by Beth Carter
“Thank you. I’ve noticed you ladies in here a few times. I’m glad you invited me over.”
“Why are you in Crystal City?” Alex asked. “If I may be blunt, that is.”
Suzy leaned forward. “Alex is always blunt. That’s one of the things we love about her. That and how she checks glasses for lipstick smudges.”
Hope playfully elbowed Alex. “Don’t forget about how she places silverware in her lap until plates arrive so the table germs don’t infect the utensils.”
Alex flung her hands in the air. “Stop it. You’ll give Cheri the wrong idea about me.”
Cheri flashed a million-dollar smile. “Nothing wrong with being a germaphobe. Just ask Howie Mandell. I love that guy. I recently catered a dinner party for him.” Her diamond solitaire earrings twinkled as she spoke. “To answer your question, I’m here because of my sweet, darling grandmother.” Her eyes filled with tears. “Nana passed away and I’m helping with her estate, not that it’s huge. Still, she meant the world to me.” She blew out her breath and sipped her drink.
The three friends murmured condolences.
Cheri continued, “Since my parents are in Europe for several months—maybe a year—I was tasked with selling her home.”
“Where is the house? Here in Crystal City?” Hope asked.
“Close. It’s in Branson, but the thing is, I fell in love with it. I hadn’t visited Nana since I helped her renovate it from afar—” Her voice broke. “Much to my dismay, I never visited to see the final renovations. I wish I had sat with her on the deck overlooking Crystal Lake sipping lemonade like we did when I was a kid.” Cheri’s voice wobbled. She held up a hand. “Sorry, I finally meet some female friends and you must think I’m a nut case crying like this.”
Suzy, Alex, and Hope said, “Not at all” and “Of course not.”
Cheri gathered herself. “I’m going to buy the house. I don’t want it to leave the family. It’s all I have left of my sweet Nana.”
Alex’s eyebrows shot up. “You’re moving from New York permanently?”
“No. Never.” Cheri shook her head. “I mean, I enjoy it here but I love Manhattan. My work is there. Maybe I’ll find new opportunities here in the Midwest, plus it’ll be a great retreat when life gets crazy in New York. When I’m in the city, I long to see blue sky and green grass. I’m starting to get used to this slower pace.” She groaned. “Being chased by paparazzi isn’t fun and games.”
“We noticed several photographers were here the night you arrived at Coconuts.” Alex’s face lit up. “That was exciting.”
Cheri made a face. “Someone must have tipped them off. At least they didn’t hang around long. There have to be several celebrities in the area to make it worth their while to hide out in the bushes. I haven’t seen TMZ in town. I guess there aren’t too many celebs in Crystal City. I’m not a big enough draw to hold their attention for long.”
Hope stared at the newcomer agog. “I think you’re a big draw.”
Cheri grinned. “You’re sweet.” She took a sip of her amber drink that contained two cherries.
“What’re you drinking?” Alex asked.
Cheri laughed. “It’s called ‘Angry Balls.’ It’s Fireball cinnamon whiskey with Angry Orchard crisp apple hard cider and two maraschino cherries.”
All four women laughed so hard every patron turned in their direction. “I’m ordering that next time,” Alex said.
Suzy held her wineglass in the air. “Here’s to Angry Balls.” The women clinked their glasses together.
“I’m glad you approve. After getting my grandmother’s estate settled, I’m considering opening a satellite location here for my business, Fifth Avenue Catering.”
“Not that you need the mon—” Hope clapped her hand over her mouth. “Sorry. It’s hard for me to hide my jealousy. You’re gorgeous—and rich. I’d be ecstatic with just one of those attributes.”
Cheri stiffened, obviously not thrilled the women had discussed her wealth.
Suzy clearly noticed the New Yorker’s stance and interjected, “Hope has had a tough year.”
“Sorry to hear that. It’s okay. I’m a New Yorker. I have pretty thick skin. I suppose anyone who reads People knows about the Van Burens. I forget that at times since I never read the trades. It’s tough—and weird—when strangers are aware of your personal business.”
