Page 76 of Babies at Coconuts

Reaching for the bowl of peanuts, Hope said, “I’m glad men aren’t on my radar. They’d be way too much trouble for my simple life. I have zero interest in—”

Gus interrupted Hope by placing a tray of amber-filled drinks on the table, containing two maraschino cherries in each.

“I’m so glad you introduced us to this crazy drink, Cheri.” Alex raised her glass in the air. “Here’s to girlfriends.” She paused. “And to hell with men.”

After chuckles, they clanked glasses and Suzy set hers down. “I have to defend some of the men. My husband and son are wonderful—as is my new son-in-law.”

Alex poised her cocktail in the air and refined her toast. “Okay, how’s this? Here’s to non-husbands and non-gay men, the bastards.”

The women nearly doubled over laughing as they sipped their drinks.

“I love you, Alex,” Hope said.

“Ditto,” chimed the other women.

“Thanks, ladies,” Alex said. “Cheri, how did you leave it with your mom?”

Splaying her cherry red nails on the table, Cheri said, “I suggested she surprise Dad with a vacation, and she loved the idea.”

“Good plan. A romantic destination, I hope,” Suzy said.

Hope ate another handful of peanuts. “Someday my vacation will be something other than Coconuts with you guys.”

Alex elbowed Hope. “Hey, what’s wrong with us?”

“Not a thing. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

Suzy patted Hope’s arm. “Same here. Change of subject. How’s the janitor, Hope? Any news?”

Her brown eyes dulled. “Nope. He still doesn’t remember me.”

Alex studied her friend as she waited for three rowdy Greek tee-shirt-wearing college frat students to pass their table. Once the unruly guys settled in the back, she spoke. “Now that I can hear myself think, that’s got to be surreal. I hope his memory returns but it has been a while.”

“No kidding.” Hope rubbed a drip on her glass. “Sometimes I wish I could shake his memory into him.”

Peering at Hope over her cocktail, Alex said, “I can only imagine. I’d be the same way, only worse. Are Larry and the hippie art teacher still tight?”

Hope nodded. “Yep. In fact, he and Willow go camping most weekends. I’m not sure if they take a tent or sleep in her VW Microbus. I don’t ask and don’t really want to know any details.” She shivered. “It’s weird.”

Suzy reached for Hope’s hand. “Even though you have Larry, it must be surreal.”

“Surreal. That’s one way to put it.” Hope shook her head. “He’s still going by Mac instead of Larry. I try to play along so the students aren’t confused but often mess up.” Hope held up her hand. “Let’s change the subject. Surely one of us has happy news.”

“Now that you mention it.” Suzy held her phone in the air. “These photos of Violet Grace will put a smile on anyone’s face.” She showed the women photo after photo of the baby. In one, she was surrounded by a filmy pink blanket, in others the baby wore violet clothes after Suzy said Fernando insisted they add an abundance of lavender to her wardrobe to match her name. Several pictures included Jon and Fernando and many with a beaming Vanessa holding her baby. “Ken and I love being grandparents.” Suzy scrolled through her photo gallery. “Here’s another cute one. Oh, and look at—”

After what felt like the hundredth photo, Alex turned to her best friend and said, “Suzy, you’re really into this baby thing. I think that’s enough photos for one night. Sorry if that hurts your feelings. You know I’m not much of a baby person—or a kid person, for that matter.”

Suzy chuckled. “You’ll change your mind after you have your own.”

“No, I won’t.” Alex focused on Cheri. “Back to your parents. Any idea where your mom will choose for a vacation spot?”

“Your guess is as good as mine. Mom was cryptic but mentioned it’s someplace she has dreamed of since she was a kid.”

“Hmmm,” Hope said. “Where would you ladies choose if you could go anywhere?”

“Italy,” Suzy answered.

“Tahiti,” Alex said. “How about you, Hope?”

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