Page 128 of Babies at Coconuts

Chapter 89

Alex and Suzy leaned forward and squinted at the article in the darkened bar. After scanning the photo, Alex’s eyes bulged. “Wait a minute.” She turned toward Hope. “That woman looks like Montana. But it can’t be.”

Suzy nodded in slow motion. Finally, she found words. “What Alex said.”

Cheri threw her hands in the air. “What’s going on?”

Alex glanced back at the article. “It’s more like ‘who’ than ‘what’.” She turned toward Hope. “Please fill us in while I attempt to absorb this-this miracle.”

Plunking the lime slice into her margarita, Hope took a healthy gulp. “Now you know why I wanted to tell you in person.” Turning toward Cheri, she said, “Remember the story about my hippie parents?”

Cheri nodded. “Yes, and you think the school janitor is the hippie dad who raised you but he doesn’t remember you.”

“Right. There’s more.” Hope bit into a date stuffed with cheese. “I need more sustenance. I only ate chips for lunch.” She waved Gus over. “Roasted veggies and Tuscan salads, please.”

“Come on.” Alex scrunched her nose. “Finish your story first.”

Suzy elbowed Alex. “Excuse our little drama queen, Cheri. Alex isn’t known for her patience.”

Gus took their new orders. “Keeping it healthy, I see. Coming right up.”

Hope waited until the server was out of earshot. Picking up the newspaper, she slid it in front of Cheri, pointing toward the photo. “I’m ninety-nine percent positive this is Montana. She and Larry were, are married.”

Cheri stared at the picture. “So, this woman, Montana, is alive?”

“Apparently.” Hope chewed on her thumbnail. “Although, it’s unbelievable they both survived.” Tapping the paper, she said, “Notice the macramé plant hangers in her room and the braided cotton ropes on her bed? She made those all of the time. In fact, I have one in my office.” Eyes rimmed with tears, Hope continued. “I thought it was the last thing of hers I owned.” Her voice caught. “And there’s more.”

As Gus appeared with platters of food, Alex searched in her bag for antibacterial gel and offered it to the others. She shook her head as everyone refused and dove into the food, germs be damned. As their forks clanged against the plates, Alex said, “Take a few bites and then tell us the rest, Hope. I can’t take the suspense.”

The women reached for the veggies, remaining dates, and nibbled on salads as all eyes fixated on Hope.

After wiping her mouth, Hope said, “The rest of the story is about Larry.” She glanced at her friends and over her shoulder. No other patrons were listening. The Happy Hour crowd was absorbed in their own lively discussions while several rowdy college kids wearing wrinkled Greek attire and ripped jeans made their way to the bar. Still, she lowered her voice. “Larry and Willow just got engaged.”

Suzy and Alex gasped. Cheri cocked her head. “Who’s Willow again?”

Alex interjected. “Does it matter? Larry’s still married to Montana, but to answer your question, Willow is an art teacher at Hope’s school.”

Wincing, Cheri said, “That’s a problem.”

“What will you do, Hope?” Suzy chased an olive around her salad plate.

“Damn.” Alex gawked at Hope. “This is astounding. One for the record books.”

“Tell me about it,” Hope said.

Fork halfway to her mouth, Cheri asked, “What will you do?”

Hope rubbed her forehead. “The way I see it Larry must get his memory back before anything can move forward with Willow.”

“No kidding.” Alex patted Hope’s arm. “It would be nice if he remembered you too.”

“Yeah, I know, but I’ll settle for one memory breakthrough at a time. Right now, his remembering his wife, Montana, got pushed to priority number one. I don’t want to rush Larry’s recall process, but he can’t marry Willow. Plain and simple. He’s already married. I’m considering asking Larry if he’ll go on a road trip with me to see Montana.”

Alex popped another date in her mouth. “How will you handle that?”

“I wish I knew. I’m still mulling over the possibility. The shock of seeing Montana might be too much for him—or Willow might throw a fit and not allow him to go. I’m at a loss.” She placed both hands around her face. “On the one hand, I’m their daughter and should be involved. On the other, Larry and Willow are happy. Who knows if Montana would remember either of us? Who knows what kind of mental and physical state she’s in? Maybe I should leave it alone and let Larry and Willow be happy.”

Suzy’s brows knitted. “It’s hard to conceive all of the extreme highs and lows you’ve gone through. This accident just keeps on giving. I’m sorry you’re dealing with this, hon.”

---