Chaos at Coconuts

by Beth Carter

  The student fidgeted in his chair.

  After she took the brown pills, she looked into his soft hazel eyes. “To what do I owe this unplanned visit?”

  Will leaned forward, looked from side to side, and behind him. The star student scooted forward in his chair until his knees bumped her desk.

  Hope’s eyebrows shot up. “Are you joining the CIA or something, Will? You’re so serious.”

  Will didn’t crack a smile as he lowered his voice. “Miss Truman, I don’t want to go to college.”

  Hope’s forehead creased, and not from her headache. “But you’re one of the brightest students we have. Actually, you’re one of the smartest we’ve ever had. What in the world do you want to do with your life that doesn’t require a college education?”

  “Weld. Construction work. Work on cars. Anything except continually proving myself to my dad. I’m sick of living up to his standards. I want to be my own person.”

  “Remind me what your dad does again?” Hope asked.

  “He’s a judge. Before that he was an attorney and he teaches law classes at college.”

  “A real slacker.”

  The student laughed. “Exactly. He wants me to follow in his footsteps but I don’t want to study law. Dad wants me to go to his alma mater. He was a legacy student and went to the same college as his dad, my grandfather. He expects me to carry on the family tradition, pledge to the same fraternity, etcetera.” Will ran his fingers through his brown, wavy hair. “I don’t know how to get out of majoring in law. He’ll flip out if I break the family tradition. I need your help, Miss Truman.”

  “You’ll probably be valedictorian of your class.” Hope’s chair creaked as she leaned back. “What do your parents think about this?”

  “I haven’t told them.” Will shifted in his seat. “I thought you could-maybe-I don’t know, tell them for me.”

  Hope leaned forward. “Will, listen to me. You’re a star. You have your whole life ahead of you. Maybe you should travel for a year and decide. Do you have the funds to do that?”

  Will cocked his head. “What do you think?”

  Hope eyed his expensive button-down shirt and leather backpack. Most of the students dressed in tees and worn jeans. Will stood out in more ways than one. She wondered if his dad—the judge—told him what to wear each day and immediately felt sorry for the wealthy, smart kid who just wanted to be his own person and find his own way.

  “Why did you mention welding or cars?”

  He shrugged. “They’re both vastly different from law.”

  Hope smiled. “That’s for sure, but somehow, I don’t think that retort will fly with your dad. Just an assumption.”

  Will rubbed his chin. “Are you kidding? He’ll probably disown me if I don’t follow his pre-planned path. What should I do, Miss Truman? I need your help.”

  Hope made idle notes on a Hilltop High School note pad. “I can’t tell you what to do, but as the school counselor, I can advise you.”

  The student leaned forward with both hands on his knees. “I’m listening.”

  “Have you ever actually worked on a car or welded? Gotten grease on your hands?”

  Will shrugged. “I changed the oil in my car a few times.”

  “Then let’s go the car route.” She picked up her desk phone. “Are you busy the next couple of days after school?”

  Will shook his head as she dialed. “I have a mechanic friend who is a whiz. He kept my parents’ dilapidated van running for years. Let me see if he’ll let you shadow him for a few days. Get your hands dirty. Really dirty.”

  Will smiled. “Great.”

  Hope explained the situation to her mechanic friend who said he’d be glad to have the extra help. She made the arrangements and Will left her office with the business address of the auto body shop written on a scrap of paper.

  She smiled to herself. Something tells me he’ll be happy to study law after some hot, back-breaking work on several cars.

  Chapter 5

  At LaGuardia Airport, Cheri bought a Diet Coke and pita chips. She found her gate and an empty seat near an outlet so she could charge her phone while she waited to board. Between bites, she felt her phone vibrate. She finished the chips and scrolled through her messages.

  Hi Honey.

  We were going to surprise you and come to Branson to help with Grandma’s estate but we simply can’t get away. Daddy has a big meeting in London. It’s always something, isn’t it? Sorry. Miss you.

