Page 39 of Cowboys at Coconuts

A raspy female voice said, “Hi, Cole. Long time no see.”

Chapter 36

After settling on the sofa with chamomile tea in hand, Suzy kissed Ken gently on the mouth. Rubbing his stiff shoulders, she whispered, “You can tell me anything unless it’s that you’re leaving me.” She gave a half smile. “FYI. That would require a stronger drink than tea. Just so you know.”

Unclenching his jaw, he managed a small smile. “It’s not about us, babe. I love you. It’s about Izzy.” Taking a healthy sip of scotch, Ken added, “Actually, it’s more about Izzy’s mother.”

Suzy had never met Izzy’s elusive mother and wondered if she were in town. Ready for calm in her life, she bristled at the thought of dealing with Ken’s ex while hormonal with twins. She spoke more confidently than she felt. “Go on.”

Raking his fingers through his hair, Ken blurted out, “Izzy’s mother and her young, boy toy boyfriend want Izzy to move to Hollywood.”

Stiffening, Suzy said, “That’s about the last thing I expected you to say.” Setting her tea on the coffee table, she turned toward her husband. “Why?”

“Exactly.” Shrugging, Ken asked, “Why and why now? Who knows?”

Suzy studied her husband. “What does Izzy think?”

He stared at the blank television. “Given the fact that she’s the odd teen out in her group of friends since Nelly moved to Arkansas and the fact that boys in her class haven’t yet noticed her, I think she’s seriously considering it.” He shrugged. “I mean, what teen wouldn’t want to live in La-La Land?”

Staring into her husband’s sad eyes, Suzy felt several emotions. Some she couldn’t—or wouldn’t—admit to Ken like the fact she’d dearly love time for the two of them before the babies arrived. Her heart swelled at the thought of actual alone time for a few months with his often-bratty, sullen daughter out of the house. Since they had gotten married after his whirlwind proposal at their high school reunion, they hadn’t had much alone time as a couple.

Leaning against her husband’s shoulder, Suzy could almost feel his nervous, worried energy. The rational side of her kicked in. “California probably isn’t the greatest place to raise a teenager. I’m sure you’re worried, hon. I’m bewildered and shocked, to say the least.”

“You think you’re shocked. I haven’t even met Pretty Boy Toy. Why would I send my daughter to live with a complete stranger?”

“What’s his name?”

Rolling his eyes, Ken said, “What else? Brody.”

“That sounds about right.” She locked eyes with her husband. “You know you’ve never mentioned your ex. Not once. I don’t even know her name.”

“I haven’t? Surely Izzy has told you.”

Shaking her head, Suzy said, “Nope. She’s like a spirit that I can’t see. What’s her name?”

“Destiny.”

Suppressing a giggle, Suzy said, “You married a woman named Destiny?”

Throwing up his hands, Ken said, “She’s a free spirit with long, flowing hair who always wore sundresses and ankle bracelets. I guess I was attracted to her Type-B nature and flattered she liked a straight-laced, responsible guy like me.”

Trying to picture the couple, Suzy said, “And now you’re married to a slightly buttoned-up wedding planner.”

Ken tipped up her chin and kissed her. “And I love her.”

As Suzy reached for her tea, she took a deep breath. “Like it or not, Izzy’s mother has rights too.”

“Thanks for your support.” Ken stood and paced.

Easing off the couch, Suzy wrapped her arms around her husband. “Hey, I’m on your side. When is this supposed to happen?”

Rubbing his chin, Ken said, “That’s the thing. They want her to move there in a few weeks.”

Suzy’s mouth fell open. “Before the end of the school year? What’s the rush?”

Ken shrugged. “Beats me. I think it will be catastrophic if she begins school mid-semester. Who knows if the teachers in California and Missouri are on the same page? Don’t some states do SAT testing while others do ACT? Hell if I know.” Shaking his head, he circled the room. “Who knows if all of her credits will transfer?”

“I can ask Hope. She’ll know about that stuff. She works at a high school.”

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