Page 69 of Cowboys at Coconuts

Without missing a beat, Gage chuckled. “Yup. That’s nothing.”

Alex had to force herself to keep from gawking at the sexy woman. “I can’t get over how different it is here.” Staring down at her clothes, which were stylish in Crystal City, she frowned. “I feel so boring and average here.”

“You’re anything but.” Gage reached for her hand. “Want to go to Broadway? It’s too late to get tickets for tonight, but we can see some fun shops and the former Ed Sullivan and David Letterman Theater. You’ll get some great photos there.”

~ ~ ~

After the limo driver drove them to Broadway, they rushed out of the limo while a line of cars honked behind them. Gage told him when to pick them up. As they approached the old Ed Sullivan Theater, Alex marveled at the intricate gold doors and the infamous marquee. “Imagine how many celebrities have crossed through that door. It blows my mind.”

After taking several photos, Gage asked if she were going to post them on social media. Almost forgetting, she paused with her finger over thesendkey. “I think I’ll wait.”

“It’s not because of the bank. It’s due to the cop, right?”

Shrugging, Alex said, “I mean, I could post them. I really don’t think he’d hop on a plane.” Voice lowering, she said, “I’d never hear the end of it, plus I don’t want Hannah to know where I am, nor some idiot burglar.”

Nodding, he said, “That makes sense.”

Tugging on the gold door handle to the infamous, old TV show theater, she said, “I wish it were unlocked. I’d love to go inside.”

Stepping aside for another tourist to take photos, Gage said, “I’ve never been inside either. I think Cheri catered a couple of events here years ago when David Letterman had his show.” He pointed toward a rectangular billboard. “He had an ad on that billboard stating he was #2 in late night television. I always thought that was hilarious.”

Alex laughed. “That’s funny.”

As they crossed the street, billboards highlighting several popular Broadway and off-Broadway shows filled every available space. One billboard high atop an ancient building caught Alex’s eye. “Eww. That’s gross.”

Gage followed her gaze. “What?”

Pointing toward the ad featuring a giant bug, the copy read: WE HAVE BEDBUGS and gave an 800 number to call. Alex rubbed her arms. “My skin is crawling just thinking about that.” Her OCD anxieties kicked up a notch. She couldn’t stop staring at the enormous bug. Fixated on the creature, she always did her best to keep her disorder at bay. Counting was easy to hide because she did that silently. Five, eight, and thirteen were her favorite numbers. Of course, her knot-tying paper straw ritual hadn’t been an issue since there didn’t appear to be one straw in New York City, at least not anywhere they had frequented. Forcing herself away from the giant bedbug, she shivered. “That’s going to give me nightmares.”

Gage suppressed an obvious laugh. “No worries. That alert is referring to certain hotels, I’m sure. I can guarantee Cheri’s apartment doesn’t have bed bugs. Her maid, Pearl, is meticulous.”

“Good. Let’s change the subject.” As they started down the sidewalk, Alex said, “Look. There’s a Hershey’s store. Maybe they’ll have samples. I could use a chocolate fix.”

His eyebrows shot up. “After that Death by Chocolate cake?”

“Is there a better way to go?” Grinning, Alex said, “I’m kidding, but a girl can never have too much chocolate.” Half pulling Gage down the sidewalk, once inside, she inhaled. “Oh, my God. The whole store smells like chocolate. We need a store like this in Crystal City. Hope would go nuts. We’d have to move our get-togethers from Coconuts.” After spotting a three-tier dripping chocolate fountain in the corner, her mouth curved into a smile. “Is this what heaven looks like?”

“Pretty close, I imagine.” Gage studied the liquid chocolate and licked his lips. “What do you want to do after this?”

Yawning, she replied, “I think jetlag is catching up with me.”

“Say no more. We still have a couple of days, right?”

“Oh, yeah. I’m enjoying myEat, Drink, Chilltrip.” Reaching for Gage’s hand, Alex said, “And I’m loving every minute.”I’m confused as hell about my love life but appreciating every second of this adventure.

Chapter 68

After crying all morning, Suzy blew her nose. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me.”

Ken poured a second cup of coffee. “Babe, I’m sure it’s the pregnancy. Can I get you anything?”

Face puffy, Suzy said, “Not unless you can carry these babies for a few months. I’m sick of being nauseous.”

Setting his coffee on the counter, Ken said, “I wish I could.” He grinned. “Not really, but you know what I mean. It’ll be over in a few months.” Turning toward both chirping phones charging near the toaster, he brightened and held up his cell. “This will cheer you up. Jon wants us to meet them for breakfast. Are you up to it?”

“As in today?” Suzy asked.

Glancing back at the screen, Ken said, “Yep.” He held her phone in the air. “You’ve got the same text.”

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