Page 73 of Babies at Coconuts

“Get some,” Suzy said.

Hope groaned. “I’d rather have a nice body like you two. I’ve gained thirty pounds—at least.”

“Stop it. You’re beautiful.” Alex scanned the plastic menu. “I’ll get oatmeal and rye toast. Surely, they can’t mess that up.”

“Unless someone ate out of your bowl earlier,” Suzy teased.

“Or licked your spoon.” Hope winked.

Alex made a face. “I thought you two were my best friends.”

“We’re trying to help you relax. Let’s change the subject,” Suzy said. “I’m glad Cheri’s back. We should have invited her. What do you think of our socialite friend?”

“She’s gorgeous, sexy, and rich. I hate her.” Alex stared into her shocked friends’ faces. “Relax. I’m teasing. Actually, I like her a lot, designer shoes and all.”

“Me too.” Hope shrugged. “Maybe in another life I’ll get good genes or have money, but I won’t hold my breath.”

Suzy stared at Hope over her coffee cup. “You’re a doll.”

“Suzy’s right. Stop putting yourself down or I’m sending you to a self-esteem class.”

“Old habits.” Hope shrugged. “Social media doesn’t help. It appears that everyone has a perfect life.”

“Seriously? Everyone lies. Don’t believe half the shit they post.” Alex stared into her new coffee cup again before taking another tentative sip.

“I love you, Alex, but just so you know, everything I post is true.” Suzy leaned back as the server plunked down steaming, heaping platters.

After several minutes of silently devouring food, Alex said, “We need to go back to Coconuts with Cheri again soon. Angry Balls are in order before she disappears to New York again.”

“Speak of the devil.” Suzy glanced at her beeping phone. “Cheri just sent a text. She wants us to meet her at Coconuts tonight.”

“I’m in,” Hope and Alex both said.

---