Page 21 of Once Upon a Holidate
“Thank you.”
Garrick moved closer. “Let me show you around. You must be tired from the drive.”
Her expression returned to peevish. Wynn expected another outburst, but she only pressed her lips together and stared pointedly at the house.
Garrick quickly added, “I’m really glad you’re here, Joylyn. You look great.”
“I look hideous and I feel worse. Being pregnant sucks.” With that, she pushed past them and walked into the house.
Wynn glanced at Garrick, not sure what to say. He had to feel terrible about what had just happened. From an outsider’s perspective, Joylyn was trying to be as difficult as possible.
“Don’t take it personally,” she said quietly. “It seems like she’s mad at the world.”
“I’m part of that.”
“Maybe, but right now she’s lashing out. Try not to engage.”
He looked at the house. “I really want her here. She’s my daughter.”
“Keep telling yourself that.”
He nodded, then collected the luggage and carried it inside. Wynn followed, a sinking sensation filling her chest. Joylyn stood in the middle of the living room.
“Why aren’t there any Christmas decorations?” she asked.“Are you planning on ignoring the holiday? In case you’ve forgotten, it’s my favorite time of year.” Tears filled her eyes. “Or are you going to ruin that, too?”
He put down the suitcases. “It’s a couple of weeks until Thanksgiving. We never decorate for Christmas until the Saturday after, and we don’t get the tree until at least ten days into December. Honey, I remember all of our traditions and I want to enjoy them with you, like we used to. I’m glad you’re here.”
She responded by sighing heavily. “Which room is mine?”
“The one across from the bathroom.”
Without saying anything else, she walked away. Seconds later a door slammed. Garrick stared after her.
“She hates me. I’m screwed.”
Wynn privately agreed, but knew saying that out loud wouldn’t help the situation. “What did her mom say when she asked if Joylyn could stay here?”
“She said the boys were a problem.” He looked at Wynn. “Alisha’s three boys are between the ages of fifteen and eleven.”
“Yikes. Thatwouldbe a lot for Joylyn to deal with.”
“That’s what Alisha said when she asked if Joylyn could come here.”
Wynn wondered what Alisha hadn’t told him. “Did she mention her attitude at all?”
“No, although Joylyn seems really upset.”
“Like I said, it’s not personal.” But it was going to be a problem.
“She’s still mad at me and I don’t know why.”
“It’s been six years, Garrick. A lot has happened. Give her a little time to adjust.”
He glanced down the hall. “I will. I just hope...” He shook his head and turned to Wynn. “You’ve been great and I appreciate all your help, but I’ve got this.”
She knew that he was giving her a polite escape, but wasn’tsure he was going to be all right on his own. From Wynn’s point of view, Joylyn was making things more difficult than they needed to be.
“Tell you what,” she said. “I have to do my weekly grocery shopping today. Why don’t I pick up some steaks and chicken and a few salads? You and Joylyn can come over. You’ll man the barbecue and I’ll ask Hunter to try to make friends with your daughter. I know there’s a big age difference, but she’s used to teens his age. Plus she might want to play video games with him or something. I know he’d love an extra night of playing.”
