Page 32 of Cowboys at Coconuts

Sliding the phone into her purse before he had a chance to respond, Alex groaned inwardly at the thought of another encounter with Nikki. When she stepped outside, the barracuda unfortunately stood in the same spot, daring Alex with her black eyes.

Alex decided to preempt the questioning. “No, I don’t know where Tony is, and I haven’t seen your precious son in ages.” Unlocking the door to her Mustang, she put one foot inside her car.

Nikki grabbed her arm. “Don’t you dare touch me,” Alex hissed. “We have security cameras everywhere.” She pointed toward the two-story brick bank. “Back the fuck off.”

Loosening her grip, Nikki took one step back, and glanced toward the building. Narrowing her eyes, she asked, “Why is Sean sniffing around here?” Lip curled, she continued. “Are you banging him as well as Tony, you whore?” Spit flew out of her mouth. “So help me God if you are—”

For some odd reason, Alex felt protective of Hannah who, she worried, was likely sleeping with Sean. Knowing her intern could never handle this bitch, Alex squared her jaw and answered in a silly singsong voice, “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’ve never seen Sean here. And, by the way, he’d be the last man on earth I’d bang, as you so eloquently put it.”

“Liar.”

Ignoring the comment, Alex rolled up her window, locked the door, and sped off.What a shit show this relationship is. And why the hell am I protecting Hannah? I need a drink.

Chapter 30

After hearing Jon and Fernando’s news, Suzy suggested they go to Coconuts. “I know I can’t drink but I can pretend.” As Ken parked, she noticed a dusty old blue pickup with mud-covered tires.Hmm. That’s different.

As they stepped into the darkened bar, Suzy spotted none other than her gorgeous New Yorker friend sitting with a cowboy. Cocking an eyebrow, her mouth fell open as she observed Cheri who was obviously hanging on his every country word. Chuckling at how mismatched—yet cute—they were, Suzy felt like a lurker but couldn’t turn away. “Let’s get a table.” She pointed to one a few tables over.

Suzy had never seen the socialite dress so casually. Admiring Cheri’s skin-tight white jeans and leopard print tank, she noticed the cowboy wore faded blue jeans, a well-fitting navy button-down, and brown cowboy boots.He’s as hot as any romance cover model, and Cheri’s on fire.Turning to Ken, she said, “They do say opposites attract, but I never would have paired these two. I wonder if he knows she’s a Van Buren.”

Shrugging, Ken stared in Suzy’s direction. “Who’s the cowboy?”

Suzy grinned. “Cheri mentioned she met a cowboy at the airport. This must be him.”

“Interesting.” Ken glanced at a menu. Chuckling, he asked, “What do you pair with people watching?”

“Anything you want. I’m having a non-alcoholic cocktail.” Suzy rubbed her burgeoning baby bump. “I’ll have wine once these two are born.” As the door to Coconuts opened, light streamed inside. Suzy turned. “Look who else is here.”

~ ~ ~

Oblivious to being watched, Cheri waved Gus over to order food but stiffened as a shadow crossed her table.

“Well, well. Who do we have here?” Alex placed her hands on Cheri’s shoulders while simultaneously beaming at Cole. “What’s this? Business or pleasure?”

Cheri crossed her legs as she and Cole exchanged looks. Turning toward Alex, he asked, “Are you always this direct?”

Hope appeared at the table. “Yes, she is. I’m glad you’re back, Cheri.” After giving the New Yorker a hug, she turned to Cole and extended her hand.

After introductions, Cheri noticed Cole glanced at his watch.I don’t want him to leave.She did her best to dismiss her girlfriends in the nicest way she knew how. “Great to see you. I’ll join you girls, um, later. Maybe.”

“We can join you right here. There’s plenty of room.” Alex planted herself at the high-top table.

Cole chuckled. “Are you sure she isn’t the New Yorker? She’s straightforward.” Standing, he said, “Let me get you ladies a chair.”

Alex pointed toward Cheri’s red heels. “Nice. I wish I could afford designer shoes.”

“These old things?” Cheri pursed her lips and Alex seemed to get the message. Making a mental note to buy plain tennis shoes at Target, she turned to Cole in an attempt to change the subject. “Where’s Suzy?”

“Did I hear my name?” Suzy give Cheri a quick hug as she and Ken joined the group.

“We’re gonna need a bigger table.” Cole hopped up and pushed another table beside theirs. “Looks like you have as many friends as I do, New York.”

Nodding, Cheri said, “I’ll introduce you.”

After the exchanges, Cole rubbed his chin in an obvious attempt to keep up with their banter. Gus brought two bowls of truffle popcorn, chips, and salsa. “On the house,” the server said.

“Thanks, Gus.” Alex fished in her purse for anti-bacterial gel. “Anybody want some?”

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