Alex attempted to change the subject. “If you don’t mind my asking, what’s up with the guys who approach your table? Are you interviewing other limo drivers?” She scanned Coconuts. “By the way, I haven’t seen the hot one who was with you the night you arrived.”
Cheri giggled. “He is pretty hot, isn’t he?”
Alex scrunched her nose. “Did I just put my foot in my mouth? Do you two date?”
“No, he’s employed by my family. He’s still here but may go back to New York soon to pick up freelance jobs transporting celebrities since I’ve been driving myself around Crystal City and Branson. I’m enjoying the freedom of driving.” She touched the rim of her glass. “I don’t date employees but I’ll tell you a secret.”
Chapter 40
The women leaned forward.
“I had a mad crush on our Italian chef as a kid.”
“A chef?” Hope’s mouth fell open. “I’ve never known anyone who had a chef. Did he teach you how to cook?”
“I suppose by observing him I learned several tricks of the trade but I was much younger then. Julio was handsome, dashing, and a swoon-worthy Italian.” Cheri’s cheeks pinkened. “He was hot.”
Suzy chuckled. “Is he still in New York?”
“I’m not sure where he is. The last I heard he lives in Rome. When I went to college, my parents traveled extensively, so there wasn’t a need for a full-time chef.” She sighed. “I’d love to see him again someday but I doubt that’ll ever happen.”
Alex shook her head in disbelief. “I can’t imagine having a fancy schmancy chef. I’d probably gain fifty pounds. But back to the guys you meet at Coconuts. Who are they?”
“You’re going to lose all respect for me now.” Cheri held her half-empty glass in the air and motioned for Gus to bring another. “I need another drink before I explain meeting strange men.”
When Gus approached, Alex said, “Angry Balls all around. This one is on me.” She winked. “I have a feeling it’s gonna be worth it.”
Gus nodded and soon returned balancing a tray of four amber-filled glasses containing two bright red cherries in each concoction. “Changing it up, I see. I won’t ask.”
The women giggled, waited until he left, and all three turned toward Cheri who held her glass in the air. “Here’s to new friends.”
Everyone raised a glass and echoed, “To new friends.”
“Enough stalling,” Alex said. “Spill.”
Cheri turned toward Alex. “Are you sure you aren’t from the East Coast? Your friends are right. You are blunt.” She chuckled. “It’s simple, really. I’ve always led a sheltered life due to our status. Men were often afraid to ask me out. I-I guess I thought the anonymity would be an easy way to meet men. I used to get a kick out of it but it never, ever works out.”
Suzy’s mouth fell open. “Are you serious? Someone of your stature would go out with strangers?”
Cheri sipped her drink. “That’s another reason why I do. Once people hear my real name, they want to go out with me for all the wrong reasons—my money, the prestige, or to be seen and photographed with me. Because of that, my online photo is a bit of a disguise and I only use my first name sort of like Madonna or Cher.”
“I guess I can see the rationale but . . .” Alex said.
“But what?” Cheri asked.
“By the looks of the guys you meet here—” Alex could hardly get the words out. She laughed so hard she had to clamp
her hand over her mouth. “Sorry but you need to find another dating website.”
Cheri leaned back in her chair. “So far, I’ve bombed miserably with Midwestern guys. I may be using an alias but many of them are using outdated photos—or someone else’s.”
“What’s your disguise?” Hope asked.
“I wear a huge, floppy beach hat and white sunglasses halfway down my nose, plus my photo is shot from the side. Besides, I don’t know that many men who read People and Us.” Cheri grimaced. “Don’t tell anyone. My parents would be horrified if they knew I did this. I know I need to stop.” She smiled at the women. “I hope you won’t judge me for my ridiculous behavior.”
Suzy patted her arm. “We’d never judge you. Join us any time. We’ve been friends since high school and have been through a lot together. I don’t know where I’d be without Alex and Hope.”
