Chaos at Coconuts

by Beth Carter

  Suzy giggled.

  “It’s not funny.”

  Hope joined in and laughed so hard she choked on her margarita.

  “Haha. Glad you two think this is hilarious.” Alex huffed. “I’m missing the humor.”

  “Sorry, hon,” Suzy said. “I’m laughing because this poor girl doesn’t have any idea who she’s dealing with.”

  “Ditto,” Hope said. “She will never one-up our Alex.”

  Alex grinned a sly smile. “Thanks for the votes of confidence, but since her dad is my boss, it’s a sticky situation.”

  Suzy shook her head. “He shouldn’t have done that. Isn’t that nepotism?”

  Alex shrugged. “Guess not when she isn’t on the bank payroll. She’s an intern and receiving college credit for her master’s marketing class. Whatever happened to working your way up the ladder without daddy’s help?” Alex leaned back and fumed. “I used to love my job. I still do. I just can’t stand Hannah.”

  “I could never work at a bank,” Hope said.

  Alex grinned. “I could never work at a school with those pimply, whiny kids and lice alerts.”

  Hope giggled. “Oh, God. Remember when everyone at school had to use RID due to a lice infestation over a year ago?”

  Alex absentmindedly scratched her head. “Don’t remind me.”

  Suzy straightened her pink scarf. “You two are lucky. You should work with neurotic brides. Trust me, it isn’t always a dream job. I guess every profession has its downside.”

  Hope held her margarita in the air. “We still have each other. We’ll always have that.”

  Gus appeared at their table. “Do my favorite customers want to enjoy cocktails first or would you like to order?”

  Alex waved her wineglass in the air, as if answering Happy Hour was first. “Let’s change the subject. What’s going on with you, Hope?”

  Hope blinked. “Not much. The only thing going on in my life is helping my students apply to colleges, hearing them complain about deadlines and long essay questions, and trying to secure more scholarships and student aid for them.”

  “Is that all?” Suzy quipped.

  The counselor grinned. “Let’s see. There are the real tragedies where students cry about boys who haven’t yet asked them to school dances or ballgames, the disastrous acne outbreaks, and ‘mean’ girls or teachers.” Hope ran her fingers through her frizzy, curly hair. “Remember how hard it was to be a teenager? Oh, the drama.” She pretended to fan herself. “I’m starving. Let’s eat.” Hope waved Gus over and ordered crab cakes, salads, and sodas.

  Alex’s eyebrows furrowed. “There’s something else that’s new. I think Tony’s ex is stalking me.”

  Suzy sucked in her breath. “Why would she? I thought his ex ran around on him. Like multiple times, right?”

  “Yep, she was a total slut when they were married, but now that he’s with me, he must look more attractive to her. You know the grass is always greener, plus after Tony discovered little Joey is actually his nephew rather than his son, our relationship is suddenly very convoluted. His ex rarely lets Tony see the little guy and I’m not even on the radar for that possibility.” Alex blew out her breath. “This relationship may be more of a challenge than I’m ready for.”

  Hope’s mouth flew open. “I’m shocked. You were crazy about Tony.”

  “I’m still crazy about him.” Alex fiddled with a paper straw wrapper. “It’s complicated.” She laughed. “Isn’t that the name of a movie?” She didn’t wait for an answer. “I’m still nuts about Tony but I’m not sure about his ex, his son-slash-nephew and his jerk brother, Sean, who is, thankfully, undercover doing God knows what. Tony and I are just dating so it’s easier for me to take my time and keep him at arm’s length.”

  Between bites of salad, Hope asked, “Is it possible your imagination is on overdrive?”

  Alex took a deep breath and blew it out slowly. “Maybe but I feel like I’m being followed when I’m on my routine stops—leaving the bank, shopping at T.J. Maxx, or at Starbucks. I’ve noticed the same vehicle behind me several times. It’s probably my overactive imagination.”

  “Hopefully, it’s a coincidence,” Suzy said.

  “Maybe. Maybe not.” Alex shrugged. “Tony and I get along great when it’s just us, but I have some doubts about his ex, even though we’ve never met. I also have concerns about Joey, to be truthful.” Alex’s voice wobbled. “I-I’m not sure I’m ready for a self-made family.” She enjoyed being the tough, together one of the bunch and didn’t like to show her feelings—even to her closest friends. “Dammit.”

