California Girls

“And you.”

“And me,” she said, standing and heading toward the garage. “Some people don’t do it much at all.”

“From what I hear, Parker and your mom do it all the time and they’re old.”

“Let’s not talk about my mother. Zennie and Clark have a different kind of relationship.”

“That poor guy must take five cold showers a day.”

Ali climbed into the passenger side of the truck, then leaned over and kissed Daniel. “Something you never have to do.”

“I know. I’m a lucky, lucky guy.”

She was the lucky one, she thought as he backed out of the driveway and headed for the hospital. Finding Daniel was the best thing that had ever happened to her. She glanced at him, then smiled. Okay, it was actually the second-best thing. The first best had been finding herself.

*

“I. Can’t. Do. This.”

Zennie stared up at the ceiling and wanted to kill someone. Anyone would do. A random stranger, a member of her family. She just wanted to lash out, preferably with a baseball— “Nooo!” she screamed as the pain ripped through her. “Dammit, somebody do something.”

The delivery nurse shook her head. “You waited too long, honey. The baby’s on his way and there’s no time.”

Zennie grabbed the side of the bed as her entire body twisted, those damned muscles she’d been so proud of betraying her now with a force that could crush a planet.

“I hate this,” she screamed.

“We’re not having fun, either,” the nurse said calmly. “But we’re not complaining.”

Zennie saw Clark’s lips twitch. “Do not smile at me, mister. This is all your fault.”

He was undaunted by her display of temper. “You’re the one who refused to go to the hospital. You said you didn’t want to be one of those whiny women who showed up six days early, complaining about the pain. You said you knew best.”

All of which was true, but he didn’t have to say it. “I’ll hate you forever,” she growled.

“Tough talk, Zennie. Tough talk.”

She was grateful he wasn’t offended. She had no idea where her rage came from, except maybe it was her way of dealing with the pain. Holy crap, how did women survive this? It was her worst ever menstrual cramps times a million. It was so bad, she’d thrown up, but now there was only enduring the hideousness of it all.

Bernie and Hayes burst into the room. “Oh, Zennie, is it really time?”

Zennie opened her mouth to yell that it was all their fault when Clark caught her eye. He shook his head as if warning her that Bernie was her friend and she loved her and, dammit, why did it have to hurt so much?

Another contraction ripped through her. She screamed, knowing she was frightening everyone, but she couldn’t help it. She’d had a relatively easy pregnancy and now she was paying for it.

“I can’t,” she gasped, as Bernie squeezed her hand. “I can’t do this.”

“Seems like a silly time to give up,” Clark said calmly.

She glared at him. “You will pay for this later.”

“Bite me.”

That almost made her laugh, but then the pain was back, even stronger this time. Dr. McQueen walked into the room, already in her gown.

“Someone told me you’re about to have a baby,” she said cheerfully. “Ready, Zennie?”

“Get it out of me. Get it out now!”

*

Zennie lay in her hospital bed enjoying the light sedative she’d insisted on after giving birth. She still hurt because hey, she’d just passed something the weight and size of a boulder through her vagina, but it was done. She’d delivered a seven-pound, eight-ounce healthy baby boy.

“You did a good thing,” her mother said, smiling at her. “I’m proud of you.”

“And disappointed?” Zennie asked.

“No. Bernie’s going to be a wonderful mother and she said I could visit him anytime I want. When she’s more comfortable with me, I’ll even babysit, because technically, he’s my grandson, isn’t he?”

“I never thought of that,” Zennie admitted.

“Parker pointed it out. So I am getting a grandchild after all.”

Mary Jo glowed—not just from the news about her grandson, but also because of her relationship with Parker. They were truly in love and while it was kind of weird, it was nice, too.

Apparently the wedding was on. Her mother had mentioned something about Valentine’s Day and Jamaica. That was five weeks away. Zennie figured she would be almost back to normal by then.

Her mother left so Zennie could rest, but she was too wound up. The hospital room was filled with flowers. Finola had sent a bunch and promised to visit in a couple of weeks. Bernie and Hayes had delivered a huge bouquet. Dr. Chen had also sent an arrangement with a card that said he was literally counting the days until she was back at work.

Zennie smiled as Clark walked into the room. He had a take-out bag in one hand and carefully closed her door with the other.

“You got it?” she asked eagerly, raising her bed.

“Anything for you.”

She ripped open the bag and unwrapped the cheeseburger from In-N-Out Burger. The smell was heavenly, as was the first bite. She held in a moan.

Clark put a milkshake container on her tray. “Chocolate, just like you asked.”

She felt a rush of emotion and knew the stupid hormones were back. From what she’d read, they would be with her for a while, but then they would fade.

“You’ve been very good to me,” she said as he pulled up a chair.