Angel shot Taryn a look that promised retribution later. She could only hope he would make good on his word. She crossed to where Felicia stood staring at all the girls and their mothers.
“Their clothes are all pastel,” Felicia said, then fingered the fabric of her empire-style sleeveless dress. “I wasn’t sure what to wear.”
“You look great.” Taryn linked arms with her and led her toward a table on the side. “The actual tea will start in about forty-five minutes. Until then, the girls are supposed to mingle with each other and the moms. There’s a punch station. I thought you’d like to serve the punch. That way you can talk to the girls without being creepy.”
Felicia nodded. “Thank you. Having a task is helpful. Standing and staring at the children would cause alarm, and I don’t want that.” She touched her round belly. “I’ve been doing a lot of reading, but when it comes to children there are some things that must be experienced rather than taught.”
Taryn stopped and stepped in front of Felicia. “I don’t know your whole story. I know you’re smarter than all of us, and that probably makes you feel like a freak sometimes.”
Felicia’s mouth twisted. “Freak is an excellent word.”
Taryn shook her head. “That’s not my point. Here’s my advice. Love your kid and let her know. That’s what children need. The rest of it takes care of itself.”
Felicia’s expression softened. “Your mother didn’t love you?”
“She left me. It wasn’t good.” In some ways, having her mother leave was worse than her father’s abuse. Because her mother had known what would happen to her and she’d walked out anyway.
Felicia nodded. “Thank you. You’re right. Carter, my stepson, tells me that, as well. I do love her already. I just want to do the right thing.”
“All the time? What are the statistical odds?”
Felicia laughed. “Slim.”
They continued walking toward the table with the punch bowl. Felicia pointed to it. “Legend says that British sailors discovered punch in India. The etymology of punch comes from the Hindu word for five, referring to the five ingredients that made up the liquid. They are supposed to be a sweet flavor, a sour, something bitter, something weak and alcohol. Later versions used tea as a base.”
Taryn stared at the pink drink. “I’m hoping there’s no alcohol in that, or we’re in big trouble.”
“I’m sure it’s nothing more than a sugar-based drink. The girls will be feeling the effects as the sandwiches are served.”
“That will make for an exciting afternoon.”
She got Felicia settled, saw that Angel was surrounded by even more mothers and walked in the opposite direction. Let him use his stealthy macho skills to get out of that situation, she thought with a grin.
She spotted Bailey and Chloe chatting in a group. Bailey saw her and said something to Chloe, then walked toward Taryn.
Bailey wore a green dress that was a bit tight. Her long red hair hung over her shoulders and she didn’t have on much makeup.
“This is nice,” Bailey said as she approached. “I like how the FWM gets the girls together so they all become friends. When Chloe goes to middle school, she’ll already know the older girls.” She lowered her voice. “I wanted to thank you and Angel for the extra help you’ve given Chloe. She’s really excited about all the activities. I can see a difference in her already.”
“I’m glad,” Taryn said. “She’s very sweet. When Angel asked her to look out for one of the puppies, she was so gentle with him. She’s a great girl.”
“Thank you. It’s been hard without her dad. I miss him, too, but it’s different for me.”
Taryn wasn’t sure that would make dealing with her loss any easier, but she decided not to say that.
Bailey smiled. “Chloe is always talking about your clothes, and I can see why. That’s a beautiful dress.”
Taryn twisted back and forth so the skirt swayed. “It’s a vice,” she said cheerfully. “And I don’t care. I love this dress.”
“The shoes are great, too.”
Taryn noticed that Bailey’s flats were scuffed from lots of use. She was suddenly conscious of the fact that her dress had cost nearly a thousand dollars and felt the need to apologize.
“I’m going to have to trade my mom jeans in for something more professional,” Bailey admitted.
“Changing jobs?”
“Getting a job.” Bailey shrugged. “I’ve had a few part-time jobs. Mostly so I could be around for Chloe. But she’s doing better and we need the money. It’s been a while since I was in the regular job market, though. Computer programs change every few years. I need to brush up my skills.”
“There are probably classes at the local community college,” Taryn offered. “You could get up to speed in a couple of days.”
Bailey nodded. “I looked online, but they were really expensive. The community college would be easier and cheaper.”