by Beth Carter
“Darling, did you see the dreadful article about your catering company in The Times? What happened?” Victoria spoke in breathy tones.
“Yes, I saw the damn article by the stuffy food critic. He tries to bring down any restaurant or food business that’s successful.” Cheri glanced at the clock on the wall. “I’ve got to go. I need to try and hire Chef O’Leary back before Julio destroys Fifth Avenue Catering.”
“Our Julio? Our family chef for all those years, darling?” Victoria blew out a puff of smoke. “He’s the best. He’s wonderful.”
“I don’t have time to go into it. Gotta go. Love you,” Cheri said, as she hung up the phone and scrolled to find her former chef’s phone number.
Chapter 3
Suzy placed two hands on Ken’s shoulders. Her husband had lost weight worrying about his teenage daughter in California. His skin color, always pale, appeared even lighter. In an attempt to bolster her husband, Suzy talked fast. “Try not to worry. Izzy will tire of Hollywood. The traffic alone is a nightmare. And the smog, fires, and earthquakes. Who would choose to live there?”
“Oh, I don’t know. It has a beautiful coastline, incredible venues, and entertainment. How can it be that bad if so many celebrities live there?” Ken kissed his wife on the cheek, forehead, and mouth in quick succession. “I know you’re trying to cheer me up.” A small smile formed. “It isn’t working, but I love you for it. Thanks, babe.”
Cocking her head, Suzy said, “I’m positive Izzy misses you. Have you heard from her lately?”
“Only twice a day.” Ken chuckled. “I think she misses our family outings. In one text, she sounded lonely and said her mom is always with her boy-toy.”
“Uh-oh.” Suzy pulled an afghan over her legs. “I’m not sure I like the sound of that.”
“Me neither,” Ken said. “I hope Destiny isn’t leaving her alone a lot.”
“I still can’t believe you once were married to a Destiny.”
“Me neither, actually.” Shrugging, Ken reached for the popcorn. He always enjoyed their private movie nights. And this time it was during the day. He worked from home more and more in preparation for the twins. Between bites, he said, “I love Izzy to death but she can get into a lot of trouble if left alone for too long.”
“Just stay in touch with her. Make sure she’s safe, happy, and give her some space. She’s a teenager. You know how moody teens are. They think they know everything.” Suzy placed her hand on her belly. “Ow. That was a big kick.” She grinned. “I wonder which twin is the mischievous one. Do you think it was baby boy or baby girl?”
Smiling, Ken said, “Definitely baby boy.”
Suzy winked. “No, I’d say it’s baby girl.” Rubbing her hand over her massive tummy, she said, “It won’t be long until these two munchkins are here.” Her eyebrows shot up. “Are you ready for sleepless nights?”
Reaching for more popcorn, Ken took a bite and stood. “Maybe I’ll make a scotch. I need all the adult time I can get before the stork delivers.”
“You can say that again.” Suzy leaned back on the sofa, snuggled under the afghan, and un-paused the movie.
Chapter 4
Entering the back door code the following morning, Alex dreaded seeing her intern and bolted for the back stairway for coffee. As usual, Hannah stood by the coffee pot flirting with everything wearing pants. She stared at her unofficial—hopefully temporary—freaking boss.
“Here ya go.” Hannah handed Alex a half cup of coffee.
“Are we running low?”
Hannah gave her a wry smile. “Just thought you might want to watch your caffeine intake at your age.”
Alex let the dig go, filled her cup to the brim, and returned to her office downstairs. She introduced herself to the new teller supervisor, glanced at her calendar, and straightened her desk as a radio rep knocked on the door.
Hannah appeared seconds later, took a position at Alex’s former bigger desk, and smiled smugly. “Why don’t you run this meeting, Alex?”
After asking the radio contact several questions about demographics, ratings, and drive time pricing, Alex took notes then turned to Hannah. “Why don’t you iron out the next quarter’s contract, Hannah? While you’re at it, come up with some new radio spots for Show-Me Bank?” She added, “And none of that rap music that you used last year.”
