Chaos at Coconuts Read online

  “Interesting. Well, I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself.” Victoria sounded bored.

  She assumed her mother wasn’t interested in hearing about her new girlfriends, so she changed subjects. “How’s Daddy?”

  Her mother paused a bit too long. Cheri swore she could hear her swallow as if her mouth went dry. “Daddy’s fine. Just fine.”

  The Van Burens were New York’s darlings. “Somehow, that doesn’t sound convincing.”

  “You know Daddy. He’s a workaholic.”

  Cheri felt her forehead crease. Something seemed off but her mother was never one to open up. They weren’t the mothers and daughters who had long conversations into the wee hours of the night.

  Victoria obviously wanted to change the subject. With a fast, breathy voice she said, “It’s getting late. Darling, I just wanted to check in. I’ve got a hair appointment. Love you. Toodles.”

  The phone went dead before Cheri could say good-bye. Into the dial tone she said, “I’ve met three girlfriends. Real friends.” But her mother had long hung up. “And, if you’re interested, there was a terrible tornado in Crystal City. It affected my new friend’s school neighborhood. I’m going to make a sizeable donation to the victims but I haven’t yet contacted the school. I’m still deciding the best way to handle it. It’ll be an anonymous contribution, of course. I won’t draw attention to the Van Buren name. Not here. I’m enjoying my privacy too much. My new girlfriends agreed to keep my identity secret, not that you’re interested, Mom,” she said aloud, still holding her silent phone.

  Chapter 48

  After getting a new phone, Alex drove home seething about Tony’s ex. If she were in a cartoon, she pictured smoke coming out of both ears—except this wasn’t funny.

  The nerve of Nikki to say I broke up their marriage after she had, what, eight affairs? What a piece of work. When she turned into her driveway, Tony was parked on the street. Perfect. Just perfect.

  Before she parked and got out, Tony slammed his car door and marched toward her. She watched as his tall frame loomed closer and closer. His icy-blue eyes weren’t twinkling like usual. Quite the contrary, in fact. Still, damn, he had a sexy gait. Those broad shoulders undid her. But Tony wasn’t smiling, and neither was she.

  He shouted through her open window, “I’ve called and called. Why the hell didn’t you answer?”

  Alex smirked. “I have a new phone, thanks to your ex.”

  He ignored the comment and leaned inside. “Where’s Joey?”

  “Ask Nikki.” Alex climbed out and narrowed her eyes. “She treated me like a harlot. I felt as though I had a scarlet letter on my forehead.” She paused for emphasis. “Your ex is a total bitch, by the way.”

  “She’s not that bad.”

  Alex’s mouth flew open. “Are you freakin’ kidding me? She practically accosted me in her front yard. She called me all kinds of shitty names in front of Joey and anyone else within a city block. I don’t deserve that and you know it. I didn’t break up your damn marriage.”

  Tony was silent.

  Alex’s forehead wrinkled. “Did I?”

  He frowned. “I probably wouldn’t have gotten a divorce if I hadn’t met you.”

  “Are you seriously pinning your divorce on me? You were miserable when we met.” Alex threw her arms in the air. “Don’t you have any pride left? Who are you?”

  Tony reached for her arm. “You know who I am. Let’s start over. Why isn’t Joey with you?”

  Alex leaned against her car, arms crossed. “I told you. He’s with your ex-wife.”

  Tony ran his fingers through his hair. “Why didn’t you call me? Maybe I could have come over and smoothed things out.”

  “Hello? Like I said, she smashed my damn phone.”

  Tony’s brows furrowed. “What do you mean?”

  “Come on, Detective. You aren’t dense. Your precious ex grabbed my cell and threw it onto the sidewalk.”

  He put one hand in his pocket. “That doesn’t sound like her.”

  “Are you calling me a liar?”

  “No, I’ve just never seen Nikki throw anything.”

  “I find that hard to believe. She threw a bitch fit. She’s a fucking witch.” Alex paced in her driveway.

  Tony shrugged. “You’ll have to get used to her. She’s Joey’s mom and always will be.”

