Page 95 of Cowboys at Coconuts

Getting Gus’s attention, Suzy ordered milk. “I can’t get enough of it.”

After the server returned with a cold glass of milk, Alex nearly gagged. “That smell. Get it away from me.”

Suzy threw up her hands. “Who doesn’t like milk?”

Wrinkling her nose, Alex said, “Me.”

“Pregnancy cravings trump your sensitive tummy, Alex.” Fixated on her friend, Hope said, “Enough suspense. Where did you go on yourEat, Chill, Drinktrip?”

Fidgeting on her bar stool at the thought of sweet Gage meshed with her newfound knowledge about Tony, Mrs. Magilicutty, and the will, Alex wasn’t ready to tell all but knew she owed them an explanation. “You’ll never believe where I went.”

Both Hope and Suzy swiveled toward her.

Deciding to blurt it out, she said, “I went to New York City, stayed in Cheri’s penthouse apartment, and saw Gage.” Dusting her hands in satisfaction, Alex said, “Then I came home to Tony who was in an emergency situation.”

“Oh, my God. Why did you keep this from us?” Hope asked.

Suzy leaned forward with a slight milk moustache. “So Gage didn’t convince you to leave the cop?”

“Please wipe your mouth, Suzy, or I’ll puke right here. To answer your question, it’s a very convoluted story.”

Suzy wiped her mouth. “Okay, done. Now, tell us.”

A table of sports fans dressed in red jerseys hooped and hollered, breaking the idyllic beach feel of Coconuts. Alex turned in their direction and spotted three flat-screen TVs on the wall near the bar. “Since when does Coconuts have televisions?”

Within earshot and holding a platter of foamy beers in chilled pilsner glasses, Gus shrugged with his free shoulder. “Since we’re diversifying.”

“Diversifying? Coconuts is known for its chill setting,” Hope said.

“Listen to you with the lingo,” Suzy said.

Rolling her eyes, Hope said, “I work around kids, remember?”

Gus continued. “Apparently, our numbers were down last quarter. Management wants to attract new customers.”

“Great. Just great,” Alex said.

Hope and Suzy focused on Alex. “You were saying something about Gage and the cop.”

Alex knew it wasn’t her place to mention the crime scene, nor the will, so she said, “Gage was wonderful. He showed me all of the iconic sights. We ate at amazing restaurants, and he even picked me up in a limo.” Pausing, she added, “New York City is electric. You’ve got to go sometime.”

Hope and Suzy exchanged glances. “That’s it?”

“It’s enough for now. I wish I could say more. My head’s spinning with confusion about both men, plus police stuff I can’t talk about. It’s your turn, Suzy.”

Picking at a loose thread on her green sweater, Suzy said, “I suppose we all have drama. Jon and Fernando are now in Europe for an extended time with Vanessa and baby Violet. It’s already killing me, but I know Fernando wants to see his family, plus Mama Gia understandably wants to be part of her granddaughter’s life.”

“Yeah, Mama Gia’s pretty irresistible.” Alex wiggled her eyebrows.

Staring from the beach mural to the rowdy sports crowd, Suzy said, “I knew Jon and Fernando’s marriage, plus the addition of his high school girlfriend and baby, was an easy transition—almost too easy. Their intermingled relationships are incredible, but since Fernando’s family lives in Italy, I have to share.” Sighing, she said, “I love Fernando as if he were my own son and Jon is the happiest I’ve ever seen him.”

“So what’s the problem?” Alex twirled her wineglass.

“I’m fearful they’ll all love Europe and want to move there.” Suzy’s eyes reddened. Touching her growing baby bump, she said, “I want them to be part of the twins’ lives too.”

“I’m sure it’s hard, but you had to expect it since Jon met Fernando in Europe and his family lives there,” Hope added.

“I suppose. But I’m Jon’s family. And his dad, of course, when he isn’t hunting, golfing or working.” Blotting a tear, she said, “I already miss them.” Brightening, she added, “I have new pictures of baby Violet. Want to see them?”

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