Chaos at Coconuts Read online

  The baseball player nodded as he tossed another armload of lumber onto the pile. “Glad to help.” A nail sticking out of the wood tore his striped uniform. “Damn.” He picked at the gaping hole. “Oh, well. It’s just a baseball suit.”

  A tear snaked down Hope’s cheek. Who knew a catastrophe could teach these kids so much? She touched her still-throbbing head and was thankful the school nurse had told her to take Ibuprofen. It definitely eased the pain. She hoped the lump didn’t show through her hair. This was one time she was happy she had full, frizzy hair.

  As the bins filled with the neighbors’ treasured mementos, the janitor stacked and hauled them inside the school. Even though he appeared frail, he managed the weight. After he returned, he carried armloads of heavy lumber to the pile. Hope noticed he and Willow exchanged smiles and brushed arms a couple of times but worked in silence.

  Britney lugged the puppy everywhere. “I named it Cinnamon and wrapped its hurt paw with a sock I found. I love this puppy, Miss Truman. Think I can keep it?”

  “I doubt it, Brit. It belongs to someone who is probably heartbroken and thinks it got swooped up by the tornado.”

  Britney’s eyes filled with tears. “But I’ll be heartbroken if I have to give him back.” She kissed the top of the dog’s head.

  Hope patted her shoulder. “You’d want someone to give your puppy back if he was lost. Why don’t you ask your mom if you can have a puppy?”

  Britney sniffled. “I already know the answer. She’ll tell me we can’t afford it.” Britney ticked off excuses on her fingers. “She’ll mention the dog food, vet bills, even the water bowl. Anything that’s one penny over our budget gets a big thumbs-down.”

  Hope stroked the dog’s ears. “I’m sorry. I wish I could help but I can’t get involved. It’s your mom’s call.”

  A tear rolled down Britney’s cheek. “I know.”

  Dr. Holmes apparently overheard the conversation. “When we leave, I’ll take the dog to see a vet, make sure nothing’s broken, and buy some dog food.”

  Britney’s face fell.

  The principal smiled. “Hear me out. I have an idea. Until the rightful owner is matched with the puppy, how about if Cinnamon is our school mascot? You can make sure he has water before and after school and take him for walks when you can. I’ll keep him near my office. What do you think?”

  Britney beamed. “Really? I can be in charge of Cinnamon?”

  The principal nodded. “Until we find the owner.”

  Britney squeezed the puppy so hard it gave a little yelp. She kissed its head. “I love you, Cinnamon. I’ll take good care of you.”

  Hope winked at Dr. Holmes and mouthed, ‘Thank you.’ She worked another two hours and was more than ready to meet her friends for cocktails.

  Chapter 37

  That evening, Suzy and Alex made it to Coconuts before Hope. The minute Hope walked inside the darkened bar, the twosome ran to their friend and nearly trampled her in a group hug.

  “Thank God you’re okay,” Alex said.

  “I love you,” Suzy said. “Want to talk about it?”

  Tears streamed down Hope’s cheeks. She sniffled. “I’ve seen the worst of weather and the best of humanity.”

  Alex and Suzy linked arms with Hope as they walked back to their table. When they sat down, Hope squeezed her friends’ hands. “I’m exhausted. I can’t tell you how good it feels to come to our happy place and see your smiling faces.”

  “Ditto. We were worried sick about you,” Alex said.

  “I couldn’t answer my phone. Sorry I frightened you. It was pandemonium.” She shook her head and said, “I’ve never been prouder of our students. We had cleanup today and you wouldn’t believe what the kids found—a Purple Heart, an engagement ring, wedding photos, baby shoes, a puppy, and I can’t even remember what else.” She laughed. “Oh, yeah. Someone’s dentures.”

  Suzy and Alex both hooted. “That’s wonderful,” Suzy said.

  Hope continued, “The students sorted everything out and put the items in bins until we can find the rightful owners.” She blew out her breath as Gus brought drinks.

  The server winked at Hope. “On the house, ladies. I heard all about the school’s cleanup efforts. Coconuts is honored to buy your drinks tonight.”

