Chaos at Coconuts Read online

  “Ditto.” Suzy’s eyebrows shot up as a new server rushed over and extended his hand. She returned the gesture and Hope followed suit.

  Alex kept her hands in her lap but the new server insisted on thrusting his beefy hand in her face. After he had held it in her space for far too long, Alex caved in, and obliged. When his sweaty hand locked with hers, she inadvertently made a face. “Where’s Gus?”

  The new server puffed out his chest. “He’s getting his wisdom teeth pulled and will be off for a day or two. You gorgeous ladies are stuck with Jeff.” He studied each of them for several seconds too long. “Lucky Jeff.”

  Alex leaned forward. “I take it your name is ‘Jeff?’”

  He preened and sucked in his belly covered by a tee two sizes too small. “Yeppers. Jeff. The one and only. What are you beauties having?”

  Alex turned toward Suzy and rolled her eyes.

  Suzy took charge and ordered for all of them, pointing as she matched her respective friends with their drink orders. “She’ll have a chardonnay, I’ll have a merlot, and Hope will have a margarita.”

  “Got it. Thanks, lovelies.” Jeff headed to the bar.

  Alex dug in her purse. “I’m going to prison.”

  “Because he called us ‘beauties’ and ‘lovelies’?” Suzy asked.

  “Or are you planning corporate espionage or possibly a heist?” Hope giggled.

  Alex kept her head down while she fished in her purse. “Where’s my damn antibacterial gel?”

  “I think you missed a step. Back to your prison comment—” Suzy said as Jeff set a merlot in front of her.

  “And for the luscious blonde.” Jeff plunked a glass of chardonnay in front of Alex while simultaneously brushing against her shoulder. She ignored him and continued searching her bag.

  Hope spotted her margarita on his tray. “I think you forgot mine.”

  “Oh, sorry. I was distract—”

  “Whatever.” Hope frowned as she reached for her salty-rimmed drink.

  When all three women ignored him, Jeff eventually got the message and retreated.

  “Finally!” Alex held a small bottle of stress-free antibacterial gel in the air. “Now I can get his germs off my hands.”

  “I never use the stuff,” Hope said. “My immune system must be like kryptonite after being around hundreds of students at Hilltop High all day.”

  Alex laughed. “That or you’ll catch every cold and flu known to woman.”

  Suzy put her hands on her hips. “Will you please finish your prison comment?”

  Alex rubbed her hands with the eucalyptus-scented liquid. “It’s simple really. Perfectly straightforward.”

  Suzy and Hope both leaned forward. “And?” they asked in unison.

  Alex cleared her throat for emphasis. “Jeff has sweaty hands. He looks clammy. Therefore, I assume he isn’t the type to wash his hands after he uses the bathroom.”

  Hope threw her hands in the air. “And you’re going to kill him for that and go to prison?”

  “Stay with me. Jeff probably has urine, semen, or worse, a pubic hair on his hands. Now that shit is inside my purse. What if someone steals my purse or if I, God forbid, lost it. Then, consequently, what if something dire happened to Jeff? They’d trace his DNA to my purse. I’d be the lead suspect. The cops would think I was the one who did something to Jeff because his genes are now in my purse.” Alex crossed her arms, leaned back, and beamed. “I told you it made perfect sense.”

  Suzy cupped her hand over her mouth to suppress giggles. “Thank God I don’t have OCD.” She rubbed Alex’s shoulder. “Hon, you’ve been hanging around that cop too long.”

  Hope nudged Alex with her elbow. “I’ve had enough bad luck for a lifetime. Pass the antibacterial.”

  Alex handed her the tiny green bottle. “I just have time for one drink, girls. Early morning tomorrow at the bank.”

  “Same here, only at school,” Hope said.

  Suzy took a sip of wine. “I know I’m lucky. I love working from home. No early morning meetings are definitely one of the great benefits.” She frowned. “But a regular salary would be nice. I need to drum up some wedding business.”

