Page 92 of Babies at Coconuts

“Shit. She saw me.”

“Oh, well, free is free.” Hope raised her margarita in the air. “Did you get a better look at the guy she’s with?”

“Not really. Those two bar flies who always come here crossed in front of Hannah’s table at exactly the wrong time.” Alex poured the remainder of her chardonnay into her new glass. “I’ll be patient.”

Suzy suppressed a grin. “You? Patient?”

Alex balled up a cocktail napkin and threw it at her. “Yes, me. I can learn new tricks.”

Within minutes, Hannah and her date stood. Alex clamped her hand over her mouth. “Oh, crap. It’s him.”

“Will you stop being so melodramatic and tell us already?” Hope asked.

“The man with Hannah is . . .” Alex gawked. “I can’t believe this.” She studied their backsides as the couple swung open the front door, flooded the darkened room with sunshine, and left.

“Who is he?” Suzy and Hope shouted.

Alex leaned back and crossed her arms. “I think it’s Sean, Tony’s asshole cop brother.”

Suzy glanced out the front but the door had closed. “Quite a coincidence. I can see why that upsets you.” She shrugged.

“Right. Sean’s married to Nikki, Tony’s bitchy ex, or at least I think they got married. Remember all of the drama about Sean being Joey’s biological father?” Alex shook her head. “I’m speechless.”

“That would be a strange coincidence. I guess you’ll have to ask Hannah or see if they come in again.” Hope rubbed her belly. “I’m hungry. Can we eat?”

After ordering hummus, veggies, and salads, the women ate quickly and decided to leave early. As they strode outside, Alex said, “I can’t wait until this damn bank anniversary event is over. I let Hannah handle a large portion of the details. I’m not the greatest at delegating but I’m trying to change my ways.” A laugh escaped. “She reminds me daily of her higher education degree, so I’m sure it’ll go off without a hitch. Well, except for the stupid radio commercials.”

“What happened?” Hope asked.

“She used shitty rap music.”

“Oh,” Suzy said.

“Some of rap is cool,” Hope offered.

“Sure, but our customer base skews sixty-five-plus. I don’t think that’s on their playlist. Oh, well. We have other media going. Maybe it’ll be fine.”

Both Hope and Suzy said, “It will be.”

Suzy shouted over her shoulder, “The Bridal Bonanza will be here soon. Don’t forget.”

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