by Beth Carter
Hope grinned, happy to delay the janitor-dad conversation. “Unbelievably, the houses are already framed. The nine Amish brothers framed the homes in record time. Neighbors pitched in, too. Many cried and bonded while driving nails or sawing lumber. And the students.” Hope shook her head. “I know I keep saying this but I’m so in awe of them. Like Suzy said, they’re learning teamwork and life skills, plus, it’s wonderful to see them get their heads out of their phones.”
Still avoiding the inevitable, Hope popped a handful of nuts in her mouth. “I’ve been living this 24/7. Let’s talk about something else. How’s your Halloween wedding going, by the way?”
“Ghoulish.” Suzy laughed at her own joke. “I couldn’t resist. Actually, it has been an enjoyable challenge. The event will be memorable to say the least. And Jon and Fernando’s wedding is back on. Thank goodness.”
Hope’s eyes bulged. “I didn’t know it was off. What happened?”
“You’ve been a little busy with the tornado aftermath for me to concern you.” Suzy shrugged. “Jon said it was something about Fernando’s mother. Apparently, she’s overbearing, was trying to call the shots, and tried to talk them into getting married in Italy instead of Jon’s dream beach wedding.”
Alex made a face. “Oh, God. She’ll be a hideous mother-in-law.”
Suzy let out a long sigh. “Yep. I’m worried about that. I’m trying to stay out of his family drama, though. I want them to work through this. I don’t want to meddle.”
Alex waved Gus over. “Hi, Gus. Can we get some water, please? I’m drinking my wine too fast with these peanuts. Speaking of which—” She pointed to the almost-empty bowl. “More nuts also.” She faced Suzy. “You’re too nice. I would have told his mother to back off.”
Suzy shrugged. “At least she lives in another country. I can’t imagine she can interfere much from afar.”
“Don’t count on it,” Alex said.
“Between that stress and my home life, I don’t know which end is up any more.” Suzy put her head in her hands. “I just want a little respect. A little help around the house. A heads-up if she’s bringing friends over.”
Hope patted her friend’s arm. “Let me guess. This is about your stepdaughter, Izzy.”
Alex twirled her wineglass. “She sounds like a royal brat. I don’t know how you put up with her.” She slapped her hand on her leg. “I just thought of the perfect name for Izzy.”
Suzy asked, “What?”
“Icky.” Alex smiled. “What do you think?”
Hope roared. “You come up with the best nicknames. Remember when Alex called that wicked mother of the bride, Mrs. Biltmore, Mrs. Bitchmore? It was perfect.”
Suzy nodded. “Oh, yeah. I remember. I nearly called her that a dozen times when she wanted me to plan her daughter’s wedding behind her back.”
Alex circled the rim of her glass. “What do you think? Icky. Let that roll off your tongue.”
“I’m afraid I’ll accidentally call her that now.” Suzy’s mouth curved into a smile. “You are good with nicknames.”
“No charge.” Alex bit into a chip. “I’m a marketing genius, you know.” She laughed. “But not according to Hannah. That girl thinks she came out of the womb as a branding and marketing pro. The little daddy’s girl is driving me bat shit crazy.”
“That’s tough since she’s your boss’s daughter.” Suzy said.
Alex shrugged. “It is what it is.”
Suzy ran her fingers through her hair. “What a couple of weeks we’ve had. Wait a minute. Hope, what’s your big news? Is it something besides the tornado?”
Alex leaned forward. “Yeah, we got off track, as usual.”
“What is it?” Suzy asked.
Chapter 58
Alex turned toward a too-quiet Hope. “Spit it out. What’s up?”
Hope blew out a long whistle. “Brace yourselves. It’s pretty unbelievable.”
Suzy and Alex exchanged glances while both asked, “What?”
Hope leaned forward and whispered. “I didn’t know how to tell you. It’s big. Really big.”
Alex groaned. “Stop teasing us.”
Hope’s face clouded. She took a deep breath. “During the tornado, I was hit by a tree limb.” She absentmindedly rubbed the shrinking knot on her head.