  “I’d kill to work from home.” Alex scanned the crowded room. “Since we’re all in a hurry, maybe we can meet again tomorrow night. I have a weird feeling our lives are about to change.”

  Suzy cocked her head. “Our little drama queen is now a fortune teller, I see.”

  Alex feigned a hurt look. “Hey, I’m not a drama queen.”

  “Unless you have a crystal ball in your purse, what are you talking about?” Suzy playfully elbowed her best friend.

  Hope’s eyes widened. “What is about to change and for whom?”

  Alex shrugged. “Maybe one of us; maybe all of us. It’s just a feeling but I have good intuition.”

  “I hope it’s good news,” Hope said.

  Alex nodded. “Me too.”

  “Me three,” Suzy said.

  ~ ~ ~

  As the three friends walked to their cars, Alex smiled when she saw Tony’s number appear on her cell phone. The sexy cop undid her most days. Other days were questionable.

  “What’s up?” Lt. Tony Montgomery asked.

  “Getting doughnuts again?” Alex quipped.

  “Haha. Your favorite line,” the cop said. “At least I haven’t been in any recent car chases after meth dealers. Remember that?”

  Alex snorted. “How could I forget? I hope that’s the end of my police work.”

  “Yeah, the chief still reminds me from time to time about having a sexy female ‘reporter’ in the squad car.”

  “I got away with it, though,” Alex said.

  “Yep. Sure did. Well played.”

  Alex waved to her friends and shifted her phone to her other ear as she opened her car door. “I’m leaving Coconuts. What are you doing?”

  Tony’s voice became husky. “I thought we could watch the Alex and Tony show.”

  “Ooh. That’s a good one.”

  “A good one?” he teased.

  Alex chuckled. “One of my favorites. I could watch it over and over.”

  “That’s better. Meet you at your house in fifteen.”

  Chapter 15

  Cheri refilled her coffee, opened her laptop, and worked from her late grandmother’s kitchen counter. The leather from the bar stools felt cool on her legs as she opened multiple files and invoiced Fifth Avenue Catering clients. Her customers in New York covered the gamut, including posh, intimate private dinner parties, celebrity birthdays, ornate grand openings, corporate events, and Bat Mitzvahs where parents spent an inordinate amount of money—thousands—on their teens.

  In less than a year, the socialite chef had established a successful, thriving business—not that she needed the money but she loved to cook and was career-minded, so it was a great fit. She knew her surname gave her a leg up in Manhattan. Because of the family’s name recognition, Cheri worked even harder to prove herself.

  Many of her New York friends lived off their trust funds but Cheri wanted to prove herself and make her own way just like her father had. She refilled her coffee and considered how fortunate she was. I need to give back. I want to give back. Maybe I’ll find an opportunity in the Midwest.

  The trilling phone interrupted her thoughts. The caller ID indicated it was Victoria Van Buren, her mother. “Hi, honey, it’s Mommy and Daddy. I see Grandma kept the same number all these years.”

  “Hi, Mom. Yes, but I hate having a house phone.”

  “It’s for security, darling. Otherwise, that expensive system we installed wouldn’t work.”

  Cheri sighed. “I know. Thanks for that. How’s Europe treating you two?”

  “Fabulo
us, as always. Last night we took a sunset gondola ride in Venice. It’s beautiful, darling. I wish you would join us here.” If nothing else, her mother was always in a good mood and a happy traveler.

  “Mom, remember, that big talk you and Daddy had with me last year about how you wanted me to find my own way, learn the value of hard work, and not be a trust fund kid? I know we haven’t chatted much during your travel abroad, but—” Cheri hesitated, somewhat annoyed at the lack of attentiveness from her parents. “You do remember I went to culinary school, right?”

  Victoria’s tone changed. “Of course, darling. We aren’t that distant from you, are we? Tsk. Tsk. What are you implying? Naturally, I remember. You graduated with honors. See, I listen.”

  Cheri groaned inwardly. “I’m not implying anything. After I graduated and started my own catering company, I’ve been swamped 24/7 and haven’t had much time to tell you about it. My company is really taking off in New York, and now that I’m in the Midwest—”

  “Oh, sweetheart. Wait a minute.” Cheri heard her mother call her father to the phone.

