Page 14 of Cowboys at Coconuts

“It’salwaysabout you, Alex.” Suzy winked at Hope.

Alex made a pretend-hurt face. “Very funny. As to your kid question, some days I notice every baby in another mother’s arms. Other days when they’re screaming out of control, I’m eternally grateful I don’t have one. And—” She paused. “—there’s the uncomfortable situation with little Joey, so I honestly don’t know if I’d want to add to the mix. That is, if the cop and I work out.” Tapping her almost-empty wineglass, she said, “But I do know I need another drink.” Waving, she got Gus’s attention.

The tank top, flip-flop-wearing server appeared, all smiles as always. “Evening, ladies. Refills?”

“Something new. Surprise me.” Alex gave Gus her best come-hither look.

Hope rolled her eyes. “Oh, to be like you, Alex.” Fluffing her frizzy hair, she grinned. “One more margarita for me.”

“You know what I’m having. Something boring and non-alcoholic.” Suzy fiddled with her purse strap.

Alex eyed Suzy over her wineglass. “That sucks. Add that to the top of my list why I never want kids.”

Shaking her head, Suzy said, “It’s only temporary and my doctor said I could have a glass of wine on occasion.”

“In that case,” Alex yelled at Gus, “bring Suzy a merlot.”

“Thanks but I don’t want any alcohol. I can do without it for nine months. I might be considered high risk due to my age.”

Alex frowned. “You are almost forty.”

Hope and Suzy turned toward Alex and said in unison, “So are you.”

“Ouch.” Alex sipped her fresh chardonnay. “Forty is the new twenty, right? We need to plan a big bash when we turn forty, ladies.”

While waiting for their cocktails, Hope regaled them with stories about her latest students and had everyone in stitches about boyfriend drama and the horror of teenage zits. Making air quotes, she continued, “And totally unfair pop quizzes.”

Alex shuddered. “I loved high school but I don’t miss pop quizzes whatsoever.”

“Nor the boyfriend drama,” Hope added. “I tell the girls it’ll pass but does it ever? I mean, what’s a boyfriend?”

Suzy patted her arm. “You’ll meet someone.”

“Unless I meet them at my house, school, or Coconuts, I’m doomed. I never go anywhere.”

Alex glanced around the darkened bar. “You never know who’ll walk in that door.”

Gus placed drinks on the table. Winking at Alex, he said, “Thought I’d surprise you with a Cosmo. Tonight you seem like a Cosmo girl.” He set a Shirley Temple in front of Suzy, gave Hope a margarita, and disappeared behind the bar.

“Why didn’t I think of a non-alcoholic cocktail? This is better than hot tea.” Suzy examined the drink. “At least it’s festive.” Reaching inside her purse, she said, “Maybe a Tums will settle my tummy.”

“You poor thing.” Alex sipped the pink martini and called after Gus’s back. “This is good. I might switch from chardonnay on occasion.” She took another drink. “Nah. It’s too sweet. I’m sweet enough. I can’t stay late, girls. Early bank meeting tomorrow.” Swirling the wine stem, she said, “As soon as I finish this, I’m outta here.”

“Same here. I have a mountain of paperwork for some transfer students,” Hope said. “I wonder what the New Yorker is up to.”

Alex snorted. “Cheri? She’s probably hanging out with celebrities.”

Chapter 14

Racing to work the following morning, Alex cursed herself for never allowing even five minutes for delays. Sitting in traffic at what had to be the longest light in Crystal City, she muttered under her breath.I hate starting the week out like this.

Once inside the bank, she did an internal fist pump when she noticed her boss, the bank president, and the executive vice presidents, were behind closed doors. Slinking into her corner office, she sat her purse down, flipped the light on, and raced upstairs to grab a cup of coffee.

When she returned, her least favorite person—sans her boyfriend’s ex, Nikki, was as perky and busty as ever. “Morning, boss,” Hannah said.

Alex settled behind her desk. “Morning.”

“What’s on tap this fine Monday?” Hannah asked.

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