  “Are you going to always defend her? Is that how this is going to be?” Alex stood with her hands on her hips.

  Tony shrugged. “If you and I have any hope for a future together, you’ll have to learn how to deal with her because I want Joey in my life.”

  Alex cocked her head. “How about if you tell her how to deal with me?”

  His face softened slightly when he apparently got it through his thick skull how upset and hurt Alex was. Tony leaned forward to nuzzle her neck. “Let’s start over, baby.”

  “No, way. I’m not in the mood. I think you should leave. I have an early morning at the bank tomorrow.”

  “You always have early morning meetings,” he said.

  “Tell me about it. God, what a shitty day.”

  Tony reached for her. “I’ll get you in a better mood.”

  Alex stiffened. “Not tonight.” She could feel herself weakening ever so slightly by his sexy smell but resisted. His hard, toned body was so close she could feel his arm hair, but she stood her ground. His ridiculous, vindictive ex had spoiled any chance of that. She kept her arms to her side. “I’m tired. That confrontation took it out of me.”

  “Okay, okay.” Tony shoved his hands in his pockets. “My detective skills tell me you’re not interested.”

  Alex watched as the cop walked toward his car. She almost wanted to run after him. Almost. But he had to learn she wasn’t going to be treated like this.

  After he drove off, she went inside and threw a cup at the wall. Okay, it was a plastic cup. She didn’t feel like cleaning up a mess but pretended it was Nikki’s head. She took a hot shower and texted her girlfriends:

  IMPORTANT. Emergency meeting at Coconuts. NOW. Please. Btw, this is Alex. I have a new phone number.

  Both Suzy and Hope responded they’d meet Alex at their favorite restaurant within fifteen minutes.

  Alex breathed a sigh of relief. I can always count on them. She hopped in her Mustang and headed for Coconuts. Her mind on overdrive, she cursed the fact that she had always pushed aside any nagging feelings she previously had about Sgt. Tony Montgomery, make that Lt. Tony Montgomery.

  Trust your instincts, Alex. Do you want your life to be like a friggin’ soap opera. Bankers are never in soap operas. We’re boring.

  Chapter 49

  Alex pulled into the Coconuts lot and took a calming Yoga breath, even though she had never stepped foot inside a Yoga studio.

  Her two best friends were already settled at their familiar high top. After greetings, Suzy and Hope alternately darted questions.

  “What’s wrong?” Suzy asked. “Are you okay?”

  Hope asked, “Is this about your intern?”

  Alex held up both hands. “I need a drink first.” She waved Gus over. “The usual but keep them coming.”

  The server raised his eyebrows. “Got it.”

  Alex turned toward her friends. “Thanks for coming here on such short notice. It means a—” Her voice wobbled. “Dammit.”

  Suzy put her hand over Alex’s. “Let me take a wild guess. It’s about the cop.”

  Hope placed her hand on top of theirs. “That’s my guess too.”

  Alex made a face. “Since when are you two psychics?”

  “I have mom radar. You haven’t talked about Tony as often. You couldn’t get enough of him last year.” Suzy’s tone changed. “Somehow, your relationship seems different now. Do you miss a
ll the action?”

  Gus appeared with a large, round tray holding three drinks and a bowl of cashews.

  Suzy reached for her red wine. “You used to talk about him nonstop. Am I right? Is this about the cop?”

  Alex nodded, fighting back tears. She was the tough one. She hated crying. “Yes.” She gulped her chardonnay.

  “So, what’s changed?” Hope asked.

  Alex twirled her wine glass and shrugged. “I knew he had baggage with sweet little Joey but—” Alex blew out her breath. “I met Tony’s ex today. She’s a royal bitch and that’s a compliment.”

  Hope’s eyes widened. “What happened?”

  Alex filled them in on the gory details as her friends sat riveted. “See what I mean? Total piece of work.”

  Suzy wrinkled her nose. “That explains your new phone number. Sorry you’re dealing with this, hon. Blended families aren’t easy, but if the guy is worth it, you’ll make it work.”

  “I’m glad I’m single,” Hope said.

