Page 102 of Babies at Coconuts

As they carried platters out of the bank lounge that boasted a small kitchen, Alex noticed Hannah had strategically placed floral centerpieces on the tabletop. At least she’s on top of the flowers. Cheri arranged the food on the white linen tablecloth, some containers level with the table, with other platters on risers.

Alex stacked white and gold-rimmed Fifth Avenue Catering plates bearing Cheri’s logo on one end of the table. The gold silverware was so shiny you could use it to apply lipstick. The aroma soon filled the lobby and a modest group gathered around the food.

Jim gave Alex a nod as he ushered Show-Me Bank’s best customers and board members toward the food. Reaching for a plate, he stood stock still and stared at the heaping platters, his fork in mid-air.

Alex stared horrified as her boss wrinkled his nose and took miniature portions. The second Jim got through the buffet line, he made a beeline toward her.

He doesn’t look happy.

Holding a half-filled square plate, Jim motioned with his fork. “What am I eating, Alex? Who made this stuff?”

Alex turned toward Cheri whose face had flushed beet red. She watched her friend’s eyes well with tears and immediately wanted to protect her. Motioning toward the caterer, she said, “This is Cheri Van Buren. She’s a New York caterer and often cooks for celebrities. She even catered a party for Elton John recently.” Alex swallowed. “We’re lucky to have her.”

Jim studied the socialite as he chewed on a bite of duck breast dripping with glaze. Holding his sticky hand in the air, he frowned. “I don’t know what you eat in New York, but in the Midwest, we like steak and potatoes. I don’t recognize any of this food.” He glared at Alex. “And where is everyone?”

Alex wanted to scream that his daughter dropped the ball and screwed up the invitations but knew it was her responsibility as vice president of marketing to oversee the details. “Maybe everyone’s running late.” She managed a chuckle. “Like me.”

Jim didn’t laugh.

Alex tried another approach to lighten the mood. “We’ll take care of the food situation, boss. Right, Cheri?”

The New Yorker bobbed her head and disappeared in the bank’s small kitchen.

“Maybe by the time the guests arrive—if they arrive—we’ll have recognizable food.” In a huff, Jim turned on his heel.

Alex noticed Hannah chatting up the cute lender. She crossed the lobby and tugged on her blouse. “Follow me.”

“What’s up?” Hannah asked.

“The food. Your dad hates it. Come with me.” They retreated to the kitchen. “Ladies, we have to fix this—and fast.”

Cheri had already scraped her expensive appetizers in a trash bin. “What’s wrong with me? I should have donated this. Your boss threw me. Sorry, Alex. I’ll fix this. Do you have a Sam’s or Costco nearby?”

“Just around the corner,” Hannah said. “Want me to go with you. This party is a drag.”

Alex wanted to punch her. “You’re staying here, Hannah. Get on your blinged-out phone and start calling Chamber members.”

Hannah’s brows knitted. “I don’t have their phone numbers.”

“Why not?” Alex stood with her hands on her hips. “Didn’t they teach you the importance of corporate contacts in business school? Oh, never mind.” She fished her phone out of her bag and thrust it in Hannah’s face. “Look under ‘Crystal City Chamber’ and call as many members as you can. Do whatever it takes to get them here within the hour. Tell them you’re Daddy’s Little Girl who will get fired if they don’t show up. Tell them whatever. Just get them here.”

The intern’s eyes bulged. “You really want me to say that?”

“Of course not.” Alex blew out her breath. “Tell them their invitation must have gotten lost in the mail and we’d be honored with their presence since there will be awards later on tonight.”

“Awards?” Hannah asked. “I didn’t know we were giving away awards.”

“We weren’t but we’ve got to entice them somehow. You can mention food too—and the anniversary itself, of course.” Alex reached for her purse. “I’m off to a trophy shop. The owner went to my high school. I’m going to see if he’ll do me a huge favor in exchange for something.”

Hannah snickered. “You think he’ll remember you from high school?”

“Shut up and start dialing.”

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