“Same here,” Alex and Hope said in unison.
“That’s sweet. Really sweet. Ladies, I’ve got to go. I promised to send several menu options for a celebrity rehearsal dinner first thing in the morning.” As Cheri stood, she broke into a wide grin. “Thanks again for inviting me to your table.”
“I’m glad you joined us.” Hope glanced at Suzy and Alex. “As far as I’m concerned, you have an open invitation.”
“Ditto,” Suzy said.
“Stay away from those Internet dates.” Alex winked at Cheri and then turned to Suzy and Hope. “Who wants coffee?”
They both nodded. “It’s too soon to go home.” Alex waved Gus over as Suzy’s cell phone rang.
Chapter 41
Alex and Hope kept silent while Suzy answered using her professional voice. “Hello, Weddings by Suzanne.”
The one-sided conversation was filled with “Yes,” “No problem,” “Halloween?” “Uh, sure,” and “When?” Suzy asked a few follow-up questions while simultaneously glancing at her watch. “I’m at Coconuts. Do you know where that is?” Suzy paused, then asked, “Are you 21 or older?” She waited for a response. “Good. Meet me here in thirty minutes.”
After she hung up, Alex said, “Let me guess. That was a new bride who wants a Halloween wedding this fall?” She made a dusting motion with her hands. “Right?”
“You’re partially correct. That was a new bride who wants a Halloween-themed wedding, although she’s in a rush and wants to get married in about three weeks.”
Alex’s mouth fell open. “That’s unheard of. Can you plan a wedding that fast?”
Suzy gave a pretend hurt look. “How long have we known each other?”
“A spring Halloween wedding,” Hope said. “That’s different.”
“I can’t wait to see the bride-to-be,” Alex said. “I bet she’s dressed goth-like in all black.”
Hope frowned. “You’re stereotyping. Maybe she’ll be wearing ruffles and pink.”
Alex chuckled. “Actually, I hope she does wear girly clothes. That would be hilarious but who wants a Halloween-themed wedding, especially in the spring? What’s the bride’s name?”
“Priscilla,” Suzy said.
Alex shrugged. “Doesn’t help. And her fiancé?”
“Rodney.”
“Definitely doesn’t help,” Alex said.
Suzy sighed. “I don’t know how these brides find me.”
“You probably have a reputation as being patient and kind,” Hope said. “In other words, you’ll put up with their crap.”
“Unlike me.” Alex reached for a chip Gus had placed on the table. She plunked it in salsa. “I couldn’t take it. I have enough problems with my bratty intern at work.”
Hope giggled. “Sorry, Alex, but I’ve had to deal with some challenging students for years and Suzy has had her fill of neurotic brides. It’s your turn, sweetie.”
Alex feigned shock. “Ouch. That really hurts.”
Suzy held up her hand. “I started this conversation, remember? Back to my bride . . .”
Alex simultaneously sipped her coffee while dipping chips in salsa. She winced as the front door opened and bright light streamed inside. After her eyes adjusted, she gasped and pointed with her head.
“There’s the hot limo driver.” She scanned the room. “I wonder if he saw Cheri in the parking lot.” She never took her eyes off the man in black who sported sunglasses as dark as night. He scanned the room and zeroed in when he spotted her.
Alex felt the burn of his stare and peered behind her shoulder.
Hope chuckled. “He’s not looking behind you. He’s looking at you.”
The women gawked as the well-dressed guy with the short, marine-like haircut strode across the room in seemingly two steps.
Alex glanced at her friends. “I’m suddenly at a loss for words.”
The limo driver cleared his throat as he casually rested his hand on the back of Alex’s chair. “Care to dance?”
Alex’s eyebrows shot up. “There’s no music.”
He grinned. “I wanted to get your attention.”
Alex noticed Hope had leaned forward on her elbow and Suzy gawked with her phone in mid-air.
“It worked.” She extended her hand. “Hi. I’m Alex. And this is—”
“Suzy and Hope,” he answered.
