Page 126 of Babies at Coconuts

Hope tapped the server on the arm. “Cheri texted that she’s joining us, Gus. Please bring an extra plate for her.”

Alex chuckled. “And she’d probably like an Angry Balls cocktail.”

The server gave a thumbs-up as he headed toward the bar.

As if on cue, Cheri rushed inside with her arms open wide. “Ladies, I’ve missed you.”

All eyes were on the cake-winning, European-traveling, New Yorker. Alex, Hope, and Suzy peppered her with questions: “I saw your photos on Facebook.” “I can’t believe he took you to Paris.” “How was it?” and “How are your parents?”

“One at a time.” Cheri placed her leopard print Chanel purse on the back of her chair.

Alex scooted over to make room. “Hi, stranger. I ordered an Angry Balls for you. Hope that’s okay.”

“It’s perfect.” Cheri glanced from friend to friend. “It’s good to be back.”

Hope rolled up her white sleeves. “I’m living vicariously through you. Tell us everything about Paris.”

Alex clanked her glass against Cheri’s. “Forget that. Tell us about the sexy chef.”

Holding her hands in the air, Cheri began ticking events off on her fingers. “Let’s see. We strolled the streets of Paris, went to the Moulin Rouge, I shopped with Mom and met a cool, up-and-coming French designer, and Julio went to a topless beach in Nice. I’ve been there half a dozen times so I skipped it.”

Hope nearly choked on a crab cake. “Wait. What? You mention going to a topless beach as if you were describing peeling a banana.”

Alex elbowed Hope. “Interesting reference given the topic.”

“Oh, my goodness. Is your mind always in the gutter?” Hope took another bite. “Back to the topless beach. Tell us about it.”

Cheri waved her hand dismissively. “Everyone does it. It’s no big deal.”

“It would be a huge deal if I did it.” Hope doubled over laughing.

“It’s second nature for Europeans. Usually, the ones who shouldn’t go topless, if you know what I mean, are the most carefree.” She shrugged. “To his or her own, right? Who cares? It’s freeing, actually. Sometimes entire families are on the beach—”

“Really?” Hope’s mouth flew open. “Families with little kids?”

Laughing, Cheri said, “Julio is right. Americans are too uptight.” Staring at her friends, she continued. “It was great seeing my mom. She’s as youthful as ever but is getting a heavy hand with plastic surgery. She’s also way too thin.”

Suzy went into protective mom mode. “Are you concerned about her?”

“Very, but she gets defensive.”

Alex studied Cheri. “Did you see your dad?”

Pausing before answering, Cheri said, “Nope.”

All three women swiveled toward her.

Frowning, Suzy sipped her tea. “You flew all the way to Europe and your dad didn’t make time for you?”

“Afraid so. I have a feeling that’s why mom has lost so much weight, but she never talks badly about him. She loves the lifestyle of the rich and famous.”

Alex crossed her arms. “Didn’t your mom say he’s working out a lot?”

Cheri nodded. Her mind flitted to the mystery earring but she decided against mentioning it. “Yes. Seems he’s a fitness buff now.”

Alex, Hope, and Suzy exchanged glances.

Ignoring them, Cheri waved to Gus. “Another round, please. On me. It’s wonderful being back. I missed you and my work. I mean I loved seeing Mom but—”

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