Page 103 of Cowboys at Coconuts

Putting her head in her hands, Cheri said, “That’s likely because he’s my dad.”

Alex clapped a hand over her mouth. “Oh, my God. Do you think?”

Nodding, Cheri said, “I hope not, but I have a nagging suspicion. Mom said Dad has been distant the past year. A total workaholic, which isn’t unusual, but it’s worse than ever.” Tracing a crack in the table, she said, “Dad didn’t even make time for me when I was in Paris last spring.” Sighing, she added, “The woman you saw might be a French fashion designer named Gigi. Mom has become fast friends with her. This will crush her. She took Gigi under her wing and introduced her to her socialite friends.” Jaw tightening, Cheri said, “If this is true, look how the designer paid Mom back.”

Eyebrows lifted, Alex said, “That’s awful. What makes you so sure it’s her?”

“Number one, Gigi must have had financing to open a startup boutique in Paris. Most beginning designers don’t have the kind of money for a small business in a trendy city—let alone Paris. And Mom said their finances took a hit last year but has never mentioned it again. I wasn’t too worried since they’re worth millions. I assumed any financial loss was due to bad investments, but—” Cheri paused. “Maybe Dad has been financing Gigi’s Couture.”

“Maybe. Maybe not.” Always the banker, Alex said, “She might have gotten a commercial loan. In the states, we have Small Business Administration loans. Maybe they have something akin to SBA loans in France.”

Cheri shrugged. “I suppose that’s possible, but there’s more.”

Leaning forward, Alex asked, “What?”

“I found a blue topaz heart-shaped gold earring in Mom and Dad’s kitchen last spring. Mom was defiant it wasn’t hers. She said she never wore lab-generated stones.”

“Mostly diamonds, I assume.” Alex studied her wealthy friend. “I’m sure the Van Burens have a maid. It’s probably hers.”

Cheri shook her head. “That was my first guess too. Mom said her maid’s ears aren’t pierced.”

Crossing her arms, Alex said, “It could belong to anybody, right? A friend of your moms, maybe.”

“I suppose but I’m going to get to the bottom of this . . .” Raising her cocktail, Cheri said, “Cheers. I’m glad you and Gage had fun at least. Let’s change subjects until I know for sure.”

Alex leaned forward. “Couldn’t you simply ask your doorman if this person was your dad?”

“Daddy has always greased palms to get his way. I’m quite sure my doorman was paid handsomely to keep quiet—and to keep the paparazzi away. Until I’m certain, I’ll try not to worry. I’m definitely not saying anything to Mom. She already drinks too much, smokes like a chimney, and has lost weight.” Sipping her cocktail, Cheri said, “Let’s discuss something—anything—else. Besides, I called you girls here for a reason.” Glancing at her Rolex, she said, “Hope and Suzy should be here any minute. I have some explaining to do. Actually, a lot of explaining.”

Chapter 96

Right on time, Suzy and Hope stepped inside. Light filled the crowded, darkened bar. Alex and Cheri both waved. After a quick group hug, Cheri said, “Drinks and appetizers are on me, ladies. Order whatever you want.”

“Are you sure?” Hope studied the menu. “Crab cakes sound good. Oh, and roasted asparagus.” Frowning, she said, “I know I should eat a salad.”

“Eat whatever you want,” Cheri said. After everyone decided, Gus took their orders, returned at warp speed with drinks, as well as a meat, cheese, and olive platter for a hearty appetizer.

Reaching for an olive, Hope said, “This is a treat, but you don’t have to pay.”

Cheri bobbed her head. “Yes, I do. I’ll get to the bottom line. I haven’t been honest with you.”

Suzy and Hope exchanged glances. Alex spoke first. “No, you haven’t.”

Cheri turned to the banker. ““You didn’t think to mention that earlier? How do you know?”

Shrugging, Alex said, “Doesn’t matter. Go ahead.”

Cheri splayed her manicured, blue nails across the table. “I could make this a long and winding story, but I’ll get to the point with the Cliff Notes version. “Cole and I were on a perfect date in the country.”

Suzy’s mouth flew open. “Wait. Cole? The cowboy?”

“Let her continue,” Alex said.

Cheri looked downright wistful. “Yes, the cowboy. We had a dreamy date in the woods.”

Hope interjected again, “Youwere in the woods?”

Alex rolled her eyes. “Will you let her finish?”

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