Page 46 of Cowboys at Coconuts

“What?” Suzy hung her sweater on the back of her chair, Cheri leaned forward in anticipation, and Gus took their orders.

Circling the rim of her wineglass, Alex said, “I’ve decided I need alone time, as in a week’s vacation.”

Suzy’s forehead creased. “Alone? What fun would that be? You’ll be in a hotel alone, travel alone, sightsee alone, eat alone—”

“How many times can you sayalone?” Laughing, Alex said, “I have traveled alone, silly. Remember my job? Conferences? Bankers I trained in other towns?”

Dipping a chip in salsa, Suzy shrugged. “Still, I wouldn’t like it, but that’s me and you’re definitely not me.”

Alex studied her friends’ faces. “Maybe, just maybe, if I have time to assess my relationship—or lack of—with Tony, my job, and Hannah the Horrible, I can reevaluate my life.” Crossing her legs, she asked, “What do you think?”

“I say go for it.” Suzy raised her Shirley Temple. “I love my husband, life, and job, but once you’re married or have kids, you’re tied down for years. Do it now while you can.”

Cheri raised her Cosmo and clanked it with Alex’s wineglass. “I love the idea. Exactly how adventuresome are you thinking?”

Giggling, Alex said, “This won’t be anEat, Pray, Lovetrip to India. I’m not that adventuresome. It’ll be more likeEat, Drink, Chill.”

“Ooh. I like that. Are you going to the mountains, beach, or a big city?” Suzy studied her friend. “Or I suppose you could start driving and see where you end up.”

Shaking her head, Alex said, “All good ideas, but I’m not telling.”

Suzy’s eyebrows shot up. “You should tell someone. Promise you’ll at least stay in touch.”

“Of course.” As if on cue, Alex’s cell phone vibrated. She glanced at the screen. “Be right back.”

Cheri and Suzy exchanged looks. When Alex was out of earshot, Suzy said, “She’s usually an open book. Alex is becoming a secretive woman.”

While in the restroom, Alex sent Cheri a text and asked her to meet one-on-one the following morning.

Once Alex returned, she picked up a menu. “Anyone hungry?”

Both women said they had already eaten. Turning toward Cheri, Alex said, “How’s the cowboy?”

Chuckling, Cheri said, “You’ll never believe where we went yesterday. Never in a million years.”

After several guesses, Cheri regaled them with stories about the hillbilly pool party and drinking moonshine. Both Suzy and Alex doubled over laughing.

“I needed that,” Suzy said. Winking, she added, “Maybe I should tell Ken how we should add a pool in our backyard.”

“That’s hilarious. I’ve never heard of a hillbilly pool party. Invite us next time.” Alex finished her wine. “I’m definitely adding that to my bucket list.”

Suzy’s belly touched the table when she stood. “I’ve got to run. When will you leave?”

Rubbing her hands together, Alex said, “In two days.”

Suzy stopped in her tracks. “You don’t waste any time.”

Winking, she said, “Nope. Never have.”

Chapter 43

Hope’s heart nearly thrashed out of her chest as they got closer to the nursing home. At a stop light, she turned toward him. “I have a question for you.”

Larry’s eyebrows shot up. “Shoot.”

“Do you have any family?” He paused for far too long. Eyes dull and sad, he held her stare for a few seconds and glanced away. “Family?” He rubbed his chin stubble. “Honestly, I don’t remember much about my life. Wish I did but I don’t.” He reached into his pocket and pulled a few tattered photos from his threadbare wallet. “I’m guessin’ this is my family. I wish I knew who they were.”

Almost afraid to look, Hope leaned across the seat and stared at the dog-eared photo before the light turned green. Her heart skipped a beat when she spotted her plump, adolescent image bookended by her skinny hippie parents. Larry wore wrinkled jeans, a navy tee shirt sporting a guitar, and sandals. A barefoot Montana was dressed in her usual short, frayed denim shorts and a black tank top with a tie-dye peace sign in the middle. As usual, Hope’s frizzy hair was unruly, but she wore a big smile and held her mother’s hand.

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