Page 77 of Babies at Coconuts

She tapped her fingers. “I’m not crazy about airplanes—not that I’ve been on one—but the thought of it scares me. So, I’d probably have to choose a drivable destination.” She brightened. “Maybe Orlando to see Mickey and Minnie Mouse.”

Alex rolled her eyes. “Lame.”

“No, it’s not.” Hope’s brows knitted as she obviously searched for another destination. “Or . . . maybe a national park like Yellowstone or I could drive to a beach in Florida, Alabama, or California.” She paused. “New Orleans or Nashville might be fun.”

“Much better,” Alex said. “The Mall of America would be a hoot.”

“We aren’t all avid shoppers like you, Alex.” Hope studied Cheri. “What’s your guess for your parents’ trip?”

Shrugging, Cheri said, “Maybe Australia, Africa, or New Zealand. Possibly Thailand or China or somewhere even more exotic. Who knows? My mom always surprises me.” She glanced at her gold Rolex. “I should be at home testing new recipes. I hope to land another celebrity event.”

Alex straightened in her chair. “That reminds me. Show-Me Bank will celebrate its anniversary soon. Think I can hire Fifth Avenue Catering to cater it?”

Cheri brightened. “Sure. Who will attend?”

“A few of our best customers, employees, prominent business leaders, and our board members.”

Cheri extracted her phone from her enormous leopard print bag. “What’s the date and how many people do you expect?”

Alex gave Cheri the information and they shook hands to confirm the catering arrangement. Glancing at her watch, she said, “Gotta run, ladies. I have another early bank meeting tomorrow.” She took another sip but left her half-filled glass.

Hope reached for her purse. “I need to go too. School’s always early.”

Alex glanced over her shoulder. “Wish me luck with Hannah the Horrible. We’re working together way too often on the bank anniversary. I can’t wait until it’s over. That bitch Daddy’s girl gets on my last nerve.”

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