Page 85 of Cowboys at Coconuts

Sebastian smirked. “Still mad I interrupted your ‘date?’” He made air quotes.

Glancing around the diner, Cheri lowered her voice. “I think it’ll be better for both of us if I get to the bottom line.” Taking a deep breath, she blurted out, “We’re not right for each other, Sebastian. I’ve known for some time, maybe even from the start, which was unfair to you, I realize. I take total blame for that.” Licking her dry lips, she continued, “I should have had the courage to tell you before you left for Dubai, but I didn’t. My parents were elated about our engagement; yours were overjoyed. All of New York City appeared to be cheering us on.” Pausing until she knew she had his full attention, she spoke directly. “I’m breaking off our engagement. I broke it off in my mind nearly two years ago. I just didn’t bother telling you, anyone else, nor myself, for that matter.”

Eyes like slits, he asked, “Ever heard of a fucking phone, Cheri?”

“Exactly.” Cheri nodded. “The fact that you’re such a workaholic, and we never even talked except for a quick text every few months proves my point. I know I should have told you much sooner, but I didn’t want to break it off over the phone. Sebastian, I’ll be blunt. You’re not the man for me.”There I said it. Finally.Cheri felt immediate relief.

Face clouding and voice rising, he asked, “And a silly cowboyisthe man for you?”

Swallowing, Cheri said, “I don’t know who the right man is, but it’s not you. Sorry.” Her voice wobbled. “I didn’t want to hurt you. I certainly didn’t want you to find out like this.”

Jaw clenched, a vein appeared in his forehead. “Exactlywhendid you become unhappy with our relationship?”

Cheri took the last bite of pie, chewing slowly as she endeavored to think of a good response. “Honestly, I’m not sure. I tried to make myself have feelings for you.”

Sebastian visibly winced.

Studying his thin face, she waited until the intrusive, friendly waitress refilled her coffee before continuing. “I’ve been unhappy for a long time. At first, I wondered if it was just a thing I’d come out of. I thought being away from the city might clear my mind, but it had the opposite effect. Since I’ve gotten away and met new friends, new life has been breathed into me. A life I love.”

He scowled. “New life? Really? By the hick and his tongue, I presume?”

Throwing up both hands, Cheri said, “Will you stop it?”

Sneering, Sebastian took a bite of his sandwich. Crossing his arms, he said “You’ve been drinking too much country Kool-Aid. Do you think the cowboy could afford a diamond ring that isn’t from Wal-Mart?”

Mouth in a straight line, she said, “That’s mean. I just met the guy. Besides, it isn’t about the size of the diamond.”

“Tell that to your mother. You’re a Van Buren. You can’t lower yourself to this-this—” He waved his hand. “Whatever the hell this ridiculous flyover place is.” Shoving his empty plate aside, he wiped his mouth, and tossed the scrunched napkin on the table. “Once you get on that plane tomorrow, see your penthouse apartment, and let me put that gorgeous diamond back on your finger, you’ll come around.”

Cheri shook her head. “Did you hear a word I said?”

Chapter 76

As the last patron left the diner and the server swept the floor, Cheri’s stomach churned.I’m getting exactly what I deserve. I should have broken the engagement off much sooner. Now I’m paying for it by losing Cole.Her eyes filled with tears.

Sebastian laid the plane tickets on the table. “Unless you have a ride home or want to walk, what, forty miles to Branson, I think you’re going back to New York with me.”

“I can call a cab.” She scanned the almost-empty diner. “Maybe they have Uber drivers.”

Sebastian laughed so loud he snorted. “In your dreams. Not a lot of conveniences here, are there?”

“I’m not going back to New York. I have unfinished business here.”

Scoffing, he said, “Unfinished business certainly didn’t keep you from leaving Manhattan.”

Crossing her arms, Cheri’s voice rose. “I said I’m staying here.”

Sebastian peered left to right, as if it mattered in the desolate diner, and said, “I didn’t want to tell you this. It was supposed to be a huge surprise but—”

Cheri’s face fell. “What?”

“When your parents found out I was back in the States, they flew back from Europe to throw you—us—a surprise pre-wedding gala. Victoria has everything planned down to the last detail. You know how your mother is.” Lips curving into a smile, he said, “She’s been working hard on this event from Europe. Victoria chose the venue and has already invited three hundred of their closest friends.” Tapping the tickets on the table, Sebastian said, “Your mother has orchestrated a lavish menu and ordered the finest wines and champagne. She has a florist making extravagant centerpieces the size of a VW, and here’s the kicker, she hired Justin Timberlake to perform.”

Cheri’s mouth flew open. “No.” She put her head in her hands and moaned. “No. Please, God. No.”

Undaunted, Sebastian continued. A wicked, winning smile twitched the sides of his mouth. “That’s not all. Your mom has already alerted prominent media on the Q-T, of course.” Clucking his tongue, he made sure the server wasn’t within earshot. His eyes held Cheri’s. “Get this.People Magazinesaid they’ll cover the event after your parents promised them the scoop.” Sebastian knew he had already won. “So you see, Cheri, you must go back with me. Besides, you’re not made for small-town living.” Wrinkling his nose, he gestured around the diner to accentuate his point.

Rubbing her temples, Cheri felt an enormous headache bearing down. “I-I can’t believe this. No wonder I haven’t heard from Mom much lately. She’s likely been overwhelmed planning this party behind my back. I hate surprises. SheknowsI hate surprises.” Mouth dry, she asked, “Are you sure Daddy’s going to be there?”

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