Page 53 of Cowboys at Coconuts

As she pulled up to the drive-thru window and eagerly accepted two large, hot coffees, Larry retrieved his cell out of his pocket.

Raising his eyebrows, he chuckled. “Willow’s called me ten times. I guess she misses me. I think that woman really does love—” He studied Hope. “Sorry. This is awkward now.”

“You can say that again. Awkward definitely describes this circumstance.” Hope sipped her java as she contemplated her new and different life. Her new normal as everyone says. She forced confidence she didn’t really feel. “We’ll get through this. Willow’s a great person. I’ll need time to get used to the thought of you two being married.”

“Next week okay?” Larry winked at her. “Just kiddin’. Sorta. Which honky-tonk are we goin’ to?”

“Wherever I can find a parking space.” Hope turned on her blinker to change lanes. “I Googled them. There are several country bars. Blake Shelton’s place has good reviews.”

“Let’s go.” Larry shifted in his seat and finally smiled. “I could use a beer.”

Chugging her coffee, Hope nodded. “After all this, a margarita would hit the spot.”

Chapter 50

Unable to wait until the following day, Alex called Cheri. “Are you still in town or already in Branson?”

Answering on the third ring, she said, “I’m here. I stopped at that new kitchen store.”

Relieved, Alex said, “Good. I’m about to bust. Will you come by my house tonight? I have to tell someone where I’m going on vacation.”

“Sure, mystery woman. What’s your address?”

Once the New Yorker arrived, Alex offered a fruit and cheese plate, and they settled in the living room. “Thanks for coming over.” Popping a grape in her mouth, Alex crossed her legs on the couch. “Guess what? I’m going to New York City for my vacation! I’ve never been there. I can’t wait. I’m also going to see Gage.”

Slightly dumbstruck, Cheri said, “That’s fantastic.”

Putting a finger to her lips, Alex said, “This is hush, hush. Don’t say a word to anyone else. I trust Suzy and Hope with my life, but they might discuss it at Coconuts by accident, the cop would hear—guaranteed—and I’d be busted. He doesn’t know you, so he won’t approach you. But he would interrogate my girlfriends. I’ll tell them everything once I’m back.”

“It sounds like you already have your answer as far as the cop is concerned, but sure, whatever you say.” Cheri grinned. “Besides, a little bird gave me a heads up on the way over.”

Alex’s eyes widened. “Gage? We just emailed.”

Nodding, Cheri fished in her purse until she retrieved a house key. “Stay at my place in Manhattan.”

Resisting snatching the key out of Cheri’s hand, Alex swallowed. “I couldn’t. Is this the penthouse apartment you’ve told us about? The all-white one? I’d be afraid I’d spill something.”

Cheri forced the key into Alex’s hand. “I insist—and no worries. Your secret is safe with me.” Winking, she said, “I had hoped Gage would catch a good woman’s eye.”

Alex cocked her head. “Let’s don’t get ahead of ourselves. He promised to show me around Manhattan, that’s all. I’m too much of a mess to do anything else. It wouldn’t be fair to him.” Shrugging, she said, “Gage and I have emailed and texted a couple of times over the past year. Casually, you know. Between my hateful intern, the cop, and his bitchy ex’s antics, I’m not sure how much more I can take.”

“I don’t blame you. Life’s too short. You need to find happiness.” Cheri nodded. “Gage is a good guy. Have fun in the Big Apple.” Pausing, she said, “By the way, my maid, Pearl, is on vacation so you’ll have total privacy. And my doorman is incredible. He’ll help with anything you need.”

After hugging and thanking Cheri profusely, Alex made a long to-do list.

Chapter 51

As Hope examined billboards and exits, her thoughts spun about losing Montana twice. The last thing she was in the mood for was live music and drinking, but she had promised. Handing her phone to Larry, she said, “Google directions to Blake Shelton’s bar in Nashville.”

After fumbling with the letters on the phone, Larry said, “It says to turn on the next exit, but I’m not a huge country music fan.”

“I am.” Hope’s voice was sharper than she intended. “I like rock music too. I remember reading Kid Rock has a bar here too. Maybe the two bars are close by.”

Adjusting the radio, Larry nodded. “Somethin’ for both of us.”

Eventually Hope found an open space after driving up and down Broadway Street four times. She parallel parked and said, “Let’s walk. I need to stretch my legs.”

Throngs of women dressed in short denim skirts and wearing cowboy boots occupied the sidewalks. Live music blared from every storefront. If this didn’t improve her mood, nothing would. They went to Kid Rock’s bar first where the music was deafening. There wasn’t a seat in the place, let alone two together. Pointing with her head, Hope said, “I saw Ole Red across the street. Maybe we’ll have better luck there.”

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