Page 9 of Babies at Coconuts

Chapter 7

Sunlight streamed inside the ornate restaurant as the massive front door opened. Hope rushed to Suzy’s side. Beaming, she said, “Look at the stylish mother of the bride. Can you believe the ceremony’s finally here?” She whistled as she admired Suzy’s attire. “I could never pull off a jumpsuit. I’m too stumpy.”

Suzy hugged Hope. “Stop it.”

“Where’s Alex?” Hope asked.

“She’s going to be late. She texted earlier.”

“Big surprise.” Both women doubled over laughing. “At least she’s consistent.”

“That she is.” Suzy introduced Hope to Mama Gia and her sons. After greetings, she added, “Vanessa should be here any minute.”

“Vanessa? Who’s Vanessa?” Mama Gia asked.

Opening her mouth to speak, Suzy again wondered if Jon and Fernando had told Mama Gia about Jon’s former—and very pregnant—girlfriend, and since she didn’t recognize the name, it didn’t appear likely. She paused. “Uh, I don’t think I have time to explain that before dinner. Maybe I—we can fill you in while we eat or . . . afterward might be better.”

Mama Gia’s eyebrows shot up. “You have to explain a girl? Sounds mysterious.”

Suzy shook her head. “Not mysterious. It’s all good. Very good in fact.”

Mama Gia shrugged. “I guess I’ll have to wait.” She hugged Suzy again. “We love Jon, by the way. He’s so . . . American.” She laughed. “He and Fernando are good for each other, don’t you think?”

“They’re great together. We love Fernando too. He calms Jon who can be uptight at times. Fernando is so easygoing.” Chuckling, Suzy said, “Our household needed a calming influence.”

Ken turned as three dark-haired, energetic men appeared from the bar area.

“Meet my boys.” Mama Gia pointed to each one in succession. “Luigi is my oldest, then Vinny, and Franco is my baby. Fernando was born between Vinny and Frankie.”

“Got it. I think.” Ken extended his hand to each of Fernando’s brothers. “Welcome to America.”

~ ~ ~

Rock music blared as Alex parked in the Indian Summer lot. Her convertible top down, she ran her fingers through her long, blond hair, reapplied red lipstick, and hopped out of her car.

Likely overhearing the music, Hope rushed outside to greet her friend.

“Hey. Sorry I’m late.” Alex straightened her dress.

“You’re always late. We’re used to it.” Hope embraced her gorgeous friend. “You look stunning. Why am I always the hick?”

Alex’s brows knitted. “Don’t ever say that. You’re beautiful. Besides, I’m hoping I can steal the show for a while before Miss New York comes back to town.” She tugged on Hope’s sleeve. “Cute top, girlfriend.”

Hope smoothed her new, peach blouse. “Thanks. Where’s Tony? Is the cop coming tonight?”

Alex giggled. “He has the wedding flu.”

“Wedding flu?” Hope’s eyes twinkled as the obvious excuse dawned on her. “But this is the rehearsal dinner. The wedding isn’t until tomorrow.”

“It’s a bad case.” Alex’s lips curved into a smile as she spotted Suzy talking to Fernando’s mother through the window. “Mother of the groom, I take it. I can’t wait to meet her.”

“Get ready. She’s a handful,” Hope said.

“Oh, really?” Alex cocked a brow. “You know how I love a challenge.” Slinging her yellow Kate Spade bag over her shoulder, she stepped across the gravel in high heels as if she were walking across a smooth hardwood floor.

“How do you do that?” Hope asked.

“What?”

“Make everything appear effortless, perfect, and stylish.”

“Shh. I’ve been dying to eat here. Indian Summer has gotten rave reviews.”

Hope chuckled. “Tell that to Mama Gia.”

“Who?”

“You’ll see.”

Alex’s phone rang. She groaned. “It’s Hannah. I’ve got to take this.” After she instructed Hannah about a contract with Ozarks5 and gave her an idea for several television script drafts, she hung up. “Let’s go in. I’m turning my phone off.”

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