Page 106 of Cowboys at Coconuts

“Sounds fun. Maybe I should date a cowboy.” Alex winked. “You’re even dropping your g’s. How cute.” Alex tapped her leg.

“I did?” Cheri giggled.

“Yep. And you’re blushing,” Suzy said.

Cheri brightened. “I don’t get any respect around here, and that’s the way I like it. You girls make me feel normal and not high society.”

“I might trade for a day. You know, to see what the other side of the tracks is like.” Hope’s mind wandered to the man she met in Nashville. She wasn’t ready to tell her friends about Tucker—unless he called, which didn’t look likely. Forcing enthusiasm, she dipped another bite of crab cake in a dill aioli sauce and said, “Tell the cowboy soon.”

“Yes, don’t let the engagement news fester,” Suzy said.

Eyes welling with tears, Cheri asked, “I will. I promise. Do the three of you forgive me for my secret engagement?”

“Of course,” Suzy and Hope echoed.

Chewing her lip, Alex said, “I forgive you since you forgave me.”

Cheri raised her glass. “Here’s to girlfriends.”

Alex clanked her cocktail against Cheri’s glass. Sighing, the New Yorker said, “I have a feeling this conversation won’t be as easy with Cole.”

“We all make mistakes.” Hope jumped off her bar stool. “Group hug.”

Voice faltering, Cheri said, “You’re the best friends I’ve ever had. I hope Cole is this understanding.”

Chapter 98

Staring at her messy kitchen after trying out new recipes while attempting to work up her nerve to talk to Cole, Cheri was relieved to hear her phone ring. She glanced at the screen. “Hi, Mom.”

“Darling, how are you after our last discussion about Sebastian?”

“I’m fine. Getting back on track. It was over a long time ago, Mom. I’ve said all I care to on this subject.” Squinting, she asked, “What’s wrong with your left eyebrow? It’s drooping.”

Victoria waved her hand dismissively. “I just need a tune-up, darling. Some more Botox, maybe fillers.”

Unhappy her beautiful mother now had a frozen face, Cheri changed the subject. “How’s Dad? Did you two ever go on a surprise vacation like we discussed last year?” Hearing glass clank, she knew her mother was drinking again and did a quick calculation of the time between Branson and Paris. It was too early for alcohol but she let it go.

“You know how your daddy is. Work. Work. Work.” Victoria lit a cigarette.

Cheri let that go too. “I haven’t talked to Daddy in ages. I miss him.”

“Darling, I know he misses you too.” Her mom’s voice rose. “He did manage to get away to New York for a few days.”

Cheri’s stomach plummeted as she recalled the conversation she had had with Alex about the handsome, older man and young French woman. She didn’t want to believe that man was her father. “Dad went to New York? Did you go?”

“No, darling.” Victoria took another drag. “Your father went alone.”

Staring at her mother’s not easily detectable emotions, but still sad face, Cheri asked, “Why in the world didn’t you go with him?”

Victoria sipped what looked like a gin & tonic. “He insisted I’d be bored to tears. Your father said he had back-to-back meetings with developers, plus a board meeting. It was a quick trip.”

“Mom, you love New York. All of your friends are in New York. Your gorgeous house is there. Why didn’t you insist on going?” Cheri leaned against her sink overflowing with dirty mixing bowls.

Taking a healthy gulp of her cocktail, her mother’s voice became flat. “I tried. He wouldn’t have it.” Diverting her eyes, she said, “Tell me about your friends and that cute bar you like. What’s it called? Coconuts?”

Thinking the worst but not wanting to alarm her mom, Cheri said, “My friends are great, and yes, it’s called Coconuts. You should visit sometime. Suzy, Alex, and Hope want to meet you. Actually, Alex is a banker. She was in New York recently, so I let her stay in my apartment.”I’m not about to mention she might have seen my dad and Gigi until I’m positive.

“That was nice of you, darling.” Victoria seemed bored with the conversation. Glancing at her diamond Rolex, she said, “I didn’t realize it was so late. I have a date at Gigi’s Couture.” Brightening, she said, “That reminds me. Gigi designed the most fabulous jumpsuit. It’s leopard print, with a plunging neckline, and a wide, wrap-around red belt. It would look divine on you. I’ll have the maid send it.”

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