by Beth Carter
“That’s what I want. Thanks. Tomorrow at eight o’clock?”
Alex groaned. “Are you another one of those morning people? I work with all morning people.” She glanced at the calendar on her phone. “I have an 8 o’clock meeting tomorrow that’ll run about two hours. How about 10?”
“It’s a date. See you at ten.”
“Uh . . . do you need an address?” Alex asked.
“I’m a driver, remember? I can find anything. I’ll be at Show-Me Bank at ten on the dot.”
Alex smirked. “On the dot?”
Hope giggled. “Our dear Alex isn’t exactly prompt. That’s one of her many endearing qualities. Another one is—”
Alex shot Hope a look. “He doesn’t want my life story.
“Maybe I do.” Gage chuckled as he stood. “I’ll be right back, ladies.”
Alex waited until he walked through the restroom door before turning toward her friends. “What was that all about? You know I’m dating Tony.”
“Like we said earlier, maybe you should keep your options open, especially after that scene with his ex,” Suzy said.
Alex grimaced. “I know today was rough. Really rough. But after going through pure agony, Tony and I are finally together. It may not be perfect but we’ve made it through some tough times. I know he has baggage but don’t we all?”
Gage returned to the table, totally unaware of the women’s conversation. “Maybe you’d like to have lunch together after I open a new account tomorrow.”
Alex squirmed.
Hope kicked her under the table.
“I don’t know. I’m in a—”
Hope kicked her again. “She’ll have lunch with you. She was just telling me about a new restaurant near the bank.”
“I was?”
Hope grinned. “Yes. It’s two blocks north of Show-Me Bank. A new Chinese place. You told me you’ve been dying to go.”
Suzy winked. “I remember that conversation.”
Alex cocked her head. “Must have slipped my mind.”
Hope leaned forward. “Alex is a fancy schmancy bank vice president. She got promoted last year. We’re proud of her.”
Alex held up her hand. “Okay, okay. That’s enough.” She motioned toward her friends. “Hope is a superb high school counselor and Suzy is the go-to wedding planner in Crystal City. But I’m guessing you already knew all of this since you guard Cheri.”
“Maybe.” Gage winked. “Diverse occupations. I like it. How do you know each other?”
“High school” they said in unison.
“We’ve known each other for over twenty years,” Suzy said.
Alex elbowed her. “You didn’t have to add that. It makes us sound really old.” She eyed the limo driver and guessed he was at least five years her junior, maybe more.
“Not old at all,” Gage said. “You look like you’re thirty, if that.”
Alex beamed. “You just want me to buy you another beer.”
Suzy turned to Hope. “I think it’s time for me to go home.”
Hope faked a yawn. “Me, too. Call me tomorrow, Alex. Good to see you, Gage.”
Alex turned her head away from Gage’s view and mouthed, “Don’t leave.”
Suzy kissed her on the cheek. “I’ve got two weddings to plan and a husband at home. Gotta run, doll.”
Alex’s mouth went dry as she watched her friends walk out the door.
Seemingly amused, Gage’s lips curved up. “Are you in a hurry, too, or did I forget my deodorant today?”
Weighing her options, Alex said, “I can stay a while.”
Chapter 51
Gage waved the server over and requested menus. “I’m starving, are you?”
“I can always eat,” Alex said.
“I like to hear that. Another round, please.”
Alex already felt woozy from the drink earlier since she had an empty stomach but eagerly accepted another. After all, she had had the afternoon from hell. She leaned forward and slurred slightly. “So . . . are-are you originally from New York?”
Gage sipped his fresh beer and smiled as foam covered his lip.
Alex studied his lips a little too intently. For a second, the thought of licking the foam off occurred to her. What is wrong with me? I have a boyfriend. She wobbled in her chair.
“We need to get some food in you,” Gage said. “I hope the server hurries up with our grilled cheese and tomato bisque.”
“Gus,” Alex said.
“What?”
“The server,” Alex said. “His name is Gus. He’s a nice guy and always remembers what you drink.”
“Good to know,” Gage said. “And, no.”
“No, what?”
“I’m not from New York.”
“Man, I do need to eat. I’m forgetting our conversation.”
Gus returned with water and silverware. Rather than place it on the table, he handed Alex her place setting. “I know you don’t like it touching the table.”
Alex pursed her lips and motioned with her head toward Gage, as if to indicate she didn’t want Gage to know about her idiosyncrasies.
The server shrugged. “Well, you don’t like it to touch.”
Alex rolled her eyes as she placed her napkin and silverware in her lap.
“What was that about?” Gage asked.
“Nothing, really. I don’t like germs. No big deal.” She dug in her purse for antibacterial gel but couldn’t find it.
Gage reached into his pocket. “Looking for some of this?”
“How did you know?” she asked.
He chuckled. “I have it too.”
“What?” she asked.
“A touch of OCD.”
