Page 106 of Babies at Coconuts

Pulling away, Alex said, “Don’t test me. Last night went horribly wrong. It couldn’t have been worse. I repeat. I’m not in the mood.”

Tony shrugged. “Have it your way. How about a nice dinner then? Let me make it up to you.”

Alex tilted her head. “That’s a start. A tiny start but I have plans tonight.”

“Oh, really?” His voice changed. “Is asshole limo driver back in town?”

I wish. Alex paused long enough to make Tony sweat. “No, Gage is apparently still in New York.”

“Too bad. I really miss that guy.” Tony’s sarcasm made Alex roll her eyes.

Me too.

Alex brushed lint off her sleeve. “I wish you had been there last night. Is Nikki still in the hospital?”

“They’re discharging her today. It was a UTI.”

Alex rolled her eyes. “Big fucking deal. I’ve had a UTI before. Antibiotics will take care of it. Sheesh. What a drama queen your ex is.”

Tony cocked his head. “She said it was painful.”

Huffing, Alex said, “Yeah, they burn like hell, but shit. I don’t think you had to miss my bank event for that.” She shook her head. “Whatever. I’m always last on your list.”

“Come on, Alex. You’re acting childish. So . . . you’re having dinner with?”

She sat behind her desk. “Who else? My girlfriends.”

His phone vibrated. “I’ve got to take this.” Tony listened and said, “I’m on my way.”

“Gotta run, babe. Dispatch said there’s a man on a roof downtown. Apparently, he’s threatening to jump.” He tapped her desk. “Let’s go to dinner soon. I miss you.”

“Yeah, whatever. Maybe I should join that guy on the roof.”

Tony raised his eyebrows. “The party couldn’t have been that bad.”

“It was worse. Go. I’m in a bad mood.”

“I can see that.” Turning on his heel, Tony did a double-take when he spotted Hannah from the side, which only darkened Alex’s mood.

Dodging her intern who stood in the lobby regaling the tellers about her television appearance, Alex gave her a wide swath and went upstairs for more coffee.

All freaking morning, employees popped their heads inside Alex’s office to congratulate Hannah on how incredible she was on camera. It was torture. Alex buried her nose in her computer and wished she had ear plugs as Hannah reveled in the spotlight. Unable to take her triumphing one more second, Alex shut off her computer and left the bank. She decided to treat herself to a shopping spree at T.J. Maxx before going to Coconuts.

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