Page 51 of Once Upon a Holidate
“Hi,” she said with a wide smile. “I’m Yolanda.”
He looked past her to the car. “That is a beautiful Mustang.”
“Thanks. It’s my brother’s. He lost a bet and now it’s mine for the weekend.”
Garrick glanced at her. “Is he at home crying?”
She laughed. “He is.” She pointed to the other two women. “That’s Joni and Enya. We’re here to see Joylyn. 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 ofYolanda. 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.”
