Page 104 of Cowboys at Coconuts

Cheri beamed, reliving the special day. “Cole taught me how to skip rocks, search for arrowheads, build a fire, and make hobos.”

“My hippie parents used to make hobos.” Hope studied the New Yorker. “Thanks for the nice memory. We should all go camping and make them sometime.”

Alex sighed. Loudly. “Will you let her finish?”

Sipping the amber cocktail, Cheri felt her shoulders relax for the first time in days. “As I said, Cole and I had a picnic. He even brought wine, cheese, and strawberries. He was so sweet and then—”

“I’m calmer just thinking about it.” Suzy patted her ever-growing belly. “Goodness knows I won’t have many quiet days in a few months.”

Hope rolled an ice cube in her mouth. “Sounds like a perfect day.”

Crossing her arms, Alex said, “And . . .?”

Cheri rubbed her forehead. “Itwasperfect until my fiancé found us—somehow—in the woods. You’d have thought we left breadcrumbs like the fairytale. But in actuality, he hired a freaking private detective. There’s no telling how long I’ve been followed. It gives me the creeps. Anyway—”

“Wait. Fiancé?” Suzy’s eyebrows shot up.

Hope’s mouth fell open. “You’re engaged?”

Cheri wiggled her bare ring finger. “Was.”

Alex chimed in. “So you broke it off?”

Voice quivering, Cheri said, “I haven’t worn the ring in nearly two years. I knew it was wrong from the beginning.” Her eyes reddened. “But I was too big a chicken to break it off or tell anyone. Sebastian, that’s his name, talked me into flying back to New York with him. He said my mom had planned a huge surprise pre-wedding gala for us, my parents were flying in from Europe, and had arranged for Justin Timberlake to perform. He knew I wouldn’t miss seeing my parents. He also saidPeople Magazinehad the exclusive and told me I couldn’t tarnish the family name and be a no-show.” Putting her head in her hands, she said, “I bought it. Hook. Line. And sinker.”

Hope slapped a hand on the table. “I’m sure that’s exactly how my pre-wedding party would go, especially the famous performer andPeople Magazinepart.” She giggled. “Go on. Sorry for interrupting. It’s so surreal.”

“I know. My life’s a tad crazy.” Cheri nibbled on an olive. “I believed Sebastian since my mom loves to throw lavish parties, plus I’ve been homesick for my parents, especially my dad—”

Suzy sat riveted. “This is unreal.”

Tapping her fingers together, Alex said, “How did this all go down with your fiancé?”

After a group of boisterous Happy Hour patrons passed, Cheri turned to all three women who had scooted forward, hanging on every word. “After we landed in Manhattan, Sebastian took me to dinner and said my parents were going to join us for dessert. I was sick to my stomach the entire time wondering how I could tell him—and them—I didn’t want to go through with it. But he made my decision for me. While eating Crème Brule, Sebastian admitted he lied about the event to get me to New York. He thought he could change my mind about breaking off the engagement.”

“The bastard.” Alex cupped her mouth.

Noticing Suzy and Hope’s shared glances, Cheri was ashamed but persevered. “Sebastian chose our favorite restaurant, requested a table in the corner, ordered lobster, and a bottle of their most expensive wine. I guess he thought once I was in familiar surroundings I’d forget all about Crystal City, Branson, the three of you, and especially the cowboy. After hemming and hawing through dessert as I fixated on the door waiting for my parents who never showed, he admitted he lied. I immediately stormed outside.”

“Then what happened?” Hope scooted even closer to the table.

Wrinkling her nose, Cheri said, “It was ugly. He chased after me. We had a huge fight on the sidewalk. As I officially broke up with him and told him to go to hell for deceiving me—yes, I know that’s rich since I deceived you but—” Unable to meet her friends’ eyes, she said, “I saw a couple of cameras flash.” A nervous laugh escaped. “I’m still waiting for our tiff to appear on the cover of some rag magazine.”

“Hopefully, the cowboy doesn’t read those.” Alex let out a whistle. “That’s some story.”

“All true.” Cheri fidgeted with the napkin in her lap.

Suzy studied Cheri. “I wish you would have told us about your engagement all along, but I’m glad you’re telling us now.”

Holding her hands out like scales, Hope said, “Your life or mine? At the moment, I’m glad mine is monotonous.”

“Remember your lost and found hippie parents? Your life’s not that boring, Hope.” Alex turned to Cheri. “I might have decked Sebastian. Did you fly back right away after that fiasco?”

Managing a small smile, Cheri said, “The temptation was there but I do try to protect the family name. I flew back within two days.” She ticked off her manicured fingernails. “I checked on Fifth Avenue Catering, tried to reassure my employees, and met with a few anxious, high-profile clients.” Sipping her cocktail, she said, “Oh, I also hired a delivery driver and promised to try and rehire my main chef. It seems the employees aren’t fond of Julio. He’s a bit of a showboat.”

“Not Julio.” Alex winked. “I remember him from the Bridal Bonanza wedding cake competition last year. He’s cute.”

Cheri groaned. “But tough to work with, apparently.”

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