Page 44 of Cowboys at Coconuts

“I know we normally ask for approval months in advance, but something has come up. I’d like to go on a vacation. Soon.”

The bank president nodded. “I’d say the timing is good. We’re between meetings and the annual board meeting is weeks away. Are you ready for the HBA Home Show?”

Clasping her hands in her lap, Alex said, “Hannah is working on handouts and planning the trade show schedule as we speak.”

“Good. I’m sure she can handle anything while you’re away.”

Alex did her best not to grimace. Daddy’s daughter could do no wrong. “So, is my vacation approved?”

“Sure. When are you leaving?” Jim glanced at a calendar with a pen in hand.

“In two days if I can get plane tickets to—wherever.” Alex stunned herself when a destination popped into her mind. She couldn’t wait to plan the surprise trip.

“You are in a hurry. I’ll pencil you out of the office for next week unless I hear differently,” the bank president said.

Standing, Alex shook his hand. “Thanks, Jim. I really need this.”

Racing back to her office, Alex told Hannah to take an early lunch, checked airline fares, and booked a ticket. Leaning back, she smiled more than she had in weeks.

Once Hannah returned from lunch, Alex said, “We need to discuss my board report. I’ve done the bulk of the work, but I want you to proof the entire report, update customer account stats, work on the lender profile page, and include updated bank photos.

Crossing her legs, Hannah said, “What areyougoing to do?”

“Really? You’re asking me that?” Alex narrowed her eyes. “I’ve finalized the marketing budget, came up with new campaign ideas for next year, and am half finished with the community relations report. You can see where I left off; I want you to finish it. Email me with any questions.”

Hannah’s eyebrows shot up. “That’s a lot of work in one week.” Leaning forward with her enormous cleavage showing, she asked, “Where are you going on vacation?”

None of your damn business.Alex’s chair creaked as she shifted in her seat. “I’m still working out the details.” She patted her budget. “Back to my board presentation. This is very important. It’s the only time I meet with the entire board.” Pausing, she added, “It’s once a year, Hannah. I’ll have to give it soon after I return from vacation. The report has to be perfect.”

Her intern shrugged. “No problem. I prepare presentations all of the time in my higher education classes.”

“Good. Then it should be a piece of cake. I’ll need twenty-five copies. Design an attractive cover with our logo and include the date. Here’s the order for the contents.” Alex handed Hannah a list that included the annual report, marketing campaign ideas, community relations report, a listing of the previous year’s press releases, and the marketing budget. You’ve got all week to work on this, and I’ve already done two-thirds of it. Understand?”

Hannah rolled her eyes. “I know how to prepare a report and put everything in order. I’m not a kid.”

Letting out a long breath she didn’t realize she had been holding, Alex said, “Glad to hear it. I want to enjoy my vacation. I haven’t been on anything except a staycation for nearly two years. I’m long overdue for some fun.” Staring at the files on her desk, she said, “If I think of anything else, I’ll put a sticky note on my computer.”

Alex’s boss, Jim, patted the door frame with his hand. “Have a great trip, Alex. We’ll miss you but I’m sure Hannah has everything under control.”

Hannah beamed. “I sure do, Daddy. Marketing will be in my perfectly capable hands.”

Alex wanted to puke and again fought the urge to ask her boss how he liked his daughter’s huge implants. “Thanks, Jim. I’m excited.”

Shoving a hand in his pocket, he asked, “Where are you going?”

“I’m keeping it a secret.” Alex grinned. “Only the airline and I know.”

“Mystery lady.” He grinned. “I see you don’t want us to bother you about bank business. Understood. We all need a break from time to time.” The bank president said good-bye and stepped across the lobby.

Still openly curious, Hannah asked, “Are you going to a beach? I have a cute bikini I could loan you.” She fixated on Alex’s almost-C cups. “Never mind. It wouldn’t fit, plus with your OCD, I’m sure you wouldn’t want a used bathing suit.”

You’ve got that right.“I’m not going to a beach.”

Hannah shrugged. “Why are you being so secretive?”

Alex wasn’t sure she’d tell her closest friends she was going to New York City. Hope was in Nashville and she trusted Suzy with her life but didn’t trust her cop boyfriend to somehow interrogate the information right out of them.

Grinning to herself, she decided this would be anEat, Drink, Chillexperience. After she saved important computer files, she plucked her phone from her black and white striped Tommy Hilfiger bag and texted Suzy and Cheri:Goodbye Meeting at Coconuts in 30 minutes?

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