  “Tom, Tom, come here. It’s Cheri. Let me put you on speaker so you can tell your father all about your exciting company.”

  Cheri was very proud of her hard-working parents who were wildly successful in commercial real estate. They weren’t born with a silver spoon and never let her forget it. Victoria was a master at staging homes and businesses so they’d sell quickly. Cheri chuckled when she pictured her parents who were so Botoxed and groomed they looked more like her older siblings than her parents. She heard rustling in the background and then her father’s thick Brooklyn brogue.

  “How’s my little girl?” Thomas Van Buren, II, asked.

  “Hi, Daddy. I’m fine. I know you two have been busy working and traveling abroad and I’ve been inundated with work for months. I haven’t told you and Mom much about my new catering business.” Actually, she wondered why they hadn’t seen it in the New York society pages but let it go. They were busy, she told herself, just like she convinced herself when she was a kid and practically raised by her nanny.

  “What’s the name of your company, honey?” her father asked.

  “Fifth Avenue Catering. What do you think?”

  Victoria spoke into the phone. “Love the name.” She gushed. “This is wonderful, darling.”

  Her father immediately turned to business mode. “Have you lined up clients? Need help with contacts? I know a lot of wealthy people.”

  Cheri laughed. “I know you do. Thanks, but I want to do this on my own. As a matter of fact, I already have almost more clients than I can handle, plus repeat business.”

  “Fantastic. What have you catered, darling?” Victoria asked.

  Cheri ticked off on her fingers, even though her parents couldn’t see her. “A wedding, several extravagant bat mitzvahs, an upscale hotel grand opening, a celebrity birthday, and an event for the Yankees.”

  “The Yankees? That’s unbelievable for a fledgling business but you’re anything but a fledgling. You’re a Van Buren. It’s obvious you don’t need our help. I wish we were there to cheer you on. I’m proud of my little girl.”

  “So am I. Bravo,” Victoria said.

  Cheri grinned as she sipped her coffee. I think they’re truly listening to me and interested for once.

  Her father continued, “I’m sure you’re branding your business. Do you need an attorney to set up an LLC?”

  “Already done.” Cheri studied her navy nails and made a mental note to make an appointment. “I’ve got a website, a growing social media platform, culinary school contacts, other chefs on board, and of course, business cards and brochures.”

  “What colors did you select for Fifth Avenue Catering?” Victoria asked.

  “White and gold.”

  “Perfect, darling,” Victoria said. “You always did have good taste.”

  “I got it from you, Mom.”

  Her father’s voice rose with excitement. She felt like a little girl earning—and loving—his praise. “You’ve got a good head on your shoulders, Cheri. I know you’ll be a terrific businesswoman. I suppose growing up with a chef in the house helped instill your love for cooking.” He chuckled into the phone. “I can still picture you perched on a bar stool watching Julio prepare our meals.”

  Cheri felt her cheeks flush. She had many fond memories—and fantasies—of their handsome Italian chef. She not only watched him cook but had a huge crush on him which she had never told anyone since he was at least fifteen years her senior. Julio always made cooking look like an art form—and fun. He would sing and dance the salsa while preparing meals. Occasionally, he’d grab Cheri’s hand and twirl her in the kitchen. As a teen, Cheri had secretly wondered what his mouth would feel like on hers. The entire affair of food was almost orgasmic to her because of Julio. And, if she allowed herself to admit it, she dreamed of one day serving him a fine meal . . . in bed. But she assumed he had either moved back to Italy or was working with another family since they hadn’t required his services in years.

  “Cheri, are you there?” Thomas asked.

  Snapping out of her daydream, she said, “Sorry. Yes, Dad, I suppose Julio did instill my love for cooking and preparing beautiful food.” Changing the subject, she asked, “How long are you two going to be in Italy?”