  As Hope reached for a margarita, her hand shook. “You’re going to make me cry again. I have the best friends. Thanks for everything.” Then her thoughts turned to the new janitor/Larry/Mac or whoever he is. I think I’ll keep that to myself. For now. I’m not up to a lengthy Q&A.

  Suzy raised her glass and Alex followed suit.

  “Here’s to the victims, to you, and to the school for helping,” Suzy said.

  “Can we help? I’d be happy to send Hannah.” Alex quipped, as she patted Hope’s arm. “Sorry. This isn’t funny. Actually, I’d be happy to help. I’m sure I could get a crew from Show-Me Bank over there tomorrow.”

  Hope grinned. “I can always count on you for a laugh. I’ll let you know but we have several hundred students, neighbors, and I just learned Habitat for Humanity will be in charge of rebuilding.” She paused. “You’ll never believe this. A crew of nine Amish brothers pulled up in three horse and buggies armed with hammers and saws and began shearing trees and hauling the wood away. You should have seen the students’ mouths fall open.”

  Hope splayed her hands on the table. “Thanks for offering to help but I think we’ve got it covered.” She sipped her cocktail and let out a deep breath. “I know you’re curious about the damage but can we talk about something else tonight? I’m spent. I need an escape from tornado alley.”

  Suzy leaned back. “Sure, hon. I understand. Consider the subject changed.”

  Alex gasped. “Oh, my God. She’s back.”

  “Who?” Hope asked.

  Alex pointed with her head. The women swiveled in the same direction. “Well, well. I guess Miss New York is still in Crystal City. Look at her shoes. I’d love to afford Louboutin heels.”

  “Lou what?” Hope asked.

  “The shoes with the red soles. They’re high-end designer shoes by Christian Louboutin,” Alex said. “Surely you’ve seen them on celebrities.”

  Hope shrugged. “I suppose.” She laughed. “Not really. I’m not exactly a fashion connoisseur.” She peered at her sensible, now-muddy gray sneakers. “I’d have a tough time balancing, let alone walking one flight of stairs at school in those heels.”

  Suzy glanced at her own two-inch white wedge sandals. “I’ll admit it. I have shoe envy. I could use an upgrade but designer shoes aren’t in our household budget.” She glanced back at the socialite. “The Midwest must be culture shock for her. I mean we roll up the sidewalks about ten o’clock. Isn’t that the dinner hour in New York, or so I’ve heard.”

  Hope gawked at the socialite. “I wish I had one-tenth of her fashion sense.”

  Alex feigned a hurt expression. “Thanks a lot.”

  “No, no. You and Suzy are gorgeous but she looks like she stepped out of Vogue.” Hope laughed. “Not that I read Vogue.”

  Alex removed her black jacket. “I get it. Her clothes and shoes are fabulous. I doubt she shops at T.J. Maxx like I do. Still, it’s my favorite store and probably would be even if I struck it rich.” Alex loved being the fashion queen and this woman was competition. She wasn’t sure she liked it.

  Suzy sipped her red wine. “Have you noticed she always wears animal print?” She furrowed her brows. “Sorry, Hope. This must sound insensitive after what you’ve been through.”

  Hope waved her hand. “No, remember I wanted to change subjects. The lighter the better. Besides, I love people watching.”

  “Me too. I also love animal print.” Alex studied the gorgeous newcomer. “I think I need to update my wardrobe. That would be a nice reward f
or dealing with daddy’s devil daughter.” She scooted her chair to get a better look. “She’s apparently alone. I wonder where that cute limo driver is. Should we ask her to join us?”

  Hope’s eyebrows shot up. “Why would she join us?”

  “Hey, we’re pretty cool.” Alex squinted as the front door to Coconuts opened, streaming bright sun inside. A man with a bad combover sauntered in. He wore a rust-colored vest buttoned from top to bottom over a tight, white tee, faded jeans, brown loafers, and no socks.

  Alex wrinkled her nose. “Miami Vice called. They want their clothes back.”