Leaning over Alex and giving the radio rep an eyeful of cleavage from her plunging hot-pink top, Hannah said, “Why don’t you come up with new radio spots, Alex?”
The radio station account rep stared from Alex to Hannah and back again. Clearly confused, he said, “Who’s in charge?”
“Me,” both Alex and Hannah answered.
“Long story.” Alex shook his hand. “We’ll get back to you next week with the contract and some new 30-second spots. Sound good?”
“Sure, uh. Whatever you say.” The rep, still eyeing both of them, tucked a pen in his pocket and left.
Hannah put her hands on her hips. “Daddy said I’m in charge.”
“Whatever.” Alex went upstairs, found an empty desk near the employee lounge, and texted her friends: I’ve got to get out of this bank and away from my ridiculous intern. Want to meet at Coconuts at 5?
Within minutes, her three best friends responded affirmatively. Alex replied with a grateful smiley face, raced back downstairs, straightened her small desk beside the desk she had sat in for years, which was now overtaken by Daddy’s darling. Rolling her eyes, even though Hannah had already left, Alex grinned a sly smile. Two can play this game, chickie, and I’m older than you.
Chapter 5
After a one-hour stop at T.J. Maxx, Alex drove to Coconuts and arrived first for once. She gravitated toward their favorite high-top table at Coconuts before it got snatched up by the ever-growing Happy Hour crowd.
The front door opened streaming bright light inside. Alex grinned when she spotted her best friends, Suzy, Hope, and Cheri. After a group hug, hellos, and patting Suzy’s enormous baby bump, the women got situated.
“Dang, Suzy.” Alex stared at Suzy’s middle section. “Your belly is ginormous. Maybe we should have met at the hospital instead.”
“Haha. I still have a few weeks.” Suzy absentmindedly rubbed her baby bump. “If you were having twins, you’d be bigger than a football field too.”
“Never,” Alex said, “Not interested.”
“No way,” Cheri added.
Hope sat silent, still captivated by her recent flower delivery and upcoming date with Tucker.
“Look at you, Alex. That sexy red jumpsuit is stunning,” Suzy said. “Someday, maybe I’ll fit back into my old clothes.” She wrinkled her nose. “It appears doubtful in this decade, though.”
“Not true, and thanks.” Alex glanced at Cheri. “Now, if I could just afford those heels with the red soles, I’d be in business.”
“Louboutin? I have some you can borrow,” the socialite said.
Peering under the table, Alex stared at Cheri’s feet. “It appears as though you wear size petite; I don’t. But I appreciate the offer.”
“That is a beautiful jumpsuit, Alex.” Hope stared at her tan capris and sensible loafers. “I could never pull it off with my stumpy legs, but you look amazing.”
“I have to keep up with Hannah the Hottie. My intern is apparently going to every plastic surgeon in this town. Her face is so shiny from Botox or whatever cosmetic treatment they use that she could sell it as lard.”
Suzy winked. “Don’t let her get to you.”
“She’s kind of my boss now, remember? We switched roles after she goofed up my board report, blamed it on me, and when I called her out, she had the audacity to hit reply all to our board members. Bitch.” Alex cleared her throat. “Apparently, Mrs. Timmons wasn’t thrilled about my mentioning we needed younger,
more hip board members. Not. At. All.” Alex waved her hand dismissively. “If this goes on much longer, I may have to find work at another bank.”
Hope’s mouth fell open. “You love Show-Me Bank. You helped put that community bank on the map. You even came up with their name.”
“That was all pre-Hannah. I’m losing my mojo.” Alex stared toward the bar. “Where the hell is Gus? I need a drink.”
As if on cue, the flip-flop wearing server appeared with a chilled chardonnay for Alex, Angry Balls for Cheri, a margarita for Hope, and a Shirley Temple for Suzy. “I hope I assumed correctly that you wanted your usual.”
“You did, and we love you for it.” Alex took a sip of wine as he scampered toward a boisterous table.
