Linda ran her hand down her hair. “I’m always here for you, Jen. Nothing will ever stop that, okay.”
“I know. I’m pleased you’re here with me. I don’t think I could handle this party on my own.” They sat on the bed talking for several more minutes before Linda put away the few items of clothing she brought with her.
“I want to show you the nursery.” Jennifer took her hand and led her down to where the nursery was. “I’ve been working on it when Patrick has been out or in the garden.” She opened the door. “What do you think?”
“Wow, Jen. This place is beautiful. You’ve really done wonders with it.”
“Patrick knew I was painting the room. I aired it out while I was decorating, and I wore one of those masks they advise for mothers to wear. The yellow is lovely. I figured when we know I can change it or keep it. I’ve got furniture arriving in the next few days.”
“You’re really excited?” Linda asked.
“Yeah. I’m going to be a mother. I’m scared but excited.”
Once they were done in the nursery Jennifer took her down stairs, and they began arranging the house for a party.
“Patrick gave me a rundown of what he wanted.”
“Who is coming to this party?” Linda asked.
“His friends. I don’t know who’s coming. We’ve not introduced each other to friends. Besides you, I’ve got no one else to show.”
“I’m here for you, Jen. Always.”
Jennifer accepted the comfort her friend offered. Her nerves were completely shot. There was a difference in Patrick. It was a subtle difference but one she noticed. He was starting to look trapped, and he’d begun to withdraw from her emotionally.
He returned home later that afternoon. She noticed he didn’t look at her or Linda. He glanced around the room, nodded his head, and moved on.
“You’re right. He’s acting differently. I wonder what crawled up his ass,” Linda said.
Jennifer stayed out of his way. When the doorbell rang she was with Linda in the spare room getting ready. Her bump was noticeable in many of the dresses he’d bought her. Jennifer decided to wear a dress that moulded to her breasts and flared out. There would be no noticeable stomach bump.
“I don’t know why you’re trying to hide it, Jen. You’re pregnant and glowing. Embrace what you’ve got.”
Linda finished putting her hair up. For a second Jennifer could pretend they were girls again preparing for the prom.
“Is there any prospective man in your life?” she asked.
“Nope, I’m more interested in my friend’s love life. She’s got one, and I live through her.”
The sound of laughter echoed up the stairs. Jennifer fisted her hands to try to stop them from shaking.
“Why are you nervous?”
“I hate parties. I hate everything to do with them. Why did he have to throw a party?”
Linda shrugged. “I’ve no idea. He’s your man.”
Licking her lips, Jennifer wondered if she’d be able to hide out upstairs.
“Come on, I’m here.” Linda took her arm and led her down stairs. There were at least thirty people milling around the house. The doorbell sounded. She watched Patrick let another bunch of people in. “I guess this is not going to be a small gathering, huh?”
Feeling entirely out of her element, Jennifer stayed as far away from the crowds as possible. Linda stood by her side even when men asked her for a dance.
“Go on. Dance, have fun. I’m fine.”
Patrick had ignored her from the moment the party began. She stood in the dining room and gazed out of the doors to where the garden was highlighted with the many outdoor lights.
“Here is the woman of the hour,” Patrick said.
He sounded drunk, and she froze. Turning to face him, she plastered a smile on her face. His friends looked at her as if she was some kind of bug.
Rubbing a hand over her stomach, he pulled her in close. “How are you doing, baby?”
“I’m fine,” she said.
****
Patrick knew he was being an ass. He wasn’t even drunk. Pulling Jennifer close he felt his body harden at the feel of her against him.
“So, the news is true what they’re saying?” a blonde asked. He couldn’t remember her name, but from the look on her face, he figured he’d fucked her at some point.
“The news about her being pregnant with my baby? Yes, that’s all true. I knocked her up first time we were together.”
Jennifer pulled away from him. She looked at his friends and then left. He heard his friends laugh as she stumbled up the stairs.
Why had he done this? Linda shot him a hateful look and then followed her up the stairs. When Jennifer was out of sight the blonde ran her hands up his chest. “Is that why you’ve been blowing us off? You’re on whale duty?”
He frowned. “What did you say?”
“Everyone knows you’re saddled with the Dixon girl. She’s huge, Patrick, and she ruins your image.”
She pressed her body against his. His cock deflated. She was all skin and bones. When had he found that a turn-on?
“I’d appreciate it if you didn’t call my wife names.”
“Future wife now? I didn’t know it was getting to that stage.”
He looked back in the direction of the stairs and was shocked to see Linda and Jennifer walking down the stairs. Her eyes were red, and the make-up she’d been wearing was wiped clean. She looked refreshed and beautiful. Jennifer took his breath away.
Jennifer glanced over at them and then moved out to the garden. He pushed the blonde away from him and went in search of Jennifer.
You’ve fucked up. Why are you fucking it up with her? You love her, Patrick.
She was standing in the gazebo area. Linda stopped in front of him. “Why are you being a prick? She’s trying to make this work because you demanded it from her. You’re an asshole.” She shoved him as she walked past.
He moved up to the gazebo.
“What’s the matter, babe?” he asked.
She turned on him. Her arms folded over her chest. “What the hell are you doing?”
Patrick stood and lost the drunken persona. He hadn’t touched a drop of alcohol, and she saw through his act.
“You’re putting on a show?”
He didn’t say a word.
“If you wanted to be an actor why don’t you go out and try it?”
She spun turning her back on him. Patrick moved up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist.