Page 59 of Cowboys at Coconuts

Cole wiped Cheri’s lipstick off his lips with the back of his hand and rolled down the window. When he peeked outside, he spotted a young boy, likely six or seven.

“What can I do for you, little fella?”

“My ball rolled under your car. I can’t reach it. Will you help me?”

Straightening his shirt, Cole said, “Sure, buddy. Give me a second.”

Giggling, Cheri hopped out the passenger side. “I see it. It’s under the wheel.” Reaching, she retrieved the red ball. “Here you go.”

“Thanks.” The boy toddled off.

Cheri turned to Cole. “He’s so cute.”

Cole followed the youngster with his gaze. “Sure is. Do you like kids?”

Squirming, Cheri said, “Uh, I like other people’s. I’m not in any hurry to—”

“Me neither.” Cole slid closer and tilted her face toward his. “Now where were we?”

Chapter 56

After sleeping fitfully, Alex downed a large mug of coffee and slid her fully charged phone into her gigantic red purse.Today’s the day. New York, here I come.

Still feeling guilty about not telling her closest friends her vacation plans, she had rehearsed every what-if situation over and over. She couldn’t chance Suzy mentioning her visit to Ken and having Izzy overhear. Likewise, Hope might tell a colleague and a student could overhear. It was too risky. Tony was a cop. He’d pick up on the tiniest detail. Besides, she had already emailed her itinerary to Gage. This was a done deal.

After loading her bags in the trunk of her Mustang, Alex checked her watch and broke out in a sweat.Shit. Shit. Shit. Why do I do this to myself? My flight leaves in ninety minutes.

Driving at warp speed, she breathed a sigh of relief as she followed the airport signs to the parking lot. Orange cones blocked off short-term parking where she had planned to park since she was running late. As Alex drove into the long-term lot, every single space was full.

Fuming, she drove up and down nearly every aisle, finally finding an empty space at the back. Sweating bullets, she heaved her bags onto the pavement, locked the door, and raced toward the airport.

When she reached the counter, Alex hurled her suitcase onto the weight stand and handed the ticket agent her driver’s license. The employee checked her watch. “You’re three minutes past the cut-off time. Sorry.”

Alex’s mouth fell open. “It’s because you’re freaking short-term parking lot was blocked off. By the way, long term is totally effing full.” Deciding to stretch the truth, she said, “I’m sure I lost fifteen minutes trying to find a damn space.”

The young employee shrugged. “Sorry.” She glanced behind Alex. “Next.”

Alex thumped her massive purse on top of the counter. “Look. I’ve dealt with so much shit the past few years—more years than you’ve been working—and I’m treating myself to a getaway. I can’t miss that plane.” She locked eyes with the employee. Something crossed across the woman’s face—first condescendence, then possibly pity.

Sighing, the uniformed clerk glanced once more at her watch.

Sensing her change in mood, Alex softened her tone. “Please.”

“Oh, all right.” Glancing at the scale, she said, “Forty-eight pounds. That’ll be thirty dollars.”

Fishing inside her bag, Alex said, “Any way to upgrade to first class? I could use a drink.”

The employee’s eyebrows shot up. “It’s nine in the morning.”

Undeterred, Alex asked, “Is first class available?”

“All full.” The airline clerk placed the tape indicating the destination on the bag, slung it on the belt, radioed ahead and told them she had a straggler bag for United Flight 666, and extended her hand for Alex’s credit card.”

“Did you say Flight 666? I’d never book a flight with that number.” Alex studied the boarding pass the agent had given her. “I thought it was number 5552.”

“That airplane had a mechanical.” Clearly tired of Alex, the agent exaggeratedly leaned around her and yelled, “Next.”

Gripping her boarding pass, Alex reached for her carry-on. The attendant patted the counter. “Don’t forget your baggage claim ticket. We rarely lose bags”—she fake coughed—“but, you know, just in case.”

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