Suzy’s forehead creased. “Oh, my God. Why didn’t you tell us? Are you having dizzy spells?”
Alex’s brows furrowed. “Have you seen a doctor?”
“This isn’t about my head.” Hope knocked on it to prove her point. “I’m fine now.” She glanced from Suzy to Alex and paused. “We have a new janitor at school. He gave me CPR.” She smiled. “He’s a hippie.”
“Good for him,” Suzy said.
“That’s impressive,” Alex said.
Hope lowered her voice. “There’s more . . .” She paused and swallowed. “I think he’s my dad.”
Suzy patted her arm. “Honey, that isn’t possible. Your parents were killed. Getting hit on the head must have done a number on you.”
Alex snuck a concerned look toward Suzy. “She’s right, Hope. We attended your parents’ funeral. You were there, too, but you were heavily medicated. You probably don’t remember much about the day. This man—this janitor, whoever he is, cannot be your dad.”
Hope shrugged. “He’s skinnier, appears older, and has an anchor tattoo on his arm that Larry didn’t have but he sure looks like him.”
Suzy had a poker face. “What’s his name?”
“He goes by Mac,” Hope said.
Alex snuck another glance at Suzy. “Does he remember you?”
Hope crossed her arms. “No, but I’m not crazy. I see you two looking at each other like I’ve lost it. Don’t you think I’d recognize the man who raised me?”
Suzy leaned forward and spoke softly. “Honey, their van was smashed to smithereens. No one could have survived. Plus, they never found the bodies.”
Hope put both hands in the air with an incredulous look on her face. “Bingo. The bodies were never found. I think it’s him. Actually, I’m sure it’s Dad.”
Alex studied Hope. “Have you said anything to anyone else about this?”
Hope shook her head.
“Have you mentioned your suspicions to this janitor?” Suzy asked.
“Nope. I’m hoping his memory will return. The weird thing is he’s dating one of my new colleagues. She’s an art teacher and also a hippie.”
Alex reached for Hope’s hand. “Don’t take this the wrong way, sweetie, but maybe you should see a shrink. I think that hit on the head-”
“Hey, you’ve never seen one for your OCD. I’m fine. I knew I shouldn’t have told you two. I had a feeling you wouldn’t believe me.” Her eyes welled. “Too bad Montana didn’t make it.”
Suzy and Alex exchanged glances again.
“Stop doing that,” Hope said. “I can tell you think I should be in a mental institution. End of subject until I can prove otherwise. Just forget I ever told you.” She held up her glass for a refill.
Gus soon appeared with another round of drinks. “Anything else, ladies?” All three shook their heads vehemently and Gus retreated without a word.
Suzy touched Hope’s arm. “Are you sure about going to a doctor, hon? I’m worried about you.”
“Geez, I’m not a head case. I knew I needed more information before telling you two.” Hope had an edge to her voice. “Like I said, I’m done with this subject.”
“Okay, okay,” Alex said. “I suppose we all have chaos in our lives right now.” She reached for a handful of nuts. “Chaos at Coconuts. That’s what we’re each dealing with and I don’t like it one bit.”
Alex turned in her chair and studied the growing Happy Hour crowd. Her gaze fell up
on the gorgeous socialite. “At least we’re not the only ones whose lives are in ruins.”
Suzy and Hope followed her stare and watched, mystified, as the gorgeous New Yorker appeared to be meeting yet another loser off the Internet.
Chapter 59
Alex narrowed her eyes. “This is ridiculous. It doesn’t even make sense with someone of her caliber. It’s like watching a train wreck.” The minute she saw Hope’s face fall, she knew she had misspoken. “Shit. I’m sorry. You know I didn’t mean anything. I mean, never mind—”
Hope rolled her eyes. “It’s okay. It’s just a saying. Forget about it.”
Alex turned back toward Cheri. “I’d hate to think what could happen if these guys knew she was a Van Buren and worth millions. It’s actually scary. Who knows who these creeps really are?” She laughed. “That said, don’t judge if I ever—”
Suzy chortled. “Come on, Alex, you wouldn’t dare use the internet to troll for dates. Would you?”
