“Hear, hear!” Jim pounded his fist on the table.
“Any girl that can call Tyler on his bullshit is a girl I want to know. Here, Jessa.” Joanna had the guys move around until the chair next to her was empty. “Sit. Let the boys have their beer and whiskey and talk shop while us girls get better acquainted. Amy and I have decided to make our way through the list of girly, fruity drinks. What’s next on the list, Ames?”
Amy’s smile was so sincere, Jessa almost cringed. God, she was such a bitch for expecting the worst from them. If she didn’t want to be judged, then she needed to stop judging. She returned Amy’s smile, promising herself then and there that she’d do better.
“Something called a Bellini. It’s got champagne in it. You game, Jessa?”
Jessa glanced to see Garrett already had a beer in hand and was in some sort of heated discussion with Tyler. “Sure, count me in. I’ll have a couple with you.” She’d hold fast to her two-drink rule. Three tops.
Joanna placed their drink order and turned back to discuss dinner options. Her shoulder length chestnut hair swayed as she talked, her hazel eyes sharp. Jessa would bet there wasn’t much that got past her. She wore a dark blue sundress that showed off her ample cleavage and toned arms, making Jessa wonder if she spent as much time in the gym as she did.
Amy, on the other hand, was stunning with her bright red hair, blue eyes and pale skin. Her yellow halter and short skirt made Jessa feel much better about her own wardrobe choice. And Amy liked to talk with her hands when she got excited. Apparently, the prime rib was definitely wave-worthy so Jessa decided to trust Amy’s choice and ordered that, along with a salad and another drink. A Cosmo was next, because, Amy had explained, the menu listed the drinks in alphabetical order.
Once their orders were taken and drinks delivered, Joanna clapped her hands together and turned her full attention on Jessa. “So, what brings you to spring training this year, Jessa? I’ve never known you to hang out in the trenches this time of year.”
“Dad sent me.” She jutted her chin toward Garrett. “To keep an eye on golden boy over there.” Her heart fluttered. He was so handsome in his black slacks and dress shirt, paired with a gray sport coat.
Joanna and Amy shared a look, then stared at Garrett.
Jessa turned back to Garrett and judging by the scowl on his face, he’d heard her ‘golden boy’ comment. Too bad. Not like she hadn’t said it before. She faced the women again. “What did I miss?”
“He’s never done that before? Your dad, I mean.” Amy asked.
Jessa sipped her drink, enjoying the warmth that infused her belly. “Hmm. Nope, first time. That’s weird, right?”
One would think she’d have attended at least one spring training by now, so the fact that this was her first seemed very odd indeed.
The ladies shared another glance that had Jessa gritting her teeth. She was definitely missing something.
They were interrupted by salads and Joanna rearranged them again, putting her between Garrett and Tyler. Jeez, Jessa hoped she could eat surrounded by all that testosterone.
As it turned out, she could. The prime rib had been as delicious as Amy had promised, the conversation flowed easily, and Jessa relaxed, feeling at ease in their company. Even Tyler, who was attentive and flirty, made her feel comfortable and welcome in their little group.
Garrett, she’d noticed, hadn’t said much once they’d settled in to eat and she’d asked him more than once if he’d been feeling well. She got grunts and nods of affirmation, but not much else so she’d given up trying to talk to him.
After she finished her second drink, it was her turn to order up the next round. She consulted the menu. “What’s next on the list?”