Gypped Read Free Page B

first Zelda had no objection to having Bobby Jo join them,even though she didn’t seem like her father’s type and he had met her at a gas station. But by the time the appetizers were being cleared, Zelda got the feeling that Bobby Jo wished Zelda would disappear along with the empty plates. Roger was a handsome, hearty seventy-year-old man. Zelda tried to tell herself that if Bobby Jo didn’t necessarily appreciate her presence, it was understandable. If I met a guy I liked, I wouldn’t want his kid with us on the first date.
    But still.
    And now they’re married!
    “Honey, let me put your stepmother on so you can congratulate her.”
    Zelda gagged. Stepmother!
    “Hello, sweetie pie,” Bobby Jo said. Her deep, throaty voice sounded like she was always about to cough.
    “Well, what a surprise!” Zelda sputtered. “It’s not every day your father gets married in a drive-through chapel.”
    Bobby Jo started to laugh. She kept laughing.
    It’s not that funny, Zelda thought, as she tried to fake a laugh. As a matter of fact, it’s not funny at all. “Congratulations. I’m so happy for you both.” She could barely get the words out.
    “Thank you sooooo much. Now, I don’t expect you to think of me as your mother . . .”
    Have you lost your mind? Zelda wondered.
    “. . . but I hope we can be the best of friends. After all, we’re the two people on this earth who love your father the most ... Roger, give me a kiss . . .”
    How did this happen? Zelda thought frantically as she listened to them smooch.
    “... and I promise you I’m going to take good care of him always.”
    “Great, Bobby Jo. I have to get going. I’m having a party tonight at the house I won at that auction.” Zelda didn’t expect Bobby Jo to remember. She never did. “Could you put my father on?”
    “No prob. Love you lots.”
    Zelda shuddered. “You too,” she said almost inaudibly as Bobby Jo handed her father the phone.
    “I hope you’re not mad at me for getting married without at least telling you first, never mind having you there.”
    “Of course I’m not mad,” Zelda lied.
    “That’s good,” he said softly. “Because if I thought about it too much, I might not have done it. And I’m so glad I did.” He paused. “I know you want me to be happy. And one of the things that makes me happiest about getting married is that you can finally stop worrying about me. Those couple of years your Mom was so sick were tough on us. You worked so hard taking care of her. Since she died you’ve been fussing over me. I want you to enjoy your life.”
    “Uh-huh.”
    “It’s time for you to meet someone who will love you like you should be loved. Someone who will take care of you the way you deserve to be taken care of.”
    Zelda’s throat tightened. “Thanks, Daddy,” she croaked as tears stung her eyes. “I’m happy for you. I really am.”
    “That’s my baby girl.”
    “I can’t wait to see you. I’ll throw you a reception up in Santa Maria for all your friends. We’ll start to plan it when you’re back home.”
    “We can start planning it before then.”
    “Okay, but not now. I have to go. My soiree is this evening. The caterers are already here.”
    “What I mean is that we can make plans in person. BobbyJo and I were thinking about driving to Los Angeles tomorrow night when the sun goes down. If you don’t mind, we’ll spend a couple days with you. It’s not every day you get to sleep in a mansion, no matter how much it’s falling apart! Bobby Jo and I are out to have fun!”
    “Yeahhh,” Bobby Jo yelled in the background. “Let’s party! Yeahhh!”
    Zelda slumped against the wheel.

3

    R egan waited a moment, then raced down the stairway to the ground floor. She didn’t know which way to turn. To the left meant going back into the garage, to the right was the outdoor mall. Regan went back outside, spotted an information booth, and hurried over.
    A young guy, who looked properly groomed to greet the