Page 67 of Cowboys at Coconuts

Joey’s face reddened. “He’s my dad, remember?” Storming off, he took his ball, stood at the end of the lane, and promptly rolled it into the gutter.

Damn Sean. Damn Nikki. My boy isn’t the same.This is going to be a long game.Selecting his bowling ball, Tony rolled strike after strike. Joey hit mostly gutter balls but jumped up and down when he knocked three pins down.

“Great job, little guy. I’d rub the top of your head if it wouldn’t cut me.”

Absentmindedly touching a spike, Joey said, “I like it. Let’s play again.”

Starving, Tony said, “Another time. We can get a pizza then I’m taking you home.”

“Okay.” Joey unlaced his shoes as Tony put the balls away. “There’s a new pizza place next door.” After they devoured a pepperoni and sausage pizza, Tony drove him home. “It’s getting late. Do you have any homework?”

Nodding, Joey said, “Spelling words and a few math problems.”

“Need any help?” Not the best speller, Tony half hoped he’d say no.

“Nah. Mom will help me.”

Rounding the corner to Nikki’s house, he spotted her purple jeep in the driveway. “Looks like your mom decided to come home. You’re in luck with that homework.” Hugging Joey, Tony didn’t bother going to the door. He watched until he ran inside and drove away.I think I’ll surprise Alex. I’m in the mood for the Tony and Alex Show.

Driving to Alex’s house on autopilot, Tony was surprised to see the lights weren’t on. Checking his watch, he grumbled, “She never goes to bed this early.”

Stepping onto her porch, he knocked. Nothing. Tony knocked louder, but there was still no answer.Dammit. She must be with her girlfriends at Coconuts.Glancing around her porch, he noticed her mailbox was stuffed with mail and magazines.Where the hell is she?

I’m going to Coconuts.Within minutes, he arrived, eager to buy her a drink to get her in the mood for their favorite pastime. But Alex’s white Mustang wasn’t in the parking lot, nor were her friends’ cars.

Isn’t this the perfect damn day?

Chapter 66

After the limo driver dropped them off in front of Go Zen, an eclectic, modern restaurant with an open floor plan where patrons could watch the chefs cook, Alex relaxed. Determined to enjoy her limited time with Gage, she did her utmost to put Tony out of her mind—at least while she was on the East Coast.God knows he’d do the same given the chance.Her jaw clenched at the thought of his ex and his hateful brother.Why wouldn’t I want to get out of that fresh hell? Why shouldn’t I have a little fun? I’m single. We aren’t engaged.

“Someone’s in deep thought.” Gage nudged Alex with his elbow. “What do you think about this place?”

“I think it’s cool. I also think I need a chardonnay.” She took a deep breath. “Pronto.”

Gage slipped the hostess a twenty. They were seated immediately at a corner table. A server dressed in all black brought menus, water, a pot of oolong tea, and asked if they’d like to hear the specials.

“I’d like some chardonnay first, please.” Alex studied the weighty menu. “These dishes sound amazing.” Glancing around the room, she noted all ages and ethnicities. Many ate at long, community tables.

“I love New York. It’s so different from back home.”

“Where’s home?” the server asked.

“Missouri.”

He grinned. “Flyover state.”

“Hey, it’s beautiful with mountains and lakes. We have nice places too.” Alex felt herself bristle. “You should come visit.”

“I’m teasing you. My parents are from St. Louis.” The server did a little fist bump. “Go, Cards.”

“Love the Cards.” Alex gave him her best half-pleading, half-flirty look. “About our cocktails . . .”

Gage ordered a beer and the server scampered off. “Be right back, Missouri.”

Opening his menu, Gage pointed toward several items. “Everything’s delicious. You can’t go wrong.”

Closing her menu, Alex said, “Usually I like to be in charge, but for tonight, order for me.”

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