Alex stayed transfixed on Cheri as the thin-haired, middle-aged man wearing huge eyeglasses and an outdated gray suit obviously tried to engage her in conversation. “I’d have to be totally desperate, but back to Cheri, this has to stop now.”
“He might be really nice,” Hope said.
“Sure, but come on,” Alex said. “They’ll never be a couple. No way.”
“Do you have a plan?” Hope asked.
“Don’t you realize who you’re talking to? Of course, I have a plan.” Alex tucked in her white, ruffled blouse and straightened her navy and white plaid skirt. “Watch and learn, ladies.”
She flipped her hair behind her shoulders as she crossed the room. Stopping at Cheri’s table, Alex smiled her biggest, brightest smile and directed her conversation toward the New Yorker. “You’re needed for girl talk pronto.” She faced the deer-in-headlights guy. “Sorry, bud, she’s no longer available.” Alex hooked her arm through Cheri’s and practically dragged her away.”
Alex heard the man mutter, “But, but . . .” and shouted over her shoulder, “She’s off the market.”
Suzy had already added a fourth stool and Alex practically pushed Cheri atop it. “Sit.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Cheri giggled. “Thanks for saving me. The poor guy is nice but—”
“Stop. Just stop.” Alex stuck her hand out inches from Cheri’s face. “You’ve got to stop meeting strange men. I forbid you to do this again.”
Cheri crossed her toned arms. “You forbid me. Who are you, my nanny or my mom?”
“Neither. I still forbid you,” Alex said.
Suzy leaned forward. “I agree with Alex. It isn’t safe.”
Hope shook her head. “I’m afraid they’re both right. I counsel my students often about social media. The Internet isn’t all unicorns and rainbows. On the contrary, it’s a dark, scary world out there.”
Cheri raised her perfectly arched eyebrows. “I appreciate the lecture, ladies, but I’m a big girl and can make decisions for myself.”
“Apparently not good ones. We’ve had this conversation before. I thought New Yorkers were savvy.” Alex reached into a bowl of nuts. “Listen, once a money-hungry jerk finds out you’re rich, he’ll latch on to you like a dog on a meaty ham bone.”
“Excuse me, did someone say you’re rich?” A handsome college-aged student with broad shoulders and curly dark hair approached their table. He extended his hand toward Cheri. “Hi, I’m Troy.”
Alex put her arms straight out to each side, baseball umpire style. “And . . . you’re out, Troy. Bye-bye.”
The young man feigned shock and sauntered toward the bar.
Alex had a satisfied look on her face. “Case closed. What’s next on the agenda?”
Cheri buried her face in her hands. “This is embarrassing. Since being away from New York and spending all my time in a kitchen, I guess I was lonely.”
“And in need of good judgment,” Alex said.
Suzy frowned. “I think Cheri got the message. Lay off.”
Alex shrugged. “You know I’m right.”
Hope chimed in. “I’m guessing you don’t get a lot of attention from your parents and you’re looking for companionship—”
Alex pointed toward Hope. “Listen to her. She’s a counselor and we’re not always going to be here to intervene.” She laughed. “Although we’re at Coconuts a lot lately.” Softening her tone, she said, “Seriously, please stop the Internet dating scene. For good.”
“I will,” Cheri said. “It was ridiculous and stupid of me.”
“Now, that we can agree on,” Alex said.
Hope and Suzy both said, “Alex, back off.”
Suzy glanced at her watch. “I’ve got to go. Ken is probably starving. Poor man thinks he’ll burn the house down if he cooks.”
Alex wrinkled her nose. “Tell Ken it’s no longer the fifties and to make a damn sandwich.”
Suzy gathered her purse. “You’re in some mood tonight, Alex. Cheri, nice meeting you. I hope you’ll join us again soon. I’ve gotta run.”
Hope waved for her ticket, mentioning school the next day.