  Love,

  Mom

  P.S. I saw your itinerary. Why didn’t you charter a flight? I worry about your safety. Hopefully Gage is with you.

  Cheri hadn’t bothered to tell her mother that her limo driver had gone ahead to Crystal City to survey the area and find a short-term rental for himself. She didn’t want a lecture. After all, she was a grown woman. Besides, Gage was picking her up at the airport. She highly doubted the Crystal City Airport would be overflowing with photographers and paparazzi. She reread her mother’s text. Dammit. It would have been fun—and helpful—if Mom and Dad had come to Branson too. Guess I’m on my own, as usual.

  She jumped as the ticket counter attendant loudly called passengers to board. Since she was flying first class, she boarded after the veterans and families with small children. Wearing dark sunglasses and a hat so she wouldn’t be recognized, Cheri handed the agent her ticket. At least I’ll get warm cashews and wine. I hope the airline remembered the vegetarian meal I ordered online.

  She sat in row two near the window and prayed a talkative person didn’t sit beside her. Cheri glanced out the window while buckling her seatbelt. The inky clouds matched her mood. She tensed. I hate turbulent rides. Lightning cracked so she popped a Xanax and put earbuds in. A red-faced, heavy, sweaty man with dandruff on his dark suit stuffed himself into the seat beside her. He leered, leaned across the seat rest, and offered his clammy hand. She clutched her book with both hands as if they were glued to the cover. Perfect. Just perfect.

  ~ ~ ~

  After the white-knuckle flight between New York and the Dallas connection, Cheri practically jogged to the airport bar for a calming glass of wine since the airline attendants were unable to serve on the choppy flight. Soon she boarded again and eventually landed at the Crystal City Airport. She cursed herself for not chartering a flight but hated tiny planes. Her parents never gave them a second thought.

  As she stood at the carousel waiting for her leopard print suitcases to appear, she felt someone standing a little too closely. Always on high alert in New York, she moved to the right. Soon the young man moved closer too. She turned to tell him to get out of her space when she noticed he was a gorgeous cowboy with muddy boots, worn jeans, and a tan cowboy hat—something she didn’t see every day in Manhattan.

  The guy grinned and tipped his hat. “Howdy.” He grabbed his duffle bag off the baggage carousel.

  Feeling shy, which was out of character, Cheri managed a small smile. “Hi.”

  The stranger nodded, tipped his cowboy hat again, and left.

  I think I’m going to like it here.

  Chapter 6

  Alex studied the gangly, pert, twenty-something brunette who strolled into Jim’s office as if she were on ice skates. Apparently, she had been in the back conference room and had likely heard every word of their conversation. Alex eyed the toothy woman who walked with confidence far beyond her years.

  With a flourish, the bank president stood by the young woman and beamed. “Meet your new marketing assistant.”

  The too-smiley woman extended her skinny arm and hand. She pumped Alex’s hand much too firmly and for far too long. Then she beamed at Jim. “Thanks, Daddy. Nice to meet you, Alex.”

  Daddy? Oh, God. Alex forced a painted red smile. “I didn’t realize your daughter was
all grown up, Jim.”

  The young brunette glowed. “That’s because I’ve been away at college. I’ve already started classes for my master’s, in fact.” She gazed at the bank president, Alex’s boss. “It’s good to be back in town, Daddy. I’ve missed you.”

  Perfect. A daddy’s girl who’s smart. Lucky me.

  Alex found her footing. “This is certainly a surprise.” Smiling so hard her lips froze as if she were on stage at a beauty pageant, she turned to Jim. “Where will her—Hannah, is it?—where will her office be?”

  “I’ve arranged for another desk and computer to be brought into your office. You have a spacious corner space. There’s plenty of room for both of you.” He glanced out his wall of windows and peered in the direction of Alex’s beautiful office.

  “That nice credenza may have to go, but I know you two will want to work side by side every day.”

  Alex felt nauseous. She had always adored her plush corner office and the fact that she stood shoulder to shoulder with male officers who were by far in the majority at the bank. Now, she had to share her perfect space. And with the boss’s daughter? Gag.