  Suzy and Hope put their hands over their mouths in an obvious attempt to stifle giggles while they observed the stranger scan the room. He perked up when he spotted the New Yorker and practically galloped toward her like a greyhound.

  Alex’s mouth fell open. “Please tell me he’s not going to approach her. Hell, I don’t even have the nerve.” She sat fixated as the vest-wearing man advanced toward Miss New York’s table. “I bet it doesn’t take her two seconds to shut him down.”

  Suzy grinned. “She doesn’t appear very happy to see him.”

  With a quick nod, the man pulled out a chair and plopped down at the socialite’s table.

  The women did an audible countdown as Cheri Van Buren tapped her watch and pointed toward the front door. Obviously confused, comb-over eventually got the message and left.

  “Poor guy,” Hope said.

  “Seriously? He didn’t stand a chance with her.” Alex took a drink. “I’m dying to meet her but I’ve lost my nerve.”

  “You’ve lost your nerve?” Hope put her hand on Alex’s forehead. “Feeling okay?”

  “Ha-ha.” Alex rested her chin on her hand as she ogled Cheri Van Buren. “Another time.”

  “How do you know there will be another time?” Suzy asked.

  “My premonition has held true so far,” Alex said. “Our lives have already changed pretty drastically.”

  Hope shivered. If they only knew how much mine has changed.

  Alex checked her watch. “I’ve gotta run. This is a one-drink night for me. At least we got to see Hope and the rich girl.”

  The three women fished out a big tip for Gus and wrote a note on a cocktail napkin thanking him for the free drinks. Suzy draped her arm around Hope. “Call if you need anything. I mean anything.”

  “Good luck with the cleanup.” Alex winked. “Remember, let me know if you need Hannah. I’m sure she’d love to boss everyone around. Plus, it would give her an opportunity to tell a new group about her master’s degree.”

  Hope cackled and embraced her best friends as they approached their cars. “Thanks, you two. I needed this.”

  Chapter 38

  Over the next few days, the faculty did their best to get the Hilltop students’ minds off the tornado and back onto their school work. It was a struggle at first, but soon, everyone was in the groove of homework, sports, theater, cheerleading, Kiltie practice, and upcoming dances.

  Many still volunteered after school. The nine Amish brothers had framed the three destroyed houses quickly and Habitat for Humanity oversaw the remaining construction.

  Dr. Holmes asked the coordinator from Habitat if student volunteers could assist with small items like painting, cleanup, or adding drawer pulls to cabinets. The organization was happy to have the extra help and students seemed to love giving back and learning new skills. Hope made a mental note to ask the principal if they could give out service badges at the end of the school year. She also noticed the janitor went to the rebuilding projects daily after he fulfilled his duties at school. Hope couldn’t have been prouder. The hippie dad she grew up with was the opposite of motivated. This Larry-Mac man was far different than the man she remembered.

  Every day at lunch, Larry and Willow ate together in the school cafeteria. It was obvious they were growing closer. Occasionally, Hope joined them for a quick meal but it was awkward. The trio would make small talk in the lunch line but Hope felt tremendous guilt about not telling either of them her suspicions about Larry. Even though she still had a million questions, she knew it had to be him unless, of course, the twin theory held out, which she doubted. After all, this was life. Not a soap opera.

  Every time she saw Larry mopping or sweeping a hallway, it gave Hope a chill. Her counselor brain tried to rationalize her feelings but she couldn’t grasp this. It was too big. Too much.

  She also didn’t like keeping secrets, so she usually ate with other teachers or at her desk. She wasn’t ready to discuss their complicated father-daughter relationship. Her thoughts were jumbled enough. Fearing his mind was in a feeble state, she stayed silent.

  Hope had to hold back from embracing him, questioning him, and asking why he didn’t recognize her. She wanted to find out where he went after the train accident. But why should I squelch Larry and Willow’s happiness? What good would it do? Maybe I’d be selfish to confuse him, tell him about our relationship, not to mention his dead wife, Montana. It could send him into a deep depression. I want to give it more time.