  “Take your time. You don’t need to be in a rush, especially if you have doubts. I’ll volunteer to be your date if you need one.” Hope chuckled. “I’m always available.”

  Suzy smirked. “Sorry to bust up our ‘fun’ evening but Ken will send out a search party if I don’t get home soon. Plus, I have a sink full of dirty dishes. I can guarantee Izzy didn’t do them. See you soon. Hang tough with your intern, Alex.”

  Alex gave her a thumbs-up. “Same to you with your stepdaughter.”

  Chapter 12

  Suzy raced home. As she suspected, the dirty dishes were untouched. Ken was in his den watching a ball game and Izzy was likely in her room on her phone.

  After Suzy dried the last dish, Izzy appeared, grabbed a glass of water, and didn’t say a word.

  Suzy bristled. The silent treatment, and for what?

  Ken sauntered into the kitchen all smiles. Apparently he noticed his wife and daughter were avoiding each other like two wary cats. In an obvious attempt to break the awkward silence, he teased, “Glad you came back before bedtime, Suzy. How are my two favorite ladies?”

  Izzy linked her arm through Ken’s while simultaneously challenging Suzy with her eyes. “Hi, Daddy.”

  Suzy refused to take the bait. She would be the adult, no matter how freaking difficult it was. Opening her laptop, she retreated to the breakfast table. “I’m going to stay up late and work on Jon and Fernando’s wedding.”

  “I’m sure they appreciate it.” Ken kissed the top of her head and half-heartedly glanced at the computer screen as it flickered to life. “When is the wedding again?”

  “Soon. We haven’t yet locked in a date nor a venue. Since it’s a small, private affair, I’m able to plan it quickly. It’ll just be family and a few close friends. I’m taking care of a few requisite details before I involve the boys.”

  “’Requisite?’ Why do you have to use such big words?” Izzy rolled her eyes. “You’re so formal. Not like my mom at all.” She beamed at her father who, as usual, avoided any confrontation. Instead, he walked into the kitchen and poured a scotch.

  Suzy let the hateful remark go. She had finally figured out that not engaging Izzy was better for her blood pressure. “Why don’t you look the word up?” I’m sure that phone of yours has a dictionary.” Suzy couldn’t resist the slight jab and knew Alex would be proud.

  Ken sipped his amber drink. “Suze. Your tone.”

  Suzy stiffened and concentrated on the screen so hard she was surprised it didn’t burst into flames. This spoiled teenager is not going to win.

  “Come here, Ken. I want to show you two beautiful beaches and resorts. I’d like your input.” Suzy noticed Izzy frowned before stomping down the hall and knew she had won that battle at least. She’d take it.

  As Ken leaned over her shoulder, Suzy’s cell rang. The caller ID indicated it was her son. “Hi, Jon. How are you, honey? I was just working on your—”

  Jon didn’t bother with a greeting. “Mom, there’s going to be a change.”

  Suzy could tell by the inflection in his voice that something was wrong. Very wrong. “What, sweetie?”

  He sighed into the phone. “Fernando isn’t sure about a beach wedding
.”

  Suzy’s brows knitted. “What do you mean?”

  “He’s wondering about Europe,” Jon said.

  “Europe? I can’t plan a European wedding. I mean I could but it would be difficult from afar and very expensive.” She frowned at the screen. “How do you feel about this?”

  Jon said meekly, “I want Fernando to be happy.”

  Suzy sat up straighter. “What about your happiness?”

  He hesitated. “I’m happy.”

  This was the first crack in their seemingly perfect relationship. “That’s not exactly convincing.”

  “It’s fine. Everything is fine. Just put our beach wedding plans on hold for now, okay?”

  “Are you sure?” Suzy asked.

  “No,” he said.

  “You’re not sure?”

  “Mom, you know I’ve always wanted a beach wedding. Of course, in high school, I thought it would be with Vanessa. She wanted one too. We were silly kids then but a beach wedding has always been my dream.”