The New Yorker tugged on Suzy and Hope’s arms. “Wait a sec before you leave. I want to make it up to you. I promise I’m not self-absorbed nor weird.” Cheri splayed her beautifully manicured fingers across the table. “I want to show my appreciation for including me in your girls’ nights out.” Her eyes glistened. “You’re the first real friends I’ve made here. I’d love for you to come to my house tomorrow night. I need to try out some new recipes. You can be my guinea pigs.”
“Say the word and I’m there,” Alex said.
Suzy nodded. “Me too.”
Hope grinned. “Me three.”
“Great. Come over at six. My address is 555 Bee Creek in Branson.” Cheri stared at her navy manicure. “Thanks for rescuing me again.”
Chapter 60
Cheri hadn’t yet found a maid in Branson but discovered cleaning was surprisingly therapeutic. Besides, she couldn’t wait to host her new girlfriends. She had slaved all day preparing her favorite appetizers to make the evening memorable.
Fluffing her oversized orange-and-brown-striped sofa pillows, she lit enormous chocolate brown leather candles and opened her French doors, overlooking Crystal Lake. She never tired of the serene view and stepped outside.
The late-afternoon sun warmed her face. Streaked in yellow, orange, and pink hues, the sky looked like a watercolor. Cheri raced back inside to get her camera and took photos of the stunning landscape to send to her mother. Maybe this will entice them to visit.
Leaning across the deck railing to photograph the crystal, blue water, Cheri marveled at the variety of boats that always dotted Crystal Lake. Luxury sport yachts and massive house boats dwarfed bass boats and jet skis but they happily shared the same space. Occasionally, a sailboat glided by. The large, white sails reminded her of poetry on water. Living near a lake was a welcome about-face from skyscrapers, taxis, horns, and the general hustle and bustle of city dwellers.
Cheri stepped back inside. The late-afternoon weather was perfect for entertaining. She took one last look around the gorgeous, updated house. Her late grandmother had given Cheri free rein with the decorating decisions. The challenge had been a fun break from Fifth Avenue Catering.
With the help of Skype, Cheri had served as the general contractor, having learned a great deal about real estate renovations from observing her father’s business over the years. Hiring subcontractors and a demolition crew, she had asked them to remove a wall to open the space and had updated every detail down to the brown and gold granite countertops, massive European light fixtures, stainless steel appliances, Italian tile floors, and the ivory carpeting in the living room and bedrooms.
Evenly spaced colossal wooden beams crossed
the ceiling. The kitchen and living area were divided by one wall featuring immense, native stone rocks. The unique, natural divider spanned a large area featuring a fireplace in the middle. The home was an eclectic mix of modern and rustic with a slight European flair which fit the striking scenery to a tee. Her grandmother had been delighted with the results. Cheri just wished she had seen her nana’s face in person.
Glancing at the clock, she busied herself in the kitchen. They’ll be here any minute. She set out hors d’oeuvres and folded orange and white polka dot napkins as the doorbell chimed. She wore one of her white and gold Fifth Avenue Catering aprons when she swung the front door open.
Alex and Suzy stood grinning on the porch and jointly hugged their new friend. After stepping into the foyer, Alex scanned the room and sucked in her breath. “Cheri, this is drop-dead gorgeous. It should be featured in Architectural Digest.”
Suzy’s mouth fell open. “She’s right. It’s breathtaking. By the way, Hope’s going to be late. She’s meeting with a student but should be here soon.”
“In that case, do you want a tour of the house?” Cheri asked.
“Yes,” Alex said.
Suzy frowned. “Maybe we should wait for Hope.”
Cheri held her hands in a pose as if she were scales. “In that case, follow me.” She ushered Alex and Hope onto the barstools in the kitchen. “I’ll pour you a glass of wine while we wait.”
Suzy raced toward the open French doors overlooking Crystal Lake. “This view is incredible.”
Before Cheri finished pouring the wine, the doorbell rang. She greeted a smiling Hope who gave her an awkward hug and thrust a bottle of wine in Cheri’s hand.
“How thoughtful, Hope. Come in. We can’t start the party without you.”
Hope’s eyes widened when she stepped inside. “I’m never leaving. Do you have a spare bedroom for me?”