  A few mornings, Hope noticed the couple arrived in the same car. Those days, she avoided the teachers’ lounge like the plague. She didn’t want to accidentally hear romantic details. It was too much.

  ~ ~ ~

  At the end of the week, Hope walked past Willow’s art class. She heard chuckles and whistles from the hallway and peeked inside. The janitor stood shirtless wearing only worn jeans and dirty tennis shoes. He was so skinny she could count his ribs. Perched atop a rectangular, wooden table at the front of the classroom, he propped himself against a mop.

  She scanned the room and realized students were sketching his image. Hope spotted Willow, gave a thumbs-up, and winked as the students kept their eyes fixated toward the front. Obviously enamored with their hippie art subject, they were all smiles and giggles.

  Hope wanted to embrace both Willow and Larry and thank them for giving the students a reason to laugh and learn at the same time. This was the perfect antidote after the tornado. She decided then and there to keep her mouth shut about her adopted parents. Let Larry and Willow have their joy. If he truly is Larry, somehow they’d all deal with the aftermath together but not now. One upheaval at a time.

  Chapter 39

  Staring at the Happy Hour crowd, Alex said, “God. What a week. Who’s ready for the weekend?”

  Suzy and Hope raised their hands.

  After they ordered drinks, Alex’s eyebrows shot up. “She’s here again.” She motioned with her head toward the gorgeous socialite who sat alone in a darkened corner. “Let’s talk about the new fashionista instead of this insane week and our usual rash of problems.”

  Hope held her drink in the air. “Cheers to that.”

  Suzy joined in. “Here, here.”

  Alex was fixated on the newcomer. “I can’t take it anymore. I think I’ll go over and introduce myself. Care if I ask her to join us?”

  “Not at all,” Suzy said.

  “I’d love to meet her.” Hope stared at her boring brown capris and plaid tan top. “I wish I had worn something nicer for our first meeting.”

  “Don’t be silly. You look beautiful.” Before Alex could scramble off her bar stool, a tall frame passed their table and made a beeline for Miss New York. He was as skinny as a pencil and evidently overcompensated for his baldness with a giant, black Captain Kangaroo-shaped moustache. His strong cologne lingered in Alex’s face. She waved the air trying to clear the smell. “God, his cologne is revolting.”

  The women watched as Mr. Moustache pulled out a chair and plopped down at the beautiful woman’s table.

  Alex chuckled. “That guy has the confidence of the president of the United States. Gotta give him that but seriously? Eww.” She didn’t care if she gawked. She wasn’t taking her eyes off thei
r table. “I’m betting this will be another short meeting. Do you think she’s interviewing other limo drivers?”

  Suzy shrugged. “I can’t imagine what’s up. If it’s online dating, these guys are obviously using someone else’s profile picture.” She laughed. “I know that sounds mean but these men aren’t in her league.”

  “That is kind of mean,” Hope said.

  Alex rolled her eyes. “But it’s true. Shh. Just watch.”

  Within two minutes, the cocky guy strutted away as if he had negotiated the best deal in the world. The socialite raised her toned arm and held an empty glass in the air. Gus apparently got the message and appeared at her table with a highball drink.

  “Ladies, I’m going in.” Alex stood, straightened her black pencil skirt, and tugged at her silky, hot pink blouse. “I’m going to ask Miss New York if she wants to join us.”

  “Hurry back,” Suzy said. “I’ll grab a fourth chair.”

  Alex could feel Hope and Suzy’s stares bore into her as she approached the socialite. At first, the young woman was stiff and obviously wary. Her arms were folded, as if she had a yellow do-not-cross line surrounding her. She literally leaned away when Alex approached her table. But soon, the New Yorker broke into a wide grin, grabbed her drink, a quilted zebra print purse with a gold chain, and followed Alex toward Hope and Suzy.

  Alex flashed a huge smile. “Ladies, meet Cheri Van Buren. She is indeed the famous New Yorker we suspected. Cheri meet my two best friends, Suzy Jacobs and Hope Truman.”

  The foursome shook hands. Suzy motioned toward an empty chair. “Please join us.”

  Hope gawked. “You’re even prettier up close.”