Page 96 of Cowboys at Coconuts

“No, sorry, Grandma.” Waving to get Gus’s attention, Alex said, “Ladies, I’m tired and have a huge board presentation this week. I’ve got to go. I still haven’t unpacked.”

Hope’s eyebrows shot up. “Miss OCD hasn’t unpacked? What has gotten into you, Alex?”

A limo driver, plus a nicer version of Tony I had nearly forgotten existed. I’m off my game.

Chapter 88

Forcing herself to arrive a few minutes early, Alex punched in the bank code, not thrilled to return to work. Thoughts of Gage, Mrs. Magilicutty, and the late woman’s surprising will jumbled her thoughts. Chatting with Marla, an always cheery loan assistant, and Paula, a sweet New Accounts rep, who wanted to hear about her vacation, Alex told both women she had gone to the Big Apple. After answering a barrage of questions, she made her way toward her office.

As expected, Hannah was seated at her desk, feet on top. “Hiya, boss. Welcome back.”

“Bet you enjoyed taking over my office the past week.” Alex plunked her purse on the floor. “I’ll take my desk back now.”

“Hello to you too,” Hannah said, as she motioned dramatically toward Alex’s office chair. “I kept it warm for you. How was your trip?”

After she glanced at the mound of mail on her desk, Alex took a good look at her intern. Biting her lip to keep from laughing, Alex turned away. While she was in New York, Hannah apparently dabbled in more cosmetic surgery. She now had enormous, glossy bubble lips to match her gargantuan breasts.What the hell are you doing to yourself?

Forcing herself not to make a comment, or God knows, a joke, since Alex knew she’d get into trouble with human resources, she did her best deadpan expression. “I’m going upstairs for coffee. Be right back.” She shot out the door before laughing out loud. Returning with a cup, she turned on her computer.

“No coffee for me?” Her intern pouted. The sight made Alex chuckle again.

“You know where the employee lounge is.” Studying a horrendously long line of emails, Alex deleted junk emails and prioritized the others. While staring at the screen, she asked, “Do you have the board report ready for me to present?”

“That’s it? No chitchat about your mystery vacation? Geeze. I thought some time off might mellow you. You need to learn how to relax.” Hannah patted a stack of folders. “The board reports are ready.”

“Good. Thanks. They’re in the proper order?” Alex sipped coffee as she stared at the stack.

“Of course.” Hannah grinned. “Easy peasy. I’m going to get some coffee.”

Gesturing with her hand, Alex said, “Go ahead. I think I see my boyfriend coming in the front door.”

Hannah turned toward the entrance, took a step, and stopped.

Watching her intern, Alex said, “You look pale. Feel okay?”

“I think I need to eat something. Be right back.” Hannah never took her eyes off the parking lot as she crossed the lobby and bounded up the stairs.

~ ~ ~

As Tony approached the Show-Me Bank entrance, he stopped short when he saw his cop brother. Both had never gotten along and avoided each other like territorial alley cats.

Sean spoke first. “What are you doing here?”

“I could ask you the same.” Tony pressed Mrs. Magilicutty’s will underneath his arm. The last thing he wanted was for his asshole brother to find out he was suddenly rich. “I came to see my girlfriend. You?”

“None of your business,” Sean said, “but I came to cash a check.”

“Ever heard of a drive-thru window or direct deposit? It’s convenient.” Tony locked eyes with Sean, daring him, as always.

Spitting on the sidewalk, Sean asked, “Do you enjoy always being an asswipe?”

“Only around you. I learned from the best. Thanks, brother.” Tony opened the front door and stepped inside. Ignoring the hellos from friendly employees, he made a beeline toward Alex. Hannah crossed the lobby in front of him. Snorting, Tony muttered, “Nice lips.” Once inside Alex’s office, he said, “What the hell happened to her? She looks like a carp.”

Covering her mouth, Alex said, “I know. She’s getting carried away with cosmetic procedures.”

“Nice boobs, though.”

“Nice of you to notice.”Crossing her arms, Alex gave him a pretend hurt look.

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