Page 45 of Cowboys at Coconuts

The women responded with “Goodbye? What?” and “On my way.”

Chapter 41

After two more hours on the road, Hope parked in the lot of the restaurant as “Bad Company” by Bad Company blared from the radio.

Larry hummed as Hope unbuckled her seatbelt, hesitant about turning the radio off since he seemed to really enjoy the music. “Hungry? Let’s check it out.”

Studying the nice cars in the lot, he said, “Looks fancy. Mind if I have another smoke first?”

“Suit yourself. I’ll go inside and get a table.” After hearing Hope was travel weary, the hostess placed Hope near a tiny, charming fireplace. The ambiance would have been perfect for a date. In this case, it was wasted on her but still appreciated.

When Larry came inside the darkened restaurant, he squinted until he spotted Hope waving. As he sat down, he smelled like a smokestack but at least he was being considerate about his bad habit and mostly waiting until they stopped and he could smoke outside.

Scanning the menu, he said, “These eats are expensive.”

“Remember, I told you the meal’s on me.” Hope peered at him over the menu. “Besides, I can afford to splurge twice a year.” She laughed at her own joke. “Seriously, this might be a once-in-a-lifetime trip.”

Raising his eyebrows, Larry said, “If you say so. You’ve sure got my curiosity up.” His face turned solemn. “I hope Willow don’t mind. She’s a wonderful per—”

Hope held up her hand. “Let’s talk about something else. We’re in the country music capital. Do you like country?”

Larry shrugged. “I ‘spose I like a few country singers. Johnny Cash was cool. He sang at prisons, you know.”

Hope nodded. “I did know that. He was about as cool as it gets.” Endeavoring to keep the conversation away from Willow, she asked, “Do you like any current country singers or bands?”

He hesitated before saying, “Blake Shelton’s pretty good. I like Keith Urban too and that guy who sings the beachy-type songs is groovy.” He perked up. “But the Stones, KISS, Zeppelin, and Lynyrd Skynyrd are more my speed.” He frowned as he continued studying the menu.

“I love all music—country, rock, blues, gospel, pop, you name it.”

“Uh-huh. Whatever floats your boat,” Larry said.

Switching gears, Hope said, “Let’s order and get back on the road. What sounds good?”

After what seemed like an eternity for Larry to decide, they both ordered lasagna and house salads. The server brought sodas, scrumptious homemade bread, and placed black linen napkins in their laps.

Larry chuckled. “I ain’t used to this royal treatment.”

Grinning, Hope said, “Me neither. Let’s enjoy it.”

They ate mostly in silence except for oohing and ahhing about the mouth-watering food and occasionally requesting drink refills. Hope tried to put the upcoming situation out of her mind so she could enjoy her meal, but her stomach churned at the thought of Larry’s reaction upon seeing Montana. After the server cleared the plates, she ordered coffee to go for both of them.

“That was a mighty fine meal. Thank you. Mind if I have another cigarette before we hit the road?”

“Go ahead. I’ll go to the restroom again.” After she washed her hands, sweat broke out on Hope’s neck while she checked directions to the nursing home.We’re less than thirty minutes away. God help me.She remembered about promising to update Willow and sent a quick text saying they were in Nashville and had enjoyed a nice meal. Hope purposely kept the message short and retreated outside.

After Larry finished his cigarette, Hope pulled onto I-24. Soon the striking Nashville skyline appeared. Pointing, Hope said, “Those buildings are beautiful. Really stunning. I want some photos.” Reaching into her bag, she handed her Android to Larry. “Click on the camera icon and the big round button at the bottom.” She squealed. “Hurry. Look. That building looks like Batman.”

He fumbled with her phone, dropped it on the seat, angled it in several positions, and eventually, snapped a few photos. “Just in time.” Larry glanced behind his seat and watched as the skyline disappeared. “I’ve never been to Nashville. It’s right pretty.”

“Too bad we don’t have time to go to the Grand Ole Opry.”

“Maybe I’ll bring Willow here someday. She’d love that Italian restaurant and we could probably find a campground nearby. We can’t afford no hotel right now.” He stared out the window. “Someday maybe.”

Hope grunted, the only response she could muster. Nervous anticipation, dread, and excitement combined to make her heart thrash in her chest.I hope this isn’t a huge mistake. I feel like I’m playing God here, but Larry and Montana need to know they both survived. I can’t allow him to carry on with a marriage to Willow and pretend his other life never happened.

Chapter 42

Sipping a chardonnay at Coconuts to both celebrate and calm her nerves, Alex sat at their favorite high-top in anticipation of her upcoming vacation. Once Suzy and Cheri arrived, she blurted out, “I’ve made a spontaneous decision, girls.”

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