Page 41 of Cowboys at Coconuts

Cheri splashed water on her legs. “As a matter of fact, yes.”

Jade flipped her jet-black hair over her shoulder as if it were an annoying fly. “Why don’t you go back to the east coast? Why are you in our neck of the woods?”

Stepping out of the water, Cole said, “I think it’s time for you to shut your pie hole, Jade.”

“You used to like my pie hole.”

Cheri couldn’t stand this woman. Maybe she could drown her in the hillbilly pool. Nah. There were too many witnesses. It was obvious Jade still had the hots for Cole.

Jade spat on the ground. “You’re not wanted around here. I think New York is calling.”

Turning to Cole, Cheri said, “Let’s come back when the black widow isn’t here.”

He climbed out. “Sure. Anybody got a towel?”

Jade cackled as she winked at Cole. “See you later, babe.”

Bristling, Cheri reached for his hand. They walked in silence toward his truck. Once inside, she said, “Your former girlfriend is a piece of work.”

Cole turned to her and nodded. “But you held your own, New York. Well done.” Running his hand through his wet hair, he said, “Sorry she spoiled the fun. I would have been more forceful but that would have egged her on. I know how to handle Jade. Best to ignore her. What did you think of the redneck pool?”

“I loved it.” Cheri studied her photos. “I can’t wait to show my friends. But that moonshine? Hard pass.”

Chapter 38

Toward the end of the school day, Hope decided she needed a pep talk from her friends before her road trip with Larry. She texted Suzy and Alex who both agreed to meet.

Arriving at Coconuts first, she ordered a margarita. Palms already sweaty, she blew on them before her friends arrived. One by one, Suzy and Alex appeared. “Thanks for meeting me on such short notice. I need some support before I go to Nashville. I’ve convinced Larry to go with me to see Montana. I’m a nervous wreck.”

Suzy reached for Hope’s hand. “You’re doing the right thing.”

Alex shook her head. “I can’t believe Willow and Montana are sister wives, and they don’t even know it. You may land a TV gig, Hope.” When she noticed her friend’s mouth was set in a grim line, Alex said, “Sorry, I’m just trying to lighten you up.”

“This is a huge problem.” Suzy lowered her voice. “It’s illegal, as we’ve discussed.”

Hope chewed on a lime slice. “I’m perfectly aware of that. You should have seen me trying to convince Larry to go.”

“I’m amazed he agreed since he doesn’t even remember you, right?” Alex hung her purse on a hook under the table.

Hope nodded. “Not even a little bit.”

“What a damn shame,” Alex said, as she waved Gus over.

“When are you leaving?” Suzy asked as she blew on the hot green tea Gus had placed in front of her.

Alex stuck out her tongue at Suzy’s tea. “Since I’m not pregnant, bring me my usual, Gus.” The happy-go-lucky server said, “Coming right up.”

They made idle chitchat about work. When Hope finished her margarita, she ordered a Diet Coke. “I need to be clearheaded. Where was I?”

Gripping both hands around the zebra print mug, Suzy said, “You were about to tell us when you’re leaving. Chuckling, she said, “And they say pregnant women are forgetful.”

“We’re leaving on Saturday. I’m going home to pack after we eat.” After Gus brought the soda, Hope held out her hands. “I’m shaking. I don’t know how this road trip will work out. It could be a disaster.”

Suzy reached for Hope’s hand. “This may be exactly what Larry needs to get his memory back.”

“That’s what I was thinking.” Alex stared at Hope. “Maybe the utter shock of being with you on a long drive, plus seeing his first wife, will jog something deep within the recesses of his brain.”

“I hope so. Sometimes calling him Mac and sometimes Larry is drivingmea little crazy. It really hurts when he calls me ‘Miss Truman’ or “Ma’am.’” Hope threw up both hands. “Can you imagine? The man raised me.”

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