  Hannah rubbed her hands together. “I can’t wait to get started. I’ve always wanted to work with Daddy.” She shot another adoring glance toward her father.

  Alex wanted to puke.

  “That’s my girl. All business. Alex, take her to the stock room and load Hannah up with office supplies.”

  Alex would prefer to throw Post-it notes at Hannah but somehow nodded and managed a smile. Her nice day—hell, possibly her year—was now wrecked. As they walked across the lobby, Alex tried to calm herself. Maybe Hannah won’t be so bad. Maybe I won’t mind sharing my office.

  Bullshit. I hate it already.

  Alex steered Hannah toward the stock room and pointed at shelves containing pens, pads, printer paper, stationery, envelopes, Post-it notes, and other office supplies. “Gather what you need. I’ll be right back.”

  Hannah’s perfect, toothy smile had already faded in the absence of her father.

  I don’t trust her. It’s just my gut but I don’t. Alex took the stairs two at a time and called Suzy. She gave her the bottom line about her boss’s daughter and arranged for an emergency meeting at Coconuts. “Call Hope. I don’t have time. It’s not even 9 o’clock and I already need a drink.”

  “You’ve got this, sweetie. Remember you catch more flies with honey. I’ll alert Hope. See you at Coconuts after work.”

  Alex wanted to cry. Her boss had tainted her perfect job and with his daughter, no less. She wanted to drive to Coconuts right now. But she had to deal with Hannah first. When Alex returned to her office, Hannah was seated at her desk and had piled her supplies in a heap in the middle.

  Alex motioned with her hand. “That’s my desk.”

  Hannah’s brows knitted. “I was hoping I could use this one so I could stare at my father all day.”

  Alex clenched her teeth. “Not in a million—”

  Jim strolled in and plopped in a chair. “I see you’re already getting settled. Nice of you to give Hannah your desk, Alex. Yours will arrive soon. It’s somewhat smaller but I’m sure you’ll adjust.”

  “I didn’t give her my—”

  Hannah’s voice rose two octaves higher. “Isn’t she the sweetest thing to give me her desk, Daddy?”

  “Very thoughtful.” Jim stood and patted the door frame. “Now, if you two will excuse me, I have a loan customer arriving any minute.”

  Chapter 7

  Cheri retrieved her second leopard print bag off the luggage carousel. I wonder where Gage is. He’s never late. As if on cue, her limo driver appeared.

  “Hi, boss. Sorry I’m late. There’s a lot of construction on Highway 65. There was only one lane for traffic.” He sighed and reached for her bags. “I’m on it now. You hungry?”

  “Not really and don’t call me your boss. It makes me feel old. Besides, we’re more like friends.” She stretched. “I’d rather get to Grandma’s house. How far away is it? I haven’t been back to Missouri in years.”

  Gage heaved Cheri’s carry-on on top of her monstrous suitcase. “About forty-five minutes away. Not bad unless traffic is backed up again.”

  Cheri groaned. “I hope not. I’ve had a long travel day.”

  He led her to the shiny black limo and opened the door. She climbed inside and glanced over her shoulder. No photographers. No blinding flashes. What a welcome change from New York. She smiled to herself. I can just be me.

  Once Gage was behind the wheel, he offered her wine or champagne.

  “Gage, it’s me. I’m not like Daddy or Mom. You don’t have to be so businesslike.” She opened the mini-fridge. “Besides, I had wine at the airport. I’m having water. Want some?”

  He shook his head. “Just trying to live up to my job description, boss.”

  Cheri tilted her head. “Again with the ‘boss.’ Let’s go. I’m so happy the paparazzi didn’t follow me from New York.”

  He nodded. “Definitely a nice change, although it’s a fun game of mine to lose them in traffic.” Gage turned around, winked, and eased the limo into a lane as Cheri dozed in the back.

