Page 119 of Babies at Coconuts

Chapter 83

After hours of watching topless showgirls wearing towering Vegas-like headdresses while dancing across the stage, Cheri drank too-strong wine in small bottles, yawned, and couldn’t remember the drive back to her parents’ home. Crawling underneath a silver cashmere comforter in the guest room, her mind raced. All she wanted was to have a serious conversation with her mother but Julio never seemed to take a hint. Sure, he was fabulous when she was a young girl and was still as handsome and charming as ever, but the sparks and fantasies she once had weren’t there. Now she wished he weren’t underfoot.

After sleeping fitfully, she awakened to a heavenly aroma and wondered if her mother had learned to cook. She always chuckled at the fact that she became a chef and her mother barely knew how to toast an English muffin. Easing into a pair of skinny white designer jeans—her mother’s favorite color—and a long denim shirt, she brushed her teeth and headed toward the kitchen.

Julio danced in front of an expensive Wolf range while making orange and champagne crepes. Victoria stood amused as she watched their former chef while drinking espresso. Plump raspberries were in a strainer and freshly squeezed orange juice filled a pitcher. The smell of robust coffee filled the room.

When Victoria noticed Cheri, she said, “Morning, darling. Why on earth did we ever let Julio go?”

Shrugging, Cheri said, “Because you and daddy traveled extensively and I grew up.” Winking at Julio, she added, “Besides, I’m a chef now too, remember.”

“Ah, my Cheri is all grown up and following in my footsteps.” Flashing a dimpled smile, Julio said, “In that case, grab a skillet and make some bacon or sausage.”

Cheri fished around in the cupboards until she found a skillet and began cooking bacon.

“I’ll just have a salad with my crepe.” Victoria patted her flat belly. “I need to keep my weight in check, darling.”

“Mom, actually, you could use a few pounds. Quite a few. I’m worried about you.”

Victoria waved the comment away and refilled her coffee cup. “Anyone else want coffee or juice? I can handle beverages at least.”

As they settled around a gigantic dining table underneath an ornate light fixture fit for a theater, Cheri ate like she hadn’t eaten in days. “This is delicious, Julio. Maybe I should add champagne crepes to my Fifth Avenue Catering menu.”

Julio beamed. “I’d be honored.”

After she chewed her last bite, Cheri gathered dishes and headed toward the sink. After she rinsed off the plates and loaded the dishwasher, something sparkly caught her eye beneath the two-sided stainless steel refrigerator. She bent down to inspect the shiny object.

“What are you doing on the floor, darling?”

Cheri scooted closer to the baseboard and reached with her left hand. After she grasped the tiny item, she dangled it in the air. “Mom, I found one of your earrings. How long has this been missing?”

Victoria stared at the blue and gold heart-shaped earring. Turning it over in her hand, her mouth set in a grim line. “That isn’t mine.”

“Are you sure?”

Julio glanced at the earring over their shoulders. “It’s pretty. Maybe you forgot.”

Victoria set it on the table. “It isn’t even a real blue topaz. I can spot those lab-generated gemstones a mile away.” Crossing her arms, she avoided eye contact with her daughter.

Dread filled Cheri. “Whose could it be? Do you have a maid?”

“Of course we have a maid, silly.”

Cheri relaxed. “Then it’s probably hers.”

Shaking her head, Victoria said, “I don’t think her ears are pierced. I’ve never seen her wear earrings.”

Cheri’s stomach summersaulted. “I’m sure there’s a good excuse for it.”

Julio stood. “It probably belongs to the previous owner. Who cares? Let’s get some fresh air. Anyone up for a walk? We can pretend we’re tourists and go to the Eiffel Tower.”

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