Alex lit up. “Really? My girlfriends aren’t bothered by anything. I’m not manic about it. I don’t get up and straighten the—”
“Fringe on the rug in the middle of the night,” they both said in unison. Alex grinned and gave Gage a high-five. They both laughed as Gus set down steaming bowls of tomato soup with floating, crispy Asiago cheese croutons and grilled cheese sandwiches cut into four perfect pieces. “I love how they cut their sandwiches into four symmetrical squares.”
“It’s a nice touch.” Gage took a huge bite of his sandwich.
As they devoured their food, Alex’s mind raced. What am I doing? What about Tony? What about his shitty ex? And Joey? Maybe I should reevaluate my relationship like Suzy and Hope said.
Gage spoke first. “You won’t believe this but I’m from the Midwest. Kansas City, in fact.”
Alex’s eyes widened. “No wonder you don’t have an east coast accent.” She smiled. “I love KC, especially the Courtyard Country Club Plaza. The architecture is stunning. I haven’t been there in years.”
Gage took a bite of soup. “Great restaurants in KC too, plus I’m a Royals fan.”
“Cardinals,” she said.
He laughed. “As long as there isn’t another I-44 World Series, we’re good.” Gage wiped his mouth. “I could eat another sandwich. Want one?”
Alex rubbed her belly. “No, I’m stuffed. Why did you leave Kansas City for New York City? Do you have a thing about metropolitan areas that end with ‘city?’ You do realize you’re in Crystal City, right?”
He chuckled. “Funny, I never thought about that. I went to college at UMKC’s pharmaceutical school.”
“You’re a limo-driving pill counter?” Alex asked.
“And you’re a money counter?”
“Touché.”
Gage sipped his beer. “Nah, I didn’t like it. My dad was a pharmacist at a small osteopathic hospital. He loved it and wanted me to follow in his footsteps. I knew it was a good, steady job with a nice salary and benefits,
but honestly, it was as boring as hell.”
Alex blew on her hot soup. “I can imagine. I wouldn’t want to be behind a little counter sorting pills all day. Go on. How did you end up in New York?”
“I saved up some cash and decided to see what New York City offered. I soon discovered the astronomical rent but loved the diversity and electricity of the city. I found some roommates and made it work.”
“Interesting. How did you land your limo-driving job?”
“Everyone in NYC knows of the Van Burens. They were constantly on the society page and followed by paparazzi. One winter I went ice skating at Rockefeller Center and noticed a huge commotion and throng of photographers. Skaters, shoppers, and tourists gathered around to watch, kind of like how you rubberneck when there’s a car wreck.”
Alex bobbed her head. “And?”
“I recognized the young woman who simply wanted to ice skate: Cheri Van Buren. She was obviously blinded by the flash of the cameras and fell on the ice. The photographers kept hounding Cheri and I felt sorry for her. I mean she just wanted to do something normal. Be like everyone else. It was a beautiful evening underneath a towering Christmas tree at 30 Rock.”
Alex made a face. “That’s too bad. We always look up to celebrities but I suppose there is a downside to being famous. Did you meet her that night?”
“No, I used my investigative skills to find her email and contacted her. I told her I witnessed the ice skating event and said I’d like to be her driver to protect her from the money-hungry photographers. Much to my surprise, she contacted me the following day. As they say, the rest is history.”
“That’s a sweet story.” Alex scanned the almost-empty bar.
Gage glanced at his vibrating phone. “I need to take this. It’s Cheri.”
Chapter 52
Alex went to the restroom to give him some privacy. When she returned, she asked, “Does she need a driver?”
He shook his head. “Nope. In fact, she said she won’t need my services for nearly a week. She has a lot on her plate with her grandmother’s house and her business.” He shrugged. “Cheri told me to feel free to fly back to New York and take a couple of freelance limo jobs. I might do that.”
Gage glanced at the calendar on his phone. “Looks like there are several events coming up at Rockefeller Center and the 92nd Street Y. There will be plenty of celebrities who need drivers. It’s an easy way to pick up extra cash.” He put his phone back on the table.
Alex felt a flicker of disappointment. “When will you return?”
“Whenever Cheri needs me, I’ll hop on a plane the next day.” He finished his beer. “It wouldn’t surprise me if she extended her stay here.”
To Alex’s surprise, her heart raced at the thought of Gage returning. “Your career is interesting. Do you know who you’ll chauffeur in New York?”
“I’ll know after I arrive. Their managers contact me. It’s always top secret until the day of the event.”
“Who are some of the celebrities you’ve worked with?”
Gage smiled. “Once I drove Neil Patrick Harris to the 92nd Street Y. Another time, it was Elton John and Billy Joel to Madison Square Garden.”
Alex’s mouth fell open. “I can’t imagine. You act like you chauffeured your uncles.” She laughed. “How long will you be gone?”
He wiped his mouth. “For a week or two unless something—or someone—keeps me here.”
Alex felt herself flush. “What if Cheri decides to stay in Branson? Then what?”
He drained his beer. “I can’t see Cheri living here full time, but if she does, I’ll reassess my career options. I still have family in Kansas City and Crystal City is nice too.”
She cocked her head. “Well, it does end in the right word.”
He grinned. “True that. The scenery’s nice and I’m not talking about the mountains nor the trees.” Gage reached across the table for Alex’s hand.
