We thought we’d surprise her with a girl party.”
That got Garrick’s attention. He turned to the young women and realized they looked college-age and somewhat familiar. He might have met them at the wedding, he thought.
“I’m glad you made the trip,” he said. “She’s inside.”
The other two turned toward the house, but Yolanda lingered.
“You’re her dad, right?”
“I am.” He held out his hand. “I’m Garrick.”
She shook hands with him, then looked him up and down. “I remember you.”
There was something in her tone that warned him this conversation could go places he didn’t want to go. He deliberately took a step back and pointed to the house.
“She’s that way.”
“Want to get a drink later?”
The direct question surprised him. “No, thanks.”
She seemed more surprised than upset. “You sure?”
“I’m otherwise engaged.”
“Lucky her.” With that Yolanda sauntered to the house, her hips swaying with each step.
Garrick returned his attention to the car, giving it a once-over before retreating to the safety of his SUV. He’d liked it better when all Joylyn’s friends had talked about were horses and their dolls. Not that it was much of a problem for him. He would be happy to spend the afternoon safely in his garage, working on the bassinet and hiding out from the likes of Yolanda. As for any holiday decorating—that could wait until his daughter’s friends were gone.
* * *
JOYLYN SAT AT the table by the pool while her friends relaxed in the chaises. As the afternoon wore on, the three of them got more and more drunk, leaving her feeling like the odd girl out. The initial excitement at having them drop by had faded about two hours ago. Now she was tired, crabby and wishing they would leave.
Enya jumped into the shallow end of the pool, her drink in her hand. “Come on, Joylyn. The water’s fantastic.”
Joylyn shook her head. All three of her friends had great bodies, and while she’d been careful not to put on extra weight, she was still nearly nine months pregnant. No way she was putting on a bathing suit for them to judge her.
Joni, a tall leggy blonde, joined her at the table. She smiled and rattled her vodka-filled glass. “What’s going on with you? You don’t want to swim, you won’t drink. It’s like you’re not one of us anymore.”
Joylyn stared at her. “I’m pregnant. I can’t drink. It’s bad for the baby.”
Joni waved away the statement. “Sure, now they say it’s bad, but thirty years ago, our moms were drinking all the time. I bet in ten years they decide a little alcohol makes everything better for the kid. You can’t take life so seriously.”
Joni leaned close and lowered her voice. “You seeing anyone?”
“What?” Joylyn’s voice was a yelp. “I’m married. And pregnant.”
“I know, but Chandler’s gone. Why not have fun?” Her gaze dropped to Joylyn’s distended belly. “Okay, maybe some guys would be put off by all that, but I’ll bet there are some who think pregnant women are hot. You could look for one of them.”
“Not interested.”
The idea was disgusting. She didn’t want some random guy—she wanted her husband back home.
Joni stretched. “This is nice. The pool and the house. You’ve got a good setup here. Better than at your mom’s. All those kids running around. It was loud, plus your mom never let us drink in front of them. You and Chandler could just move in here. I’ll bet your dad wouldn’t mind. Mooch off him for a while.”
Joni’s phone buzzed. She glanced down and smiled. “It’s this guy I met last week when we went up to LA. He’s an actor and so cute.”
“Are you going to class at all?”
“Ugh. Don’t sound like my mother. I go.” She grinned. “Sometimes.” She shook her glass again. “Sure you don’t want a sip?”
“No, thanks.”
Joni got up and joined Enya in the pool. Yolanda drained her glass, took off her bikini top and jumped into the pool with them. They started splashing each other and shrieking.
Joylyn watched for a few minutes, then got up and went inside. She saw the large bottle of vodka they’d brought with them was nearly empty. How much had they been drinking? And why had she ever thought those women were her friends?
For the thousandth time she wished she’d stayed on base in San Diego. At least the other wives would have understood what she was going through and have given her support. She would have had more things to do than hang out at her dad’s and