All three women looked surprised. Hope found her voice first. “How did you—”
“Part of my job. I need to know who Cheri Van Buren meets with. Her parents wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Suzy set her phone on her lap. “Now that you have everyone’s attention, you should know Alex loves a man in uniform.”
He looked down at his all-black clothes. “This isn’t exactly a uniform.”
“Close enough,” Suzy said.
“Ignore my ridiculous friend.” Alex beamed at the limo driver. “It sounds like you take your job seriously and do your research.”
A loud male voice cut through the casual conversation. “Do you know about me too? Because I know all about you.”
Alex jumped. “I thought you were on duty.”
“I’m full of surprises.” Lt. Tony Montgomery flanked Alex’s other side.
An awkward silence filled the area as Tony and the limo driver eyed one another like two bulls. In an effort to ease the tension, Alex waved Gus over. “Why don’t you guys pull up a chair?”
The two men added a second table while still staring at one another. Gus handed them zebra-striped menus. “Care to hear the specials?”
Tony never took his gaze off Limo Driver. “No, but I’ll take a whiskey.”
The limo driver said, “Same here. Make mine a double.”
Hope and Suzy’s heads swiveled toward Alex, obviously waiting for her next move. Alex swallowed. “Why don’t you bring us a sampling of appetizers, Gus?”
“What kind?”
“Surprise us.” She folded her arms and sat stiffly, weighing the awkward predicament. “And wine. I’d like more wine.”
Suzy nodded. “It’s the weekend. I’ll take one more glass.”
“After my week, I deserve another too,” Hope said.
In a palpable attempt to fill the uncomfortable silence, Hope blathered on and on about a new student with annoying helicopter parents, even though everyone mostly ignored her.
Suzy glanced at her watch. “I wonder where my Halloween couple is.”
Thankfully, Gus appeared with a tray filled with a variety of meat, cheese, crackers, olives, and tapenade. Both Tony and Limo Guy reached for the same piece of meat.
“Carnivores.” Alex laughed. “Figures.” She unfolded her wrapped napkin and removed the knife. “Let’s cut it in half.”
“No need.” Tony put a hunk in his mouth and handed the other half to the limo driver.
“I’m not interested in your saliva.” Inst
ead, Limo Driver reached for a triangle of cheese.
Alex laughed, and Tony glared at her.
“What? That was funny,” she said.
“Time to go, Alex.” Tony gulped his whiskey.
Alex crossed her arms. “The food just arrived.”
“Let’s go.”
Limo Driver scowled at him. “What’s the rush? Seems like the pretty lady doesn’t want to leave.”
Tony’s voice rose a notch “The pretty lady is my girlfriend. Why don’t you go back to New York or wherever you came from?”
Limo Driver put his hand on the back of Alex’s chair. “I rather like it here. Nice scenery. Pretty lakes and even prettier women.”
The two men were clearly both staking a claim. Alex searched Suzy’s eyes as if for help. Happily, the front door opened wide. As sunshine once again filled the darkened room, everyone turned and squinted at the new arrivals.
A young twenty-something girl dressed in a low-cut white tank, a long, black skirt, and flip-flops walked toward the center of Coconuts. Tattoo sleeves covered one of her arms. As she scanned the room, her jet-black hair swished across her shoulders.
“So much for pink and ruffles,” Alex said. “Fifty bucks that’s your Halloween bride.”
Chapter 42
A tall young man, obviously her fiancé, grasped the young woman’s hand. He wore faded, torn jeans, a black KISS tee, and had those big, floppy ear lobe expanders.
“Yep. That must be them.” Suzy stood and waved the couple over.
As they got closer, Alex noticed the man had fake horns coming out of his head. She whispered, “Ow. Holy shit. That looks painful.”
Tony laughed and turned to Limo Driver. “Bet you don’t see that in New York.”
He shrugged. “Are you kidding? Every day. No big deal.”
“I think this is my cue.” Limo Driver downed his whiskey, glanced at Alex, and touched her shoulder. “Later.”