She reflexively pulled back.
Gage stiffened. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to be overly forward. You’re hard to resist.”
“No, it’s me. I’m a mess. A hot mess.”
He winked. “Aside from the OCD thing?”
“That’s the least of my worries,” she said.
Gus reappeared. “Another round?”
Alex shook her head. “I’ve had more than enough. I should be going. It’s getting late.”
Gage reached for his wallet. “Wait up. I’ll walk you out. I’ll take the ticket, Gus.”
“I bought the beer for you, plus my drinks are on there,” Alex protested. “It’s too much.”
He waved his hand. “Cheri pays me well. Besides, I want to treat.”
“That’s sweet. Thank you.”
After Gage paid the bill, he pulled out Alex’s chair.
She beamed at him. “You’re quite the gentleman.”
He winked. “It’s in my job description, but I’d do it anyway.”
She leaned against him when she lost her footing. “Whoops. I think I had one too many.”
Gage put his arm around her shoulders to steady her. “Should we order some coffee?”
“Maybe. Let me get some fresh air first and see if that helps.”
Gage steered her into the parking lot. In order to balance herself, Alex pressed her head against his shoulder.
A shadow appeared out of nowhere. “Am I interrupting something?” Tony’s voice boomed as he narrowed his eyes and glanced from Alex to Gage.
Chapter 53
At the sound of Tony’s voice, Alex jumped and stumbled. Gage caught her before she landed on the gravel. She glared at her cop boyfriend. “Dammit. You’ve got to stop sneaking up on me.”
“After the fallout with my ex, I drove back to your house and saw you were gone. I thought you might be here with your girlfriends. Obviously, I was wrong.” Tony’s jaw clenched as he eyed the limo driver.
Alex shifted her purse. “This-This is . . .”
“Gage.” The limo driver extended his hand but Tony kept his in his pocket. Gage gave Tony a steely gaze. “And you are?”
“Lt. Tony Montgomery, otherwise known as Alex’s boyfriend. I’m sure you remember me from the other night.”
Gage’s mouth curved. “Yeah, I remember. You ate all the meat.”
Tony squared his shoulders and reached for Alex. “I’ll take over from here.”
Alex stood in place beside Gage. She didn’t like Tony’s possessiveness, especially after the Nikki incident. “I’m fine to drive home . . . alone.”
Tony scowled. “I’d hate for you to get a DUI. I don’t think the bank president would approve.”
“I’m not drunk. I’m fine.” Alex shifted her purse. “I’ll drive slowly and take back roads.”
Tony reached for her again. “Come on. Let’s go. How about a pizza?”
“We just ate,” Gage said with a wide smile, obviously enjoying the dueling match.
Alex noticed Tony’s eyes flickered and not in a good way. She decided to neutralize the situation. “I have an early day tomorrow. Like I said, I’ll drive myself.”
Tony took a step forward and so did Gage.
“I’m not sure the lady wants to leave with you, Mr. Cop.”
“That’s Lt. Montgomery to you.”
Gage snorted. “I see. You can call me Mr. Carver.”
Alex gulped as they eyed one another like two bulls. She and Gage had been having fun until Tony spoiled it.
After a few, long seconds, Gage reached into his pocket for his key fob. “Looks like you two have unfinished business. Nice chatting with you, Alex. Here’s my card. Call me any time.” Alex surprised herself by blinking back tears. If he even shows up to open an account tomorrow, he’ll probably never want an
ything to do with me again. What’s wrong with me? I just met this guy. She glanced at the simple, yet tasteful black and white business card.
Tony reached over, snatched the card, and shoved it into his pocket. “You won’t be needing this.”
Alex crossed her arms, leaned against her car, and fumed. The cool night air had already sobered her. She glared at Tony. “Where’s your darling ex?”
“How would I know?” Tony reached for her. His voice was husky. “Since we got rid of limo asshole, let’s go to your house.”
“He’s not an asshole.” Alex ran her fingers through her hair. “Besides, I thought you had Joey tonight.”
“I’ll be the judge of whether or not he’s an asshole.” Tony leaned against a car. “As far as Joey’s concerned, Nikki was so pissed about you, not to mention the fact that Joey was also apparently upset, so she took the little guy to play mini golf.” He reached for Alex again.
Alex weighed her options. She was still furious about the encounter with his ridiculous ex-wife and now she was confused about Gage. “I’m tired. I don’t understand what’s going on any more.”
“What are you talking about?” He put both hands around her face but she pulled away.
“Not here.”
“That never used to bother you before, even when I was married.”
Alex could barely swallow past the huge lump in her throat. “I need time to think about . . . everything. I think-I think I need some space.”
Tony’s jaw tightened. “You met some New York prick and now we’re on the skids?”
Alex shrugged, feeling weary from the day’s extreme events. “I’m confused. That’s all. Maybe after a little time and space—”
“I don’t know what the hell you’re confused about. You couldn’t wait for me to get a divorce and now here I am—single—and you’re pushing me away.” He spit on the gravel. “This is rich.”
