Page 107 of Cowboys at Coconuts

If Gigi is having an affair with my dad, that’s the last thing on earth I’d wear.“I don’t want it, Mom.”

“What?” If her mother could move her forehead, her eyebrows would likely be raised. “You’ll love the jumpsuit. It’s darling. Leopard print is your favorite.”

“I have enough clothes.” Immediately feeling guilty for turning down what was undoubtedly a beautiful designer garment from someone she had found guilty without evidence, Cheri added, “Thanks anyway, Mom. Maybe another time.”

“What has gotten into you? No woman has too many clothes, but whatever. I’ve got to run. Gigi wants to show me her newest fashions and said she bought a case of my favorite Bordeaux. I’m helping her plan a trunk show. It’s great fun to watch her grow her business. I’m thrilled to be a tiny part of it. I’m sure she’ll be a smashing success in the fashion world. I can see her as the next Valentino or Stella McCartney.” Victoria paused. “She’s almost the daughter who is too far away from me—except I’m not nearly old enough to be her mother, of course. She values my fashion advice. It makes me feel good. Ah, it’s getting late, darling. I must go.”

Cheri’s mother hadn’t been this animated in a long time. Glad she had a purpose, she wanted to bolster her. “I’m glad you’re excited about helping Gigi, Mom. I’m sure your advice is invaluable. Bye for now. I love you.”

Blowing a kiss into the phone, her mother said, “Ciao, darling. Much love.”

Cheri stared at the darkened screen.If that young designer is sleeping with my dad and buttering up my mom, so help me.Pacing from the kitchen to her window overlooking Crystal Lake, she tried to calm herself.I need more proof. I can’t accuse my father of an affair based on a couple Alex saw in the lobby of my apartment.Reaching for her purse and keys, she loaded her dishwasher and stepped into the garage.I can’t put this off any longer.

Chapter 99

After a PTA meeting, where Hope assisted the principal and other key educators field parents’ questions about a variety of hot topic issues from test scores, bullying, scholarships, school safety, sports, and fundraising for new computers, she trudged back to her office. Drained, she straightened her desk and turned off the computer. As her office phone rang, she tucked it between her ear and shoulder. Half paying attention, she flipped the calendar over to the following day to review her first student appointment.

“Hope Truman.”

“Hey,” a man said.

Instantly recognizing the Nashville cowboy’s voice, Hope was suddenly full of energy. “Hey.” She smiled into the phone.

His voice was soft. “Sorry I haven’t called.”

“I didn’t think I’d ever hear from you again.”

Hesitating, Tucker said, “I was afraid of that.”

Switching ears, Hope leaned back in her squeaky chair and hoped a student wouldn’t utilize her open-door policy. “Did you lose my cell number?”

Chuckling, Tucker said, “As a matter of fact, the washing machine ate it. I forgot to remove the napkin when I laundered my overalls. Your number was in shreds.”

“I see.” Relieved, Hope said, “I’m glad you remembered I work at Hilltop.”

“Yeah, it didn’t come to me right away. I’ve had family business and been in Alabama.”

“Oh?”

His voice grew somber. “My first cousin died in a motorcycle accident. I took over a week off to be with my aunt and uncle in Alabama. He was their only son. They’re understandably destroyed.” Pausing, he said, “I’m not playin’ games. I’m not that type. I’ll give you my aunt’s phone number. She’ll verify I was there.”

Eyes filling with unfamiliar tears, Hope almost whispered, “No need. I believe you. I’m sorry about your cousin.” Forcing confidence she didn’t realize she possessed, she said, “I was hoping you’d call. I’ve missed you.”

“How ‘bout dinner sometime?”

Wanting to be coy like Alex, Hope blurted out, “Yes, sure, when?”

“It’ll be a couple of weeks. Since I took vacation days for the funeral, I’ve got a two-week, long-haul gig, but you’re at the top of my list when I return.”

Hope had never smiled wider. “I’ll be waiting.”

Chapter 100

Gripping the steering wheel of her grandmother’s red Mercedes, Cheri’s knuckles whitened. After deciding she would come clean to Cole, she wanted to go whole hog. At least she thought that was the saying she overhead in the pool hall at Lefty’s in what seemed like forever ago.

The jetlag from her whirlwind New York trip with Sebastian, followed by a late night at Coconuts, and concern over her parents’ marriage had given her a nearly blinding headache. Worried about how she would explain her then-engagement to the cowboy, she had tossed and turned the night before.I don’t have anyone to blame but me.

As she rounded one curve after another, her mouth went dry. Several possibilities flooded her mind, none of which comforted her.Is Cole still interested? Will he be home? Will Jade be snuggled up with him—or worse? Will Cole speak to me after Sebastian showed up in the woods?Her stomach churned.I can’t believe I fell for Sebastian’s antics. Cole is the one I care about. He’s the one I-I don’t know exactly how I feel, but I’ve never felt like this.She slammed her fist on the steering wheel.Why did I do this to him? To us?

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