Page 35 of Cowboys at Coconuts

If only.“Listen, Hannah, you don’t have any idea who you’re dealing with. Nikki is a mean, nasty, horrible woman. I’m almost afraid of her, and I’m not afraid of anyone. Don’t mess with her husband. She’ll tear your head off.”

Hannah played dumb. “Who’s Nikki?”

“Cut the bullshit. I know you’re having an affair with Sean. FYI, he’s married to Nikki, Tony’s ex. She’s a royal bitch and that’s being kind.” Crossing her legs, Alex said, “I’m pretty sure I’ve mentioned this before. Do you get the message?”

Hannah rolled her eyes. “Shouldn’t we be discussing bank business? What’s on the agenda today, boss?”

Clenching her jaw, Alex was half upset that she had defended her intern to Nikki in the parking lot.So this is how we’re playing it.“Fine. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

As she swiveled toward her computer, Alex saw a worried look cross Hannah’s face.I knew it.Glancing at her project calendar, she said, “We have the Home Builders’ Association trade show coming up soon. Why don’t you create new flyers or brochures featuring our construction loan and real estate loan officers? Take the lenders’ photos and get a statement from them about how they love helping Show-Me Bank customers fulfill their dreams. Brightening, she added, “Better yet, get some testimonials from customers saying how seamless the process was. You know the spiel.”

“On it.” Hannah reached for her trusty iPad giving Alex full view of her massive cleavage. Internally shaking her head, Alex couldn’t believe her boss—Hannah’s dad—was so dense about his daughter’s transformation.Sure, you went to the beach for vacation last year and came back as Dolly.

Tapping on her desk calendar with a pen, Alex said, “You’ll want to set up a schedule for the trade show, otherwise, you and I will be working all damn weekend. I’d suggest four-hour time slots. That way, no one’s weekend will be totally destroyed.” Raising her eyebrows, she added, “Except yours, of course. I want you there every day.”

Hannah crossed her legs. “Are you going to be there every day?”

“Probably not. I’ve done this for years. It’s your turn.”

Chapter 33

Suzy exited The Coffee Drip after meeting with a reluctant bride who was obviously interviewing every wedding planner in Crystal City. After seemingly the thirtieth question by the bride before Suzy had finished her first cup of decaf coffee, she excused herself and left without saying good-bye. In the past, she’d never be that unprofessional. Once inside her car, she leaned against the headrest.I’m hormonal enough. I don’t have time for an indecisive bride. She can choose another wedding planner.Patting her stomach, she thought,These babies don’t need the added stress.

Driving on autopilot, Suzy turned on a soothing jazz station, shopped at a baby store where she bought matching baby boy and girl outfits, and eventually made her way home. After parking in the garage, she found Ken sitting in front of the television, half watching a ballgame, and half staring into space.

“Hi, hon.” She set her purse on the floor by the kitchen. When he didn’t answer, she asked, “You okay?”

Grunting, Ken said, “I’ll tell you after dinner. I’m starving. What can I help you with?”

“By the look on your face, I’d say fix yourself a scotch. I’d love wine, but you know.”

Ken crossed the room, nuzzled her neck, and simultaneously rubbed her growing baby bump. After he made a stiff drink, Suzy rinsed brussels sprouts in a colander and wondered why her husband was stressed. Reaching for a cutting board, Ken said, “I’ll chop.”

Working in tandem, Ken cut the greens in half, spread them on a baking sheet, and drizzled the vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper. She winked at him. “I’ve trained you well.”

Patting her behind, he said, “That you have.”

Stirring the blackened seasoning, Suzy rubbed it on the tilapia, sprayed the pan so it wouldn’t stick, and placed the fish in the oven. Handing Ken a lemon to slice, she said, “You’re really quiet. I know we’ve been dealing with a lot lately with the news of the twins, Jon and Fernando’s new marriage, and baby Violet.”

Kissing his cheek, she said, “Everything will calm down soon, hon. We’ll find our new normal, as contrived as that sounds.” Noticing her husband’s mouth remained set in a grim line, she ran through a list of possibilities. Work? His health? Izzy? Ken was never in a bad mood.

After a few minutes, Suzy pulled the tilapia out of the oven and let it rest while she sprinkled parmesan cheese and toasted pine nuts on the Brussel sprouts. “Want any bread?”

Ken shook his head as he carried plates to the table. Izzy appeared from her bedroom, unsmiling, which wasn’t unusual. As typical, her cellphone was glued to her hand.

“Will you get the forks and napkins, Izzy?” Suzy asked.

Without a word, the teen grabbed a handful of silverware, threw napkins in the middle of the table, plopped in a chair, and returned to her phone.

Suzy decided not to mention their no-tech rule during meals since everyone appeared to be on edge. Dining around their round breakfast table, the threesome passed food silently, as if a favorite pet had just died.

Except for forks clacking, a cloak of graveness filled the room. Unable to stand it a second longer, Suzy asked, “What’s wrong?” Her eyes bulged as a thought of despair crossed her mind. “Oh, my God. Is baby Violet okay?”

“Baby’s fine,” Ken said, his voice wooden.

“Thank goodness.” She let out a long sigh of relief. “Then what is it? Will one of you please tell me? School issues, Iz? Did you get a bad grade? If so, your dad or I can help you with homework, or we can find a tutor.” Taking a big bite of blackened tilapia, Suzy held her fork in mid-air as she glanced from Ken to Izzy and back again. “Well?”

“It’s not school—exactly.” Izzy picked at her food. She pushed her phone to the side, even though Suzy had noticed it lit up several times during dinner indicating incoming texts.

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