Star Struck(38)

Before Hailey and Parris could finish their conversation, Casper and Garrett entered the room both laughing at something Casper said.

“Man, we’re lucky to be with the two most beautiful women in the world,” Casper said, as he wrapped his arms around Parris.

“And you know it,” Garrett planted a kiss on Hailey’s cheek. The gesture caught Hailey off guard. He draped his arms around her and all Hailey could do was lean into his hard chest.

“Let’s go sit on the patio,” Casper said.

After getting situated outside by the pool, Casper announced, “Hailey, you’re one of our best friends and we would love it if you would agree to be our baby’s godmother.”

Hailey’s mouth flew open in disbelief. “You’re going to have a baby.”

Parris, excited, said, “We found out a few weeks ago. I wanted to tell you in person.”

“Congratulations,” Garrett said.

Casper rubbed her stomach. “Junior will be here in seven months.”

“Princess,” Parris responded.

Casper looked at Hailey. “As long as our baby is healthy, I don’t care what sex it is.”

“Wow, my best friends are having a baby. And I’m going to be someone’s godmother.”

“You know he or she will be spoiled,” Hailey said.

“Stand in line,” Parris said. “This one here has already started buying stuff for the baby.”

Casper said, “I can’t help it. This is my first and he or she will not want for anything.”

Garrett said, “I feel you man. Whenever I have a child, I’m sure I’ll feel the same way.”

Hailey hadn’t expected to get this emotional about someone else having a baby. Up until this point, she had never thought about having kids. Now, as she sat with her friends and Garrett by the pool, she thought of all the possibilities her life could hold if she had her own family. Garrett seemed to sense something and soothed her by rubbing her arm.

They chatted as Casper massaged Parris’s feet. Parris must have been relaxed because she soon fell asleep.

“This baby has her taking naps every time we turn around,” Casper said.

“She looks happy,” Hailey commented.

“She is and so am I. Can you believe it? I’m going to be some kid’s daddy,” Casper said.

“You’ll be a good daddy. If you can put up with me as a friend, you’re going to do fine,” Hailey joked.

The conversation remained light as they talked about how times had changed since they were growing up. Hailey didn’t realize it until she felt Garrett gently shake her that she had fallen asleep.

Hailey heard Garrett say, as she woke up, “We’ll definitely have to keep in touch.”

Casper said, “Remember what I told you.”

“What did I miss?” Hailey asked, as she rubbed her eyes.

Garrett kissed her on the forehead. “Man talk baby. Man talk.”

Casper gently shook Parris. She stretched. “I apologize for falling asleep on y’all. This baby has me sleeping a lot,” Parris said.

“Don’t feel bad. Sleeping beauty here wasn’t too far behind you,” Garrett teased.

“I can’t help it that your chest is like a comfortable pillow,” Hailey responded, as she snuggled up closer to Garrett.

“I have no comment after such a wonderful comment.” Garrett blushed.

Hailey thought it was cute that she was able to make him blush. She could really get used to having him around. Relaxing with him and her friends was the perfect way to end her day. If you would have asked her a year ago if this was possible, she would have denied it. Garrett had a way of making her see things in a new light.

“We should be going,” Hailey said.

They said their good-byes. Casper whispered in Hailey’s ear as they hugged good-bye. “He’s the one.”

Hailey started to open up her mouth to protest, but chose not to. Minutes later, they were in the car. She leaned back in her seat and closed her eyes. Hailey pretended to be still sleepy as she dealt with her new feelings for Garrett. Many questions crossed her mind. Had she been going out with the wrong friend all of this time? What if she was misreading Garrett’s intentions? Hadn’t he made his intentions clear. Maybe she would just be another notch on his belt. The number one question that kept popping up in her head was could Garrett be trusted? Could she trust him with her heart?

Her body stirred as she thought about the feel of his hands and softness of his lips. She wondered if she could give herself to him physically without getting emotional. She knew the answer to that was clearly no. She listened to the soft jazz playing in the background as they rode to her place in silence.