Page 48 of Cowboys at Coconuts

Awaiting Gage’s response, Alex paced, made a turkey sandwich, and downed a Diet Coke. She forced herself to ignore her cellphone for at least thirty minutes since she didn’t want to appear like an eager teenager hoping to be asked to the prom. Stepping outside, she watered her red geraniums, sat in a lawn chair, and flipped through a magazine, but it was no use. Flinging the magazine on an outdoor table, she stepped back inside and stared at her cellphone.I’ve got to know if he answered.Her eyebrows shot up when she saw his email.

Great to hear from you, Alex! How have you been? I’ve been stuck in New York working, as usual. I miss you and the Coconuts gang. Gage

Alex typed so fast her fingers could barely keep up. For some reason, she spilled her guts to this guy. Maybe because Gage was far away. Maybe because it was via email. Maybe because she felt comfortable with him. Maybe, just maybe, she was done with Tony.

After a surprisingly long exchange where she complained about her disastrous relationship with the cop, discussed the antics of Tony’s hateful ex, and a few notable comments about Hannah, Gage’s response was simple, welcome, and caught her completely off guard.

It sounds like you need a vacation. Have you ever been to New York?

Alex crossed her legs beneath her, smiled to herself, and responded:No, I haven’t been to Manhattan. I already booked a flight, and double, triple, quadruple yes, I damn well need a vacation. :)

Gage’s response was immediate.Fantastic! I can’t believe you’re coming to New York. I bet Cheri will let you stay in her apartment.

Alex’s mouth fell open as she texted back:Really? You think so?

Her mind raced.If my accommodations are covered, I won’t go into debt with the airfare, meals, and my inevitable shopping.Heart pounding with excitement, she stared at the screen awaiting Gage’s response.

I don’t know why not. Her apartment’s sitting empty. Want me to ask her?

She didn’t want to take advantage of her wealthy friend. Before losing her nerve, she typed:I’m afraid Cheri will feel obligated. I want this to be a fun, low-key visit.

Staring at her screen with more glee than she had felt in forever, Gage said:Hey, low-key limo driver at your service. I’ve gotta run and pick up a celeb. Just let me know the dates.

He’s going to be surprised. She typed quickly.I’ll be there in two days.

Seriously? I’ll clear my schedule. I can’t wait to see you!

Alex couldn’t stop smiling.I’m going to the Big Apple.I’ve been so busy I didn’t realize how much I missed Gage.Pacing, she chewed on a nail.I’ve got to figure out my life.

Chapter 45

Heart pounding almost out of her chest, Hope parked in the nursing home parking lot, removed her seatbelt, and took a deep breath. Turning toward Larry, she said, “This is it. This is where Montana lives.”

Staring straight ahead, he asked, “Do ya think I should wait in the car?”

Hope’s eyes widened. “Absolutely not. We drove all day for this moment.”

Slowly unbuckling his seatbelt, Larry muttered, “Okay, but like I said, Willow’s my old lady now.”

Feeling her anger rise, Hope did her best to channel Alex. More curtly than she intended, Hope said, “If this woman is Montana, you’re still married to her. We’re both going inside.”

As they crossed the crowded lot, they spoke to a few residents sitting in wheelchairs on the sidewalk or on nearby benches, obviously enjoying the fresh air. Many eagerly attempted chitchat, likely lonely, while others were obviously in their own worlds, heads down, taking in the sunshine.

Before she lost her nerve, Hope opened the double doors, strode past a trophy case filled with photos of residents at themed parties wearing everything from cowboy hats to leis, and glanced at the half-empty cafeteria. On the wall, Hope noticed a bulletin board filled with a month’s worth of activities. Standing in front of the board, she read the daily and weekly plans. She wanted to learn what Montana had been doing while separated from them for nearly two years. Events included everything from board games to live entertainment. “At least they offered activities.”

Barely noticing the bulletin board, Larry nodded.

As she approached the nurses’ station decorated in childlike, cardboard letters saying, “Welcome,” Hope tugged on Larry’s sleeve. “Let’s get someone to help us.”

One tech stared transfixed at a computer and the other was on his cellphone. Hope cleared her throat. “Hello. We could use some help.” She paused until one of them glanced up. “We’re here to see Montana Truman.”

The two techs exchanged glances. The young man in front of the monitor spoke first. “And you are?”

“Hope Truman.”

“I see.” He again looked at his colleague. “We don’t have a Montana Truman.” As he turned back toward his screen, Hope extracted the newspaper article and thrust it in his face. Pointing, she said, “This woman. I believe this is Montana.”

“I recognize her, but that’s not her name. She hasn’t had any visitors at all. As in never. Are you related?”

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