Page 102 of Cowboys at Coconuts

Within three hours, she met with rattled employees and assured them Fifth Avenue Catering was in capable hands with Julio, even though those words didn’t come easily. She wanted to coax Chef O’Leary back, but he wasn’t her top priority at the moment.

After reviewing applications for a catering van driver, she met with her new, perky female pastry chef. While sampling potential updated menu items and reviewing the next month’s client events, her now-sober sous chef pulled her aside to discuss his disdain for Julio. Waving his hands wildly, the chef said, “Julio has changed nearly every menu item and struts around like a peacock. He acts like he owns the place; no one likes him.”

Cheri knew she had to get her head back in her business but really only wanted to deal with a certain cowboy. Promising to smooth things over, she assured the chef the company was in good hands, if only to convince herself. Too drained to go out or call Gage, she went home and ordered a pizza.

The next morning, Cheri donned a curly red Lucile Ball-like wig, a black turtleneck sweater dress, leopard print heels, and huge sunglasses. She asked her doorman to summon a car service to the airport. Fully aware she looked ridiculous while inside the airport, she didn’t care. She didn’t want any distractions. Paparazzi be damned. She’d outsmarted them again. Settling in the back seat of the car, she purposely cut the time close.

Once the driver dropped her off at LaGuardia, she checked in and had to lift the edge of her wig for TSA to prove she was herself since her blonde-haired I.D. didn’t match. She boarded with ten minutes to spare. Buckling her seatbelt in first class, a flight attendant brought warm cashews and a chilled Bellini. Cheri nodded thanks, put in earbuds, and tried to gather her thoughts.Will Suzy, Alex, and Hope be mad I kept my engagement from them?How will I explain this to Cole?Mulling over the best strategy as the aircraft ascended, she decided she would tell her girlfriends first. Maybe they’ll have advice about approaching Cole.

Attempting to read a novel proved futile. Her mind raced as the words blurred. It was no use. She closed the paperback and slept fitfully for two hours. The second the plane landed, Cheri texted Alex, Suzy, and Hope:I’m back from New York. I need to tell you something important. Will you meet me at Coconuts tonight at six?

Alex answered first in all caps: HELL YEAH. WHAT’S UP WITH YOU AND THE COWBOY?

Cheri responded:We need to talk.

Hope added:Hi! I don’t know what you’re talking about, but I’ll be there.

Suzy responded:See you at six.

After she landed, Cheri hailed a cab and arrived at Coconuts by five-thirty. Her stomach churned at the thought of losing her friends.I love these special women. I never should have kept my ridiculous engagement from them.Her mouth went dry.What if they hate me now?

She stepped into the darkened bar, went straight to the restroom, and removed her wig. Cramming the curly mess into her bag, Cheri fluffed her blonde hair, and settled at their favorite table, heart pounding.

Gus approached. “What’re you having?”

Cheri waited half a second before answering, “Angry Balls for two of us.” The cocktail suited her mood. Surprised to see Alex arrive early for once, she patted the seat beside her. “We need to talk.”

“Yes, we do.” Alex slid her turquoise jacket off and placed it on the back of her chair. Her silver charm bracelet dangled as she reached for a cocktail. “Good choice.” Raising the drink in the air, she said, “Thanks for letting me stay in your gorgeous apartment. I felt like a princess.”

“You’re welcome. Tell me about New York and Gage.” Crossing her legs, Cheri said, “I’ve been dying to know.”

Chapter 95

After the shock of the damn board report and getting demoted, Alex wanted to collapse but knew she had to tell Cheri what she had repeated to the cowboy. She waved Gus over. “I’ll take coffee too. I’m drained.”

As he slid a cup of steaming coffee in front of Alex, Cheri requested water. “I’m dehydrated from flying. I’ll take water when you get a chance, Gus.” Smiling at Alex, she said, “So, tell me everything.”

Alex felt a blush creep up her neck. The afterglow of her outings with Gage would be told much differently if she hadn’t dealt with Tony’s trauma. She wasn’t in the mood to go into details. “We had great fun. Gage is the perfect gentleman. He picked me up at the airport, had my name on a sign, and gave me limo rides. Did you have something to do with that?”

Sipping her water, Cheri said, “That was Gage’s idea. He’s a romantic, that guy. I know he likes you.”

“The feeling’s mutual.” Alex sighed. Staring at a couple holding hands across the room, she said, “I thought I had made my decision as far as the cop.” Something crossed her face. “I was almost ready to break up with him.”

“Wow.” Raising her eyebrows, Cheri said, “One trip did the trick, huh?” She paused, and even though she tried to hide it, her face fell. “It sounds like you’ve had a change of heart.”

Shrugging, Alex said, “More like a delay, I suppose. After I returned, unbelievably crazy things happened to Tony. I can’t possibly break up with him now.”

Cheri studied her navy nails. “Well, it’s your life. I’m sure you’ll work it out however it’s meant to be.”

“Thanks. By the way, on my last day, I stood in the lobby chatting with the doorman as I waited for a driver. An older, handsome man with a booming East Coast accent caught my eye. He strode inside like he was on a mission. A young, beautiful brunette was plastered by his side. Your doorman seemed to know both of them. The doorman seemed flustered, grabbed my luggage, and placed it on the sidewalk. He couldn’t get me out of there fast enough.”

Eyes widening, Cheri asked, “Did the woman have a French accent by any chance?”

“As a matter of fact—” Alex stopped mid-sentence. “That’s an insanely wild guess. How did you know?”

Cheri’s eyes filled with tears. “Let’s just say it’s something that has nagged at me since I returned from Paris last year.”

“I remember the woman was friendly and attractive. The guy was handsome but a lot older and—”

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