Coconuts drew larger and larger crowds, especially during two-for-one Happy Hour. The chatter was deafening, to Alex’s chagrin. She stared from the tranquil floor-to-ceiling beachy wall mural to the throng of people lingering at the bar. Some stood while holding a beer and watching sports on big screen TVs. “I hate those damn television sets. They ruin the soothing ambiance here.” Alex turned away from the game in disgust. “That’s why there are sports bars, people. Go there and let us dream of the ocean.” She blew out her breath and asked, “So . . . how are you guys? What’s new? Long time no—”
Something akin to the wails of a wounded animal caught in a trap, made Alex stop short. Everyone turned toward the sound as a scantily—and flamboyantly—dressed bride with five women in tow, obviously bridesmaids since they were all dressed alike, stormed inside. The group headed straight to the bar, practically tackling every patron in their path. The upset bride’s mascara-streaked face indicated there was not a happily ever after, and if there were any doubt, her sobs drowned out the television and bar chatter. Conversations stopped, every patron stared, and a few men returning from the bathroom stepped on her elongated, lacy train which caused a plumb of F-bombs in their direction.
“Uh-oh.” Alex clapped a hand over her mouth. “This isn’t how I envision a wedding day, but it’s probably exactly how mine would go.” She swiveled toward the bride’s deafening boo-hoos sprinkled with plenty of cursing. Grimacing, she said, “Looks like we’re gonna have a little show tonight, girls.”
Hope’s eyes bulged. “Suzy, you’re a wedding planner. Maybe you should do something.”
Rubbing her baby bump, Suzy said, “I don’t think I should subject my twins to the stress. Unfortunately, this woman is on her own, plus I plan weddings. I think it’s a little late for my assistance.” She winked. “In my professional opinion, of course.” She glanced toward the distressed bride. “Poor thing.”
Cheri made a face. “I feel terrible for her.”
The bride and her five bridesmaids—dressed in hideous pea green dresses with poufy sleeves and ridiculously enormous orange bows in the back—stood at the bar. The entire wedding party was forlorn, and that was being gracious. Two bridesmaids were on their phones, two had their arms wrapped around the bride, and another waved frantically to get the bartender’s attention.
Alex overheard the bridesmaids say, “She needs a drink.” “Get her some booze.” One turned to regulars seated at the bar. “We need to sit here, ’K?”
Surprised, and not, that the regulars gave up their usual, coveted seats, Alex swiveled from the commotion to her friends and said, “I’ve got to know what’s going on.” She waved to get Gus’s attention. Once he appeared at their table, Alex asked, “What’s she drinking?”
The server said, “Who?”
“Who do you think? The howling bride.”
Scrunching his face, Gus said, “Man, it’s bad over there. I’m staying far away, but she ordered a dirty martini.”
“Perfect. Will you bring me one?” Alex asked.
Gus’s eyebrows shot up. “I just brought you a chardonnay.”
Alex motioned with her head. “It’s for her, silly. She’ll need another one soon.” Once the martini arrived, Alex stood, straightened her pantsuit, and stepped toward the bar. As she approached the wailing bride, the woman’s shoulders heaved from wracked sobs.
Alex stepped toward the bar. Her bangle bracelets clanged as she handed the distraught bride a dirty martini. Holding the glass between them, she said, “Looks like you could use another.”
Glassy-eyed, the bride turned toward Alex and said, “Th-Thanks.” Alex noticed her nipples were barely covered by her wedding dress and jumped when she spotted something black in the woman’s cleavage. “I think you have a spider in-in”—Alex pointed—“there.”
The bride glanced down and flicked it across the bar. “It’s my fucking fake eyelash.” She took a big gulp of the fresh martini. “Thanks.”
Hovering behind the bride, Alex knew she should leave but couldn’t. “What the hell happened? I’m assuming this has something to do with the groom.”
“You assumed right.” The bride turned away. Nosy and stubborn, Alex remained standing behind the bride. She knew she shouldn’t pry but couldn’t tear herself away until she heard what had happened. She locked eyes with one of the bridesmaids and asked in her most caring tone, “Will she be okay? You guys okay?”
