Page 37 of Peach

Chapter 24

Hangingout at the pool was even more fun than the beach had been, which surprised Haisley. Maybe it was because the weather was warmer with less wind, and the pool deck was basically empty, so it was only them.

Harry and Andy grilled while the rest of the guys played with the kids. It seemed that all the kids were old enough to be by or near the pool on their own, but one of the guys was always watching them. The women set up the condiments and extras for the burgers and cleaned up after they ate, but even the men helped clean, too. It was all very relaxed, and no one had to yell or scream.

The bathing suit she borrowed from Mel fit perfectly. She was bigger than Mel, but the suit had been a freebie she'd won when she entered some contest for something else baby-related.

After lunch, she was in the pool, sitting on one of the shelves, when Peach came over and slid onto the shelf beside her.

“Hey, are you having fun?”

She nodded, “I am. These people are really nice.”

“Yeah, they are. I’m lucky to call them friends.”

“Thank you for bringing me to California. This is so different from what I’m used to. I think I’ll be happy out here.”

“Good. I’m happy you’re here.” Peach held her gaze, and she swore she saw something more than just him being friendly in his gaze. But right then, the kids raced over and jumped in the water, doing cannonballs, splashing them both.

Peach pushed off the shelf and went after the kids, pretending to be a monster. The shrieks that erupted were filled with laughter. After a moment, she got out of the water and dried off before sitting on a lounger between Ava and Mel.

“So, any sparks flying between you two?” Ava asked.

“What?” Haisley turned to her, shaking her head. “No, he’s just being nice. He only brought me here because I’d been living with his parents.”

Ava’s eyebrows lifted. “Sure.”

“No, really. He’s just helping.”

Ingrid stood and turned to her, the smile huge on her face. “Bear was just helping me, too.”

“These guys are very helpful,” Jessica said.

“True,” Mel added.

Haisley shook her head. “Really, he’s not into me. Besides, I’m carrying another man’s child. He knows I’m damaged goods.”

Ava swung her legs around so fast Haisley sat up. “Oh, sister, let me tell you something, you aren’t damaged goods. You are a queen, and don’t you ever forget it.”

Rory moved to the end of her lounger. “No man can make you damaged goods. There is nothing damaged about you. You got it?”

“I have a therapist,” Jessica said. “You really should go see them.”

“But I don’t have a job or money.”

“We’ll figure something out,” Ava said.

Tears filled her eyes, and she swiped at them. It amazed her that these women were willing to help her. Back in Georgia, if anyone had found out what had happened, they would have tarred and feathered her, but these people were treating her like she had value.

“Hey, why are you all making Haisley cry?” Peach asked as he came over.

Ava rolled her eyes as she stood. “She’s going to be fine.”

Haisley shook her head. “They weren’t making me cry. They are helping.”

Peach frowned, and Bear came over, slinging his arm around Peach's shoulder. "Girl talk. Get used to it. They cry during girl talk."

Haisley didn’t know what to say. Why had Peach come over? He seemed like he wanted to defend and protect her. Any interest he had in her was only friendship. She was sure of it.

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