  “That really helps. Not.” Alex fiddled with a paper straw holder and tied it in a knot.

  “I’m glad you still do that,” Hope said.

  “Do what?” Alex asked.

  “Tie things in knots. You’re adorable.”

  Alex balled up the straw paper and tossed it across the table. “Damn OCD.”

  Hope leaned forward. “Have you ever considered going to a therapist for it?”

  Alex waved her hand as if shooing a fly. “God, no. I’m fine. It’s not that bad, counselor. I don’t wash my hands a hundred times a day or have bizarre rituals. Okay, I tie paper straw holders into knots and I don’t like germs. Big fucking deal.” She downed her wine and motioned to Gus for another. “Sorry, I’m on edge. Besides, this is about Tony and me. I thought I could handle this whole ex-wife thing. Now . . . I’m not so sure.”

  Suzy stared at her vibrating phone. “It’s Ken. Darn it. I can’t stay long.” She locked eyes with Alex. “Date around. I mean it. I wanted to tell you that a year ago but knew you were head over heels for the guy. He may be sexy but he has a lot of baggage. And his profession is dangerous. You got caught up in it once and risked your own life.”

  Alex shivered. “Don’t remind me.”

  Suzy squeezed her friend’s hand. “I’m just saying life’s short. Don’t settle.”

  Hope ate a handful of nuts. “You won’t have any trouble attracting anyone, unlike me.”

  “Stop it. You’re beautiful,” Alex said.

  Hope smiled. “Whatever. Remember that cute limo driver? There are tons of men out there.”

  “Says my friend who doesn’t date,” Alex said.

  Hope giggled. “I’m an expert in everything even if I don’t always practice what I preach.”

  Suzy lowered her voice. “Take this the right way, hon. “Maybe the luster has worn off the cop. I think you enjoy the chase. No pun intended. And now that Tony’s available, well—”

  “I hope I’m not that superficial.” Alex studied the inviting beach mural and pointed. “That’s what we need. A vacation on a beach. Just the three of us.”

  “If only,” Suzy said. “I have weddings to plan, remember? And a husband.”

  “And I have school,” Hope said.

  “Adulting is hard.” Alex shook her head. “It’s always something, isn’t it? Sometimes I hate being a grown-up. Sorry I’m in my own little world. I asked you to meet me and I’m blabbing about my stupid, petty woes, especially after you’ve dealt with the horrific tornado aftermath, Hope. This is insignificant in comparison. Sorry.”

  Hope smiled. “Don’t be. This is important and it’s your relationship and your life. We come here for friendapy, remember?”

  “You don’t always have to be the life of the par—” Suzy’s face brightened. “Well, what do you know? How’s that for perfect timing?”

  Chapter 50

  “What?” Alex swiveled her head in the direction of Suzy’s and watched as the limo driver sauntered inside Coconuts. He was out of his usual all-black uniform and wore faded blue jeans and a crisp white shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. His black sunglasses were on top of his head and he looked delicious.

  Hope rubbed her hands together. “He’s hot. I believe in signs, and this is definitely a sign in big flashing neon letters. Go for it, girlfriend.”

  Suzy nudged Alex. “Invite him over if you don’t feel comfortable sitting with him alone.”

  “Oh, God.” Alex reached for her giant purse and subtly reapplied power and freshened her red lipstick.

  “Stop. You look stunning.” Hope sighed.

  Alex cocked her head. “Remember, he’s used to driving a celebrity around.” She took a deep breath. “I’m going to do it. I’m going to get my nerve up and walk over there.” She stood, straightened her silky, red shirt, but sat back down. “I can’t.”

  Suzy elbowed her. “Send a drink over to him. Guys send drinks over to girls all the time. Reverse course and see what happens.”

  Alex brightened. “I like that idea.” She waved to Gus and intercepted him before he made it to the limo driver’s table. “What does he drink?”

  Gus looked puzzled. “Who?”

  Alex nodded with her head. “The new guy.”

  “Oh, him. Usually a beer.”