The bridesmaid stared into her drink. “Michael never showed. The bastard.”
“Asshole,” another bridesmaid repeated as she placed her hand over the almost-bride’s free hand. Her right hand was gripped around the martini glass.
“That’s awful.” Alex grimaced and readdressed the bride. “How long did you wait?” She paused. “If you don’t mind my asking. I’ve never been married and might need this information someday.” She shrugged. “I likely will need it if I ever take that step because my luck—”
The bride swiveled to face Alex. “Never get married. That’s my advice.” She paused as her voice broke. “I-I waited almost an hour. I would have waited longer—people have flat tires, you know, and the entire church was full—but I noticed Michael’s parents kept glancing at one another with worried looks, were texting on their phones, and I eventually saw them dart out a side door after about 45 minutes.” A sob escaped. “That’s when I knew Michael wasn’t coming.” She threw a glass at the wall and it shattered. “He made me look like a fool. What a jerk.”
“Yes, he is but don’t take it out on the wall. Gus will have to clean that up.” As she spoke, Gus grabbed a broom and dustpan.
“Want to join us at our table?” Alex pointed toward her friends. “My friend, Suzy, has a wedding horror story about her second almost-marriage, but she’s happily married now, and very pregnant as you can see, so—as lame as it sounds—give it time. You’ll find someone worthy.”
The sullen woman turned toward Suzy, Hope, and Cheri. She shook her head. “Nah. Thanks anyway. I just want to get drunk.”
Chapter 6
Alex took the hint, fully understanding how the bride felt even though she had never been one. She returned to her friends’ table. “Where were we?”
“First, tell us what’s going on over there,” Suzy said.
Alex regaled them with the jilted bride’s story. Everyone grimaced and groaned. “That’s awful.” Hope took a sip of her margarita and simultaneously pointed toward Suzy’s belly. “We need to plan a baby shower and fast.”
“I agree.” Cheri plucked her cellphone out of her purse. “Let’s find a date. I love showers. I’ll provide the food.”
Alex winked at the socialite. “Having a caterer for a friend is the best.”
“Ditto that,” Hope said.
Suzy beamed but turned serious. “You don’t need to have a shower for me. I had one when I was pregnant with Jon.”
Alex elbowed Suzy. “That was ages ago. At least twenty years ago, plus you have a granddaugh—”
“We all know I’m an old new mom, Alex.”
“I didn’t mean that.” Alex fake pouted.
“I love you, Suzy Q. You’ll be the best old new mom ever.”
Hope licked salt off her margarita. Ever the calming counselor, she deflected. “You’re young, Suzy, but Cheri’s right. We’re going to throw you a shower, like it or not.”
“I don’t need a shower. I have a grown son. And, as Alex delicately pointed out, I have a granddaughter. Maybe I can borrow some of Violet’s clothes.”
“Aren’t they still in Europe?” Hope asked.
Suzy’s face fell. “I don’t know when my son, his husband, Vanessa, or baby Violet are coming back. In every picture they send, everyone is smiling as if they had just enjoyed their first Disney ride.” Her eyes welled with tears. “I miss them so much. I know I have to share Violet with Mama Gia, Fernando’s mom, but it’s hard. I want my granddaughter to myself.”
“That settles it. You need a shower to distract you from missing them.” Alex scrolled through her phone and began jotting on a cocktail napkin her available dates. Peering over her wine, she said, “Why don’t you fill out a registry. Surely you need bottles or something. I don’t have any idea what babies use.”
Hope leaned forward. “Do you need bottles if you’re breastfeeding?”
Alex covered her ears. “TMI.”
Chuckling, Suzy said, “What are you? A teen boy? Breastfeeding gives a baby’s immune system a boost.”
“I’m sure it’s perfectly natural, but it sounds a little painful with two babies.” Alex groaned. “Can’t I make a joke?”
“Not around a pregnant, hormonal woman.” Suzy shifted and sat half sideways with her burgeoning belly for two. “Why don’t you guys get your schedules figured out and send a group text with suggested dates.”
“Over what time period?” Hope asked.