Page 21 of Cowboys at Coconuts

Depressed, she reverted back to her old Internet dating addiction.This is absolutely the last time.She noticed a guy who seemed to have it all—great job, charming personality—online at least—was well traveled, and his photo was gorgeous, to boot.

According to their profiles, Dave and Cheri seemed to be a perfect match. Dave had been urging her to meet him since before she left New York. Since the cowboy hadn’t contacted her, she finally agreed to a meeting at The Coffee Drip.

After perfecting new dessert recipes all day for a new hotel grand opening in Crystal City’s renovated downtown area, Cheri was more than ready to get out of the house and meet this guy once and for all. Knowing her friends would disapprove, especially Alex, Cheri saw this as a challenge to show them good guys could be found via the Internet.

After taking a deep breath, Cheri called Suzy first, then Alex. She wasn’t able to reach Hope. After telling them she was back in town, she asked her friends to go to The Coffee Drip and sit at another table, in spy mode. After scolding her a bit—or a lot—the two women curiously agreed to lurk on the sidelines.

After changing into black leggings, a long red and white geometric tunic, red hoop earrings, and black stilettos, Cheri decided to go for a casual chic look. Thoughts of the cowboy invaded her concentration, but she pushed them away.I may never hear from him again. He could be dating Jade again for all I know.

Driving to Crystal City in record time, she pulled up to The Coffee Drip and waved after spotting Alex and Suzy in a corner booth. After a quick glance around the coffee shop, she realized she had arrived before Dave. Since he wasn’t there, she approached her friends.

“Hi, girls. Thanks for coming on such short notice.” Alex groaned. “How the hell do you look so good in leggings? And . . . welcome back, stranger.” Glancing toward the door, Alex asked, “What does he look like?”

Cheri bent toward them. In a low voice she said, “He’s over six feet tall, muscular, and has dark, curly hair. He’sverygood looking. He has a great job and we seem to have a lot in common. For once, I think this one might work out.” She peered at the door again. “Now, shush or the gig’s up. I’m going to sit near the door and wait. Remember, don’t act like you know me.”

“We’ll be perfect secret agents. I’m glad you’re back in town,” Suzy said. “Now, go away.” She and Alex giggled as they walked to the counter to place an order. After dealing with morning sickness and crazy cravings, Suzy was more than ready for a fun distraction. She added cinnamon to her decaf coffee. “Where’s Hope?”

“She said something about meeting with her dad.” Alex ordered a lemon poppy seed muffin and they sat at a booth with full view of the restaurant.

Fidgeting in her seat and staring at her phone, Cheri stared at the front door every two minutes.

Soon a short, fat, balding guy walked in and studied the room. After he spotted Cheri, he grinned a mile wide, and headed toward her. She ignored him and went back to her phone. Short Guy approached her table and started to pull out a chair.

Cheri cut him off before he sat down. “I’m waiting for someone.”

“Would that someone be Dave?”

Assuming this was one of his friends, Cheri twisted her hair in her finger.Funny, he asked a friend to join him too. We do have a lot in common.“Yes, as a matter of fact.”

Short, bald guy extended his meaty hand. “Hi, I’m Dave.”

Knitting her eyebrows, Cheri didn’t shake his sweaty-looking palm. “You’re Dave? But-But I’ve seen your picture. You have dark hair—a lot of it—and you said you were over six feet tall.”

“Guess the joke’s on you.” He laughed. “I knew a gorgeous woman like you would never agree to meet a man like me.”

The door opened and in walked Tall, Gorgeous Guy. Cheri recognized him from the picture on “Dave’s” profile. Crossing her arms as the two guys high-fived each other, laughing at their big joke, she shook her head. Tall Guy was even more gorgeous in person but also sported a wedding band. She couldn’t believe she’d been had by these jerks.

The guys laughed so hard snot came out of Short Guy’s nose. Hands on hips, Cheri stood up. “Which one of you actually emailed me? Don’t answer. I don’t care. Bastards, both of you.” Yanking her purse off the back of the chair, Cheri stormed off.

“Can I at least take a selfie with you to show my buddies?” Short Guy poised his phone in mid-air. “They’ll never believe I had a date with you.”

“Don’t even think about it.” Cheri put her hand in front of her face. “And we didn’t have a date. We had a two-minute exchange, if you can call it that. You’re an ass and so is your body-builder friend.” Cheri peered at Tall Guy. “Does your wife know you’re playing these stupid games? You’re jerks. Both of you.”

Huffing over to Suzy and Alex, a red-faced Cheri said, “Come on. Let’s get out of here. I need a drink.”

Chapter 22

Alex and Suzy drove to Coconuts wondering what had transpired. They couldn’t hear the conversation but discerned something had gone badly wrong.

Cheri arrived first and ordered Angry Balls all around. Stat. Gus sat amber drinks containing maraschino cherries on the table.

Suzy and Alex rushed inside. “What happened?” Suzy asked breathlessly. Cheri relayed the story about how Short Guy had used Tall Guy’s photo on his profile.

Alex and Suzy exchanged glances. Alex bit her lip to keep from laughing.

“That’s not right,” Suzy said, using her napkin to stifle a giggle.

Cheri made a face. “Glad I could entertain you. No charge.” Letting out a groan, she gulped her cocktail. “Go ahead and laugh. I was had. Big time. I drove thirty minutes so these jokesters could pull one over on me.” Shaking her head in disgust, she said, “I wish I smoked. I could use a cigarette right now.”

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