  “Another few months. Wish you were here,” Thomas said. “I’ve got to run. My cell is ringing. Love you, honey. Well done on your business. Keep us posted. Bye.”

  “Bye,” Cheri said to silence. Now, where was I? Glancing at her computer screen, she had lost interest in invoicing more clients. Instead, she loaded the dishwasher and devoured pineapple yogurt and a banana. I’ve got to get out of this house and have some fun. I’m going to see if Gage will take me to that Coconuts place he mentioned.

  Chapter 16

  Alex frowned into the phone as Hannah strode across the lobby toward her office. “Gotta go, Suzy Q. The bitch is back. Let’s meet at Coconuts after work like we discussed last night. Will you remind Hope?”

  “Sure. See you later.” Before she hung up, Suzy heard Alex greet Hannah with a tone she guessed was through clenched teeth and giggled. Alex has Hannah and I have Izzy. At least we have each other.

  ~ ~ ~

  She set the phone down, leaned back, and enjoyed the blissful quiet since Ken was at work and Izzy was at school. During the silence, Suzy realized she wanted peace at home and had to smooth things over with her stepdaughter. She reheated her coffee and stared into the brown liquid as her thoughts turned to Jon and Fernando. She secretly feared she’d lose her son to Fernando’s Italian family and they’d move abroad. Maybe that was selfish but he was her only child.

  Dismissing that awful possibility, she peered out the kitchen window. The spring trees already had showy, new buds. Spring’s color palette was Suzy’s favorite. The grass was a lush, carpet-like green. Yellow daffodils and pink tulips were bursting with color. Nature had a way of relaxing her. Unlike Alex, early mornings were Suzy’s preferred time of day and when she did her best planning—and thinking.

  She padded through the house, opened her wedding calendar, and frowned. It was blank for the next two months. I’ve got to connect with more brides. This is my slowest year yet.

  Scrolling through Facebook as if for answers, Suzy had a lightbulb moment. I’m going to set up a Facebook page for my business, Weddings by Suzanne. After several haphazard tries with graphics, she created a pink and black cover banner featuring a white wedding dress graphic, her logo, and website. She outlined the banner border with pink rose petals and chose a stylish, strapless wedding dress for her profile picture. Nearly two hours later, she was satisfied with her page and invited current and past brides, friends, and family members to like her new Facebook business page.

  Why haven’t I done this before
? I need to step into the twenty-first century. Take a walk on the social media side. She made another half pot of coffee and contemplated how to drum up even more business. Referrals. That’s it. I need referrals. I also need to spotlight my clients’ weddings.

  After pouring fresh, hot java into her oversized, pink and black Weddings by Suzanne cup for inspiration, Suzy photographed her bridal logo on her mug and posted it online. Then she offered free coffee mugs to the first ten brides who shared her page. Staring at the screen, she also decided to provide five mugs and a drawing for a fifty-dollar Weddings by Suzanne coupon to brides or grooms who referred five of their friends.

  In full marketing mode, Suzy searched her photo files and uploaded several pictures from previous weddings. She added the southwestern-themed wedding with Maria and Scott where the bridesmaids wore brightly colored balloon-hemmed gowns and the groomsmen sported silky matching ties. To show examples of wedding food, she included a photo displaying the luscious Mexican feast featuring Mexican sombreros between colorful, heaping fiesta platters.

  Suzy’s eyes glistened as she studied a photo of a bride who arrived in her great grandfather’s Model T, as well as the bride whose German shepherd walked her down the aisle. She added these to her Facebook page, as well as a few more unique wedding photos to feature the variety of clients in her portfolio. She couldn’t wait to add Jon and Fernando’s wedding snapshots to the mix.

  No wonder Alex enjoys marketing. This is fun. Suzy stood, stretched, and turned on a soft jazz station as she admired the page. I’ve certainly planned a variety of weddings. She noticed Alex had already liked her new business page. She was the first. Alex may be first online but always last in person. Suzy laughed out loud. A few minutes later, Hope liked her page and so did Jon. She shook her head. Is everyone on Facebook all day, every day?