Page 58 of Cowboys at Coconuts

Cheri tried to watch a reality television show on the Food Network but was too nervous about seeing Cole to concentrate. Instead, she ran on a treadmill in the guest bedroom. After thirty minutes, she showered and wondered what to wear to a drive-in.

What are we going to talk about? There wasn’t much time to talk at the pool party.Her childhood shyness kicked in.I can’t talk about being a Van Buren. I get the feeling he wouldn’t date me if he knew.

Dressed in white jeans, red wedge shoes and a floral red and white top, Cheri left Branson early so she could hide her Mercedes toward the back of Coconuts. Stepping inside, she recognized many of the regular Happy Hour patrons. Thankfully, they didn’t recognize her, or at least not her real persona. Choosing a high-top table near the back of the room, Cole arrived five minutes later looking more handsome than ever in tight jeans, a black tee, and new, non-muddy boots.

Beaming when he spotted her, he placed his cowboy hat on the back of a chair. Hopping onto a bar stool, he said, “I’m glad you didn’t start drinkin’ without me.”

Gus walked toward them. “What are you two having?”

“What beverage accompanies a drive-in movie?” Cheri asked.

“Definitely beer. It goes well with popcorn,” the server said. “In fact, I’ll bring some of our infamous truffle popcorn to get you in the mood.”

Cole chuckled. “I’m already in the mood.”

Cheri raised her eyebrows.The cowboy is in rare form tonight.

When the beer arrived, Cole grinned so big his dimples showed. I hope you like horror flicks.”

Face contorted, Cheri said, “Uh, not really.”

He laughed. “They’re good for snugglin’.”

“And hiding my eyes. I’ll never sleep tonight if I watch a scary movie.”

“And that would be bad?” He smiled devilishly. “Seriously, if you’d rather stay here, that’s fine with me. We can always catch a movie another time.”

Sipping her beer, she said, “I’d love to go. I’ve never been to a drive-in theater. I’ll be brave, or hide my eyes.”

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After leaving Coconuts, Cole drove thirty miles and eventually pulled up to an antiquated, obviously popular drive-in movie theater. The gravel parking lot was filled with pickups. A tiny concession stand was off to one end. Parking toward the back, Cole turned the ignition off and placed his arm across the seat.

“Welcome to your first drive-in movie. This is real high-society.”

“I love it.” Cheri held his gaze. “I hope we celebrate a lot of firsts together.”

“Me too. Want anything to eat? A hotdog or burger?”

Rubbing her flat belly, Cheri said, “I’m still full from that truffle popcorn.”

“I’ll get a couple of sodas. Be right back.”

While he crossed the lot to the concession stand, Cheri’s mind raced at the thought of being in the truck with Cole for two hours. Just the two of them with other vehicles only a few feet away. She decided to embrace the new, exciting experience.

When he returned, Cole handed Cheri a soda through the window, climbed inside, and placed the speaker on the window’s edge. Turning a small, round knob, the volume increased. “Loud enough? Too loud?”

The movie previews blared. “Maybe turn it down a notch.” Studying the ancient speaker, she asked, “How old is that thing?”

“It should probably be in the Smithsonian but it works.” He shifted in his seat and took Cheri’s face in his hands. “I’ve missed you. My farm chores keep gettin' in the way.”

“I’ve missed you too. I’m glad you asked me out.” Something about this cowboy calmed her. As Cheri sank into Cole, he stroked her hair and face. Tingling all over, she turned her mouth toward his and they kissed like two teens who had just discovered French kissing. Leaning back to catch his breath, Cole peered at the screen. “Looks like we missed the openin’ scene.”

Kissing his neck, she made her way toward his mouth. “What’s your point?”

After several minutes, the windows steamed over. When someone knocked on the window, Cheri jumped. Cole glanced toward the noise.

“Hey, mister.” The insistent knocker waited all of two seconds before pounding on the window again. Raising his voice, he called, “MISTER.”

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