Page 93 of Cowboys at Coconuts

The normally jaded cop’s eyes glistened with tears. Turning his head, obviously trying to hide his rare, softer side, Tony said, “Yeah, rough day.” Rubbing his jaw, he said, “I’m having second thoughts.”

“About the will?”

He grinned. “No. About being the usual Greek God you’ve come to expect.”

“Same here. About being a goddess, I mean.”

Tony pulled her close. “Sometimes you frustrate the hell out of me and other times you’re the best. Most days, you’re pretty special.”

“Ditto, I think. At least occasionally.” Alex reached for the remote. “We can see the Tony and Alex show any time. Let’s watch a real movie and veg.”

Moving toward the couch, they chose a Clint Eastwood action flick, and were silent for two hours, both likely lost in their thoughts. When the movie ended, Tony yawned, and stood. “I’m going home. I’m spent. I need a good night’s sleep. This has been one helluva—”

“No explanation necessary. I get it. I’ve got to get back in work mode anyway.” Opening the front door, Alex stopped short, reclosing the door. “You didn’t tell me your other idea for spending the money.”

Clearing his throat, Tony began to speak but his voice faltered. “I-I want to establish a Fallen Officer’s Fund for the Crystal City Police Department. It’ll mean the world to the CCPD.”

Tears snaked down Alex’s cheeks. “That’s perfect, Tony. Absolutely perfect.”

Without another word, he nodded and stepped outside.

Alex watched as her cop boyfriend drove off.This is the Tony I fell for. Why can’t you be like this all of the time?Remembering the good times with the cop and wondering if they would ever outweigh the bad, her mind switched to her recent, enjoyable memories with Gage.Why did this happen when I was ready to make a break? Ready for a fresh start with a sweet limo driver. Eyes welling with tears, she stared at her unpacked luggage.I give up on the boyfriend front.

Chapter 85

Trying to keep her mind off the good and bad times in Nashville, Hope filled her days with back-to-back student appointments. At the top of her to-do list, was avoiding Larry and Montana.I want them to be happy but I’m not ready to accept them as a married couple.Though she did agree to contact her attorney dad, Paul Taylor, to file the proper paperwork regarding Montana’s death and how to handle the legality of Larry and Montana’s marriage. Paul assured her he’d take care of everything.

As students chattered in the hallway and lockers clanged, Hope stared out the window counting the hours until the final bell rang. Knowing she had to get out of her funk, she drummed her fingers on her desk and tried to give herself a pep talk but it didn’t work. The cowboy in Nashville was all she could think about. I’m not the least bit surprised Tucker hasn’t called. That probably isn’t even his real name.Glancing at her calendar, she tried to remember when Alex was returning.I need a girlfriend fix. I wish she’d hurry back. Maybe hearing about her fabulous trip—wherever she went—will cheer me up.

~ ~ ~

Cuddling on the couch, Suzy and Ken watched the western, 3:10 to Yuma. Unable to tear her eyes away, Suzy reached for the gigantic bowl of popcorn between them. “Why don’t we watch more westerns? This is a great movie.”

“I could watch a western twice a week,” Ken said, as he placed his arm around his wife’s shoulder. “I’ve enjoyed seeing more of you since Alex and Hope have been away.”

“Same here, honey, but I miss them terribly.” Glancing at the date on her phone, she said, “Hope should be back from Nashville, and Alex returns today, I think. I’m sure Happy Hour at Coconuts will be in order soon. I can’t wait to hear about their trips.”

Nuzzling his wife’s neck, Ken said, “In that case, we’re watching another western movie tomorrow night.” Winking, he said, I might even wear my chaps.”

“You have chaps? Well, now.”

Chapter 86

The following afternoon, Hope texted Alex and Suzy and asked them to meet at Coconuts, even though it was a Sunday afternoon. She needed to see her best friends after losing Montana a second time.

After both agreed, Hope drove straight to Coconuts, arrived first, and hopped onto her favorite bar stool.

Cleaning a table nearby, Gus said, “You guys don’t usually come in on Sundays. This day’s usually for the sports crowd.”

Shrugging, Hope said, “Unusual situation.”

“Does that mean you still want a margarita or something different?”

Hooking her purse beneath the table, Hope said, “The usual, Gus. Thanks.”

Alex and Suzy arrived together and embraced Hope in a group hug. Alex asked, “How was the trip with Larry?”

“How was your mystery trip, Alex?” Suzy asked. “We have a lot to talk about.”

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