Page 56 of Cowboys at Coconuts

Cheri smiled into the phone. “A movie?”

“Yup.”

“No, but it sounds fun.”

“Are you free tomorrow night?”

“No.”

“Too bad.” Cole’s voice dropped.

“I’m not free because I’m going to the drive-in with you.”

He laughed. “Good. The drive-in is in Aurora. Do you want me to pick you up in Branson?”

Cheri’s mind raced. “I have to go to Crystal City for a quick cater—” She caught herself. “For a quick meeting with someone. Want to meet at Coconuts?”

“Yep. See you at six. I’ll be sure to wash the mud off my boots. After all this rain, the mud is knee-deep to a grasshopper.”

Giggling, Cheri said, “I’ve never heard that phrase. We haven’t had much rain in Branson, just clouds.”

He continued. “It has poured here, but the cows don’t seem to mind. Remember the name of my farm?”

Switching to her other ear as she drove, Cheri asked, “Remind me.”

“Soggy Bottoms. Pretty classy, right? And it’s livin’ up to its name.”

Smiling so hard, her face hurt, Cheri said, “I love the way you talk.”

“Thanks, New York. You’re not so bad either. See you tomorrow.”

I wonder if this relationship has a chance.After she parked in her garage, Cheri went straight to her closet.What should I should wear to a drive-in?

Jittery about the upcoming date, Cheri decided to call her mother who picked up on the first ring. “Hi, Mom. How’s Paris?”

“Darling, it’s divine. I miss you. I’m so happy you and Julio came here last spring.”

Hearing her mother blowing smoke, Cheri decided not to mention it. “How’s Daddy?”

“Same-o.” Victoria’s voice seemed flat. “You know your dad. Always working.”

Hearing ice clink, Cheri wondered if her mother was day drinking again. Picturing her parents’ opulent stateside and European homes, her mind wandered to the country photos of tractors, cows, and hay bales she found on Cole’s Facebook page.I’m dying to tell Mom about him. She’d almost literally croak if she knew I was interested in someone who drove a tractor, plus she still thinks I’m engaged to Sebastian, even if he is in Dubai and we never talk.Unable to keep the surprise, she blurted out, “I met a nice guy. He has a farm and cows. He’s sort of a cowboy.”

Victoria was silent for far too long. Cheri heard her blow more smoke as ice from her drink clinked. Her mother’s tone changed. “I know your fiancé has been in the Middle East for far too long. Sebastian will surely be home in a year. Then we can focus on your wedding.”

Bristling at the thought, Cheri didn’t respond.

Victoria’s voice had an edge. “I think that country air is getting to you, darling. You belong in a big city.” Obviously tiring of the conversation and unwilling to consider Cheri’s feelings, she said, “I’ve got to run. I have a date at Gigi’s Couture. She ordered a new case of my favorite Bordeaux.”

Cheri knew it was no use to try and convince her socialite mother that a relationship with a country boy might work—and that she had never, ever been in love with Sebastian. Mad at herself for falling to peer pressure and accepting his ring to begin with—and for not breaking up the engagement from afar—Cheri forced herself to sound cheery. “Have fun shopping, Mom. Tell that adorable designer, Gigi, I said hello.”

After the line went dead, Cheri tamped down the urge to call her mother back and say, “It’s not the country air that’s getting to me. It’s a country boy.”

Chapter 53

Taking Hope’s hand, the cowboy beamed. “That’s more like it.” As Tucker lead her toward the small dance floor, Hope’s stomach flip flopped. Breaking into a sweat, she tried to tell herself the onlookers sitting on barstools weren’t paying any attention.

As other dancers crowded around, Hope’s entire body shook. Whispering in his ear, she said, “I’ve never danced before. I might pass out or step on your toes.”

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