Page 100 of Cowboys at Coconuts

What is my problem? I didn’t have any right to tell Cole about her past dating life.Chewing on her bottom lip, Alex said, “It wasn’t my place to tell you about her private life.” A nervous laugh escaped. “I don’t suppose you can forget about this entire conversation.” As she waited for an answer, the lazy ceiling fans did little to assuage her mood. She loved and admired her New York friend and wished she hadn’t said a word. Leaning forward, Alex said, “My love life is a freaking disaster. I’m the last person on earth who should give relationship advice. Please forget everything I said.”

Cole eyed her. “Actually, I’m glad you told me. Maybe it’ll make it easier to move on knowing there isn’t a chance in hell for the two of us. We wouldn’t last as long as sidewalk ice cream in July.” Shrugging, he added, “I figured she was too good to be true. I don’t know how she got under my thick hide so fast.”

Shuffling to his feet, Alex said, “Don’t give up on her, cowboy. Like I said, maybe there’s a reason.”

He shrugged. “Maybe.”

Alex smiled in an attempt to give him hope. “Let’s hear Cheri out.”

“If she ever comes back.”

“She will. She loves that house in Branson. What did you guys do on your date in the woods—the PG version, that is?”

Hooting, he said, “I made hobos for her.” Cole bent over and held his sides from laughing.

“I bet she loved those—whatever they are.”

Cole explained how he made hobos, talked about teaching Cheri to skip rocks and hunt for arrowheads, and mentioned how Sebastian had surprised the hell out of them. Riveted, Alex didn’t even blink. The room had darkened, Gus had cleaned every table, and there were only a handful of patrons remaining.

When Cole finished, he leaned back. “That’s my story. Sounds like a country song, right?”

Grinning, Alex nodded. “Sort of. It sounds like she was having a lot of fun with you.”

Cole studied Alex. “Do you really think a country boy like me has a chance with New York?”

“As a matter of fact, I do.” Alex drained her soda. “Don’t ask me how I know, but I have a good feeling about you two, especially after you told me about your day together.”

Placing his hat on his head, Cole said, “For all I know, she flew back to New York with that tall, skinny guy and is married by now.” He put two twenties on the table. “Nothin’ I can do ‘bout that. Drinks are on me. Thanks for cheerin’ me up. I have a long drive and need to bottle feed some newborn calves.”

Alex studied Cole’s brooding face and wanted to console him. “Maybe she’s breaking the engagement off now.”

Cole snorted. “Doubtful. He said he bought her a five-carat diamond.” Staring at his dusty, worn boots, he mumbled, “I could never compete with that.”

Feeling an impulsive need to cheer him up, Alex reached for Cole’s arm. “That doesn’t matter. It’s not about the ring. It’s about love.”

“You’re quite the romantic.” Tipping his hat, Cole managed a smile.

“I do believe in love. There’s someone for everyone, I think. I hope.” Gathering her purse, she said, “Maybe I’ll find it someday.” After they stepped outside toward their respective cars, she shouted over her shoulder, “Don’t give up, cowboy. Never give up.”

Chapter 92

Dressed in a fuzzy pink robe, Suzy paced while she drank hot chamomile tea to soothe her nerves. Ken and Izzy had caught a six o’clock flight to Hollywood. Tempted to see Izzy’s bedroom of doom, Suzy decided to leave that until another day.

When it was still dark outside, Izzy had rolled two bulging suitcases, a carryon, and her laptop into the hallway. Ken’s eyes were red, but he held himself together in front of his daughter. Suzy had hugged her stoic stepdaughter, and said, “Please keep in touch. Let us know what’s going on. Text pictures, okay?”

Izzy bobbed her head as she gave Suzy a one-armed hug.

Smoothing her stepdaughter’s hair, Suzy said, “If you aren’t happy in California, know you’ll always have a home here.”

Ken’s voice wobbled. “That’s right, honey. Always.” He sniffled. “We love you so much.” Turning so his daughter couldn’t see his tears, he carried her bags to the garage, and placed them inside the SUV. When he reentered the house, he slung his arm across Izzy’s shoulders. “I guess this is it. I still can’t believe my baby is Hollywood bound.”

They had only been gone an hour, but the house already felt eerily quiet and empty.I can’t believe she left, especially now with the twins coming. Actually, I can believe it.Izzy had told me in no uncertain terms that screaming babies in the middle of the night wasn’t her idea of a good time.Glancing out the window above the kitchen sink, Suzy decided she couldn’t blame her.At least I’ll get to learn more about Ken’s ex, the ghost from his past.

~ ~ ~

After spending the night in a hotel, Ken called, sounding as though he hadn’t slept. “I hate this place. Parts of the city are sad and pathetic. And the traffic must be fourteen lanes wide. It’s absurd. I don’t know what Destiny sees in this godforsaken state.” His voice caught. “What if Izzy loves it and never wants to come home?”

“Honey, you know what you always tell me—don’t borrow trouble. I’m sure she’ll miss us, at least you, and be curious about the twins. Hopefully this is a phase. I have a feeling she’ll want to graduate with her friends.” Suzy grimaced as Ken’s first photo came through. “That traffic looks dreadful.”

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