  “Please put it on my tab but don’t tell him who it’s from. I want to see his reaction,” Alex said.

  “Have it your way.” Gus ambled to the bar, poured a beer from the tap, and took it to the driver. Limo Driver looked pleasantly surprised and must have guessed it was from one of them because he smiled and held his glass in the air.

  Alex waved him over. “Oh, God. He’s getting up. Is my face red?” She wiped the sweat moustache forming on her lip.

  “You look fi—”

  “Evening, ladies. Do I have one of you to thank for this refreshing, cold Bud?”

  Suzy and Hope both pointed toward Alex. “Her.”

  “Subtle. Very subtle.” Alex extended her hand. “Hi. You remember my two former best friends, Suzy and Hope.” Everyone chuckled as the driver pulled up an extra chair.

  “Hi again. Thanks for the beer. I don’t think I told you my name the other night during the man duel.” He laughed. “It’s Gage. Gage Carver.” He never took his eyes off Alex as he politely shook each woman’s hand.

  Alex had a sly grin on her face. “That was almost as good as watching a boxing match.”

  He laughed. “I suppose we were being typical alpha males.”

  “You think?” Alex threw her head back and laughed. “But I’m flattered.”

  “You should be.” Gage continued to stare at Alex. “You have beautiful green eyes.

  She felt her cheeks burn. “Thanks, but you’re missing something.”

  “What?”

  “A limo and a passenger,” Alex said.

  He nodded. “Knowing Cheri, she’s perfecting new recipes.” He sipped his beer. “She has her life and lets me have my freedom. I’m on call 24/7, though.” He grinned. “She’s a good boss and gives me my space.” He sipped his foamy drink. “She’s like a bird freed from a cage here. She wants to drive her grandmother’s red Mercedes everywhere.” He winked. “By the way, does your grandmother have a Mercedes?”

  Hope howled and Alex giggled. “Not even close. More like a car the size of a small living room. One of those big boat Pontiacs or something. It could be a parade float.”

  Gage chuckled. “I think that’s typical of most grandmothers.”

  Hope leaned forward. “So, if Cheri doesn’t need a full-time driver, why are you here?”

  “Not that we’re complaining,” Alex added.

  “Good question. Other than protection from paparazzi—which only occur
red the first night she arrived at Coconuts—I’m not sure why Cheri flew me here but here I am.”

  “Stuck on the prairie,” Alex said.

  “I wouldn’t call it that. It’s nice. Beautiful and peaceful. A much slower pace which is refreshing.”

  “And occasionally boring,” Alex said.

  “How long will you stay?” Hope asked.

  The handsome driver shrugged. “It’s an open-ended date. She—Cheri—hasn’t decided. I thought it would be a quick trip, maybe a couple of weeks, but she’s taking her time. I’m not sure when we’ll go back. I already sent my rent check for next month. I don’t want to lose my apartment in Brooklyn.”

  “I bet your rent is expensive there,” Hope said.

  He nodded. “Don’t get me started. Prices are reasonable here. Downright cheap. I could get used to that.” Gage eyed the group. “Cheri told me one of you is a banker.”

  Hope stuck out her leg and wiggled her white capris and tan loafers. For emphasis, she gave a slight shimmy to show off her short-sleeved brown blouse. Then, she posed her hands Vanna White-style, likely from watching too much Wheel of Fortune, to showcase Alex who wore a cropped, black jacket over a red blouse, fitted black slacks, black heels, and a stunning silver statement necklace. “One guess as to which one is the banker.”

  Gage’s eyes twinkled. “I give up.”

  “You’re such a gentleman,” Hope said.

  Alex grinned. “So, you need a banker, huh?”

  Gage nodded. “I want to open a checking account. I use my credit and debit cards for most things, but it would be nice to have cash.”

  “We have plenty of New Account reps who can help you with that.”

  Gage leaned toward Alex. “I thought you could help me. Personally.”

  Alex crossed and re-crossed her legs. “I handle the marketing. I don’t really deal with customers’ accounts. I’d be happy to sit with you and explain the lingo if you want. Or speed up the process.”