  ~ ~ ~

  Cheri awoke when Gage turned off the ignition. Peeking outside the car window at the familiar house, she brushed away tears. “I miss Nana. I wish I were here to visit her instead of—”

  “I know.” Gage opened the back door. “She was a great lady. Let’s check the lights, water, and take a quick tour since, I assume, no one has been in the house for a while.”

  “Good idea.” Cheri unlocked the welcoming, red door. The showy foyer chandelier glistened. Only a few cobwebs had formed on the dangling crystal. She stepped into the gleaming kitchen filled with mostly unused stainless-steel appliances wedged around a massive brown and gold granite counter.

  “Nice house. I’ll check the bathrooms and bedrooms. Be right back.” Gage returned after a few minutes. “All clear. Just for you, I peeked inside closets, under beds, and even the showers.”

  “Thanks. How about outside?” Cheri threw back the curtains for the window overlooking an enormous deck and Crystal City Lake. “Even though it’s dark and I can’t see the water, I already feel more relaxed.” She grinned. “Do you hear what I hear?”

  Gage raised his eyebrows. “I don’t hear anything.”

  She winked. “Bingo. No blaring horns.”

  Gage nodded then flipped on an outdoor light and stepped onto the deck. “The coast is clear. No boogey man. This is a beautiful house. I’m sure the view is amazing.”

  “From what I remember it is.” Cheri hugged her limo driver. “Thanks for doing a security check. I’ll sleep much better now.”

  “No problem, boss. I mean, I’ll let myself out. Lock the door behind me.” Gage turned around as he opened the front door. “By the way, when I scouted Crystal City, I found a fun place I think you’ll enjoy.”

  “Good,” Cheri said. “I’ll be ready for some fun soon. What’s it called?”

  “Coconuts.”

  “Cute name. Let’s go soon. I want to get settled first.”

  “Just call or text when you’re ready to hit the town.” Gage opened the door and left.

  Cheri double locked the door, peeked out the peephole until Gage drove away, and made coffee for the following morning. After unpacking a few clothes, she sat in the middle of the bed. It’s so quiet here. I’m not sure if I can sleep without the city noises. Soon, the day caught up with her. She stretched, yawned, and crawled beneath a white sheet and colorful patchwork quilt, likely handmade by her grandmother. Making a mental note to take a picture of the bedding to see if her mother remembered the heirloom, she laid her head on the cool pillow but her mind raced.

  Unable to sleep, she eventually gave
up and turned on her laptop. I’ve really got to stop this stupid Internet dating. It never works out but at least I can be anonymous—be halfway normal instead of a wealthy Van Buren. She logged onto her favorite site and scanned smiling images of strangers. Now that she was in a different zip code, there would be an entirely new crop of men from which to choose. Cheri knew her parents would have an attack if they knew about her online escapades but it never kept her from trolling the dating sites.

  Chapter 8

  Alex paced like a caged lion. There was no way in hell she was giving up her desk to this spoiled, fake-smiley brat. She had worked long hours to become vice president and this manipulative bitch wasn’t going to win. She patted the corner of her desk. “Just so we’re clear, Han-nah, this is my desk. You may be the boss’s daughter but you’re my new assistant. We don’t want to get off on the wrong foot, do we?”

  Hannah feigned a hurt look. “Have your silly desk then.” She picked up her supplies, and with dramatic flair, flung them into the chair her father had just vacated. She sank down on the other chair and propped her feet on the corner of the desk.

  Alex glared at her. “You’re not in your freaking living room. Get your feet off my desk.”

  Hannah ignored Alex, crossed her ankles, and busied herself with her giant, apparently bottomless, purse.

  Livid, Alex decided to ignore the posturing. She knew she’d win eventually and had to pace herself. Taking a cleansing breath, she turned her computer on. As the screen flickered to life, she turned to Hannah. “I’m not sure what you’ll work on since the ground breaking, let alone the grand opening, is months away. There are several details to work out first.”

  “Why don’t you give me some of your projects? You’ll see that I’m very capable. I’m working on my master’s degree.”