but after yet another rejection she had been desperate enough to at least park across the street. She had been surprised to see it was in fact a renovated theater. It had given her a bit of hope. The auditions themselves were also done professionally and she was surprised by the quality of the performers. She still was, but it wasn't a job she was proud of.

Inside several rooms had been set aside for the staff including a locker room complete with showers. Regina stowed her things in her locker securing it with a combination lock that was mildly more secure than her car. With a sigh she headed to the dressing room where racks of various costumes and gowns were organized according to color, style and theme.

All were provided by their employer, carefully laundered and maintained. Lighted mirrors were situated in a row off to the side where their hair and makeup was done by professional stylists. The owner really spared no expense to make certain they were taken care of.

It wasn't charity of course. It was all in service to the success of the business. Some of the others might be convinced otherwise after their orientations where they were given their panic buttons and instructed in their proper use but Regina wasn't fooled. They were all replaceable. The moment they jeopardized the business in any way they would be severely dealt with.

But the pay was good and it gave Regina the opportunity she had always longed for...to be on the stage. Maybe it wasn't her dream but at the very least it allowed her to take care of her babies. Any sacrifice was worth that. "There you are Gina," one of the stylists greeted. "You're a little late."

"Sorry about that Becky. I had to wait for my sitter."

Becky nodded. As one of the few who knew about Regina's home life she had sympathy for her. It wasn't easy raising four children as a single mother, especially in this town.

"So what will it be today?"

"Let's go with blue tonight," Regina said.

"Blue?"

"My baby drew me a picture of a coral reef so I feel like the ocean is a good theme."

"That's adorable. Oh! I know the perfect one! It just arrived today with a bunch of new ones." Becky led her to the gown racks selecting a royal blue one with a sweetheart neckline. "It's even mermaid-style. Perfect right?"

It would give her an elegant silhouette. Regina slipped behind a changing screen and stepped out in her chosen gown. It's crushed satin finish was comfortable and fit her like a second skin. Looking at herself in the mirror she felt beautiful and confident. Becky was ready with matching shoes and ushered her to an empty table. Freeing Regina's hair from its taming ponytail she brushed through the thick, wavy locks.

"I love your hair!" Becky swooned. "I wish mine was half as thick."

"You're welcome to it. It takes forever to dry and murder in high humidity," Regina chuckled.

"I think we should do an up-do this time. Hey, what's this?" Becky pointed to the nape of her neck.

"Oh, a birthmark," Regina shrugged.

"You know it kind of reminds me of a butterfly."

"That's what my mother thought too. My sister has one too a little higher up. It looks like an apple. Our mother used to joke it was the only way to tell us apart when we were babies."

"I think it's cute."

Regina rolled her eyes not sharing the sentiment. A birthmark wasn't cute or not, it just was.

"Wait, is that how you came up with your stage name!" Becky suddenly laughed. "That's so great!"

Regina shrugged neither confirming or denying. She stayed still as Becky used a large butterfly clip to tame her hair before applying light makeup. Practically swooning over Regina's smooth skin Becky expertly highlighted her natural beauty without adding too much.

"So what are you singing tonight?"

"I was thinking, Rainbow and Alive."

"Ooo. I like those. Both are so powerful."

"Yeah, well...I felt like I needed some battle cry songs."

"Rough time at home? Boyfriend being difficult?"

"Becky, there are only two men in my life and I gave birth to both of them."

"What about their father? Doesn't he help at all?"

"He's...not in the picture. All right?"

"Fine. But I think it's a shame," Becky sighed. "My parents divorced when I was little and it wasn't easy shuffling from one house to another especially after they both remarried. Neither of my step-parents wanted me around."

Regina frowned. It wasn't like Becky to talk about her past but this was not a surprising revelation. She had heard similar stories before. It was one of the reasons she avoided serious relationships. Regina couldn't bear the thought of letting anyone near her who didn't love her children as much as she did.

"There you go," Becky finished applying a layer of pink lip balm before holding out a mask. "You know, it doesn't make much sense to do your makeup when you wear a mask anyway."

Regina chuckled in agreement before slipping on her mask. Like the others it covered half her face. It was blue-green with a black lace pattern that made it look like a pair of butterfly wings.

"Knock them dead, Madam Butterfly," Becky winked.

Regina forced a smile. She needed that kind of confidence. Standing she headed backstage to give the DJ her set list. It was almost show time.