  Suzy tensed. “Jon, are you having second thoughts about . . . anything?” She didn’t want to question the fact that Jon didn’t come out until after he graduated from high school. He had convinced her that he had known he was gay since he was a teen and had explained that his high school crush was more friend than girlfriend, even though Suzy was almost positive Vanessa didn’t feel the same.

  “Talk to me, son.” Suzy noticed Izzy had returned and muted the television. Suddenly, her stepdaughter was attentive. Suzy pressed the phone against her ear and headed for the front door. Once outside, she said, “What’s going on?”

  “I love Fernando. With all my heart. You know I’ve never been this happy. I want to marry him. Spend my life with him.”

  Suzy felt a rush of relief. “Good. I really like Fernando. I thought maybe—”

  “No, no. Nothing like that. It’s just that Fernando’s big Italian family is somewhat . . . How can I say this delicately?”

  Suzy noticed her son’s breathing picked up. “Just say it, Jon. They’re what?”

  “Overbearing. In fact, they’re beyond overbearing. They’re smothering. And Fernando doesn’t see it. He grew up with a big, chaotic family, so it’s second nature to him. He loves all the hullabaloo. To me, it’s bedlam.”

  Suzy giggled. “Sorry. I don’t mean to laugh. I can relate. I’m dealing with family issues too. Go on. Finish your story.”

  “His family wants us to get married in Italy with a giant family wedding, pre-dinners, toasts, heaping platters of Italian food, and celebrations for days on end.”

  Suzy paced on the driveway while pressing the phone against her ear. “Along the lines of a ‘Big Fat Greek Wedding’ except Italian style?”

  “Yes, exactly like that. I envisioned a small, quiet, romantic wedding day—not hordes of loud, brash family members who I’ve never met.”

  She weighed her words and settled on one simple question: “What does Fernando want?”

  “I-I’m not sure. I thought he wanted a private beach ceremony too.” Jon let out a loud sigh. “He has a hard time standing up to his domineering mother. He doesn’t like conflict.”

  “Sounds like my husband.” Suzy waited until the neighbor’s dog stopped barking. “Do you want me to call his mom?”

  “Absolutely not,” Jon said.

  Suzy breathed a sigh of relief as she absentmindedly twirled her red hair.

  “We’re grown men. We can handle this, but thanks for offering.”

  Suzy heard the front door open and turned toward the sound. Ken poked his head out. “Everything okay? I’m ready for bed.”

  Suzy nodded and sat on the porch. “Go ahead. I’ll be in soon, honey.”

  “Sorry, Mom. I’m totally disrupting your evening.”

  “Don’t ever think that. You’re my only son. Call me every night if you want.” She stared at a chipped nail. “Before we hang up, should I continue to explore beach-themed weddings?”

  He sighed. “I guess. Maybe. No. I don’t know.”

  “Well, it’s not like I have brides lined up around the block. It has been a slow spring for some reason. I enjoy the research and will keep looking. Besides, if you two don’t use my ideas, someone will.” Jon groaned and her heart went out to him. “I can hear your frustration. You need to tell Fernando how you feel. Everything will work out. Don’t worry.”

  “You always know what to say. Thanks, Mom. Love you. Ciao.”

  “Love you, honey. Night.”

  Suzy stared at her now-silent phone. She wished she could reach through the screen and hug her son. Once inside, she found Izzy sprawled on the couch and trolling Facebook while ignoring the blaring television. Bristling, she held her tongue. I need a book about being a new stepmother. Alex would simply turn the damn television off.

  Saving her beach-themed files, she said goodnight and retreated to the bedroom. She wasn’t in the mood to fight with Izzy, especially after this new complication with Jon and Fernando.

  “Everything okay?” Ken asked between gargles.

  “It will be. I hope,” Suzy said.

  Ken spit the mouthwash into the sink. “What’s going on?”

  Suzy reached for her toothbrush. “Jon and Fernando want a beach wedding but Fernando’s mother prefers a big family wedding in Italy. I’m sure they’ll work it out.”

  Ken raised his eyebrows. “I hope so. A European wedding would be extremely expensive. The flights alone would cost an arm—”

  Suzy held up her hand. “I know what they cost. I’m a wedding planner, remember?” She brushed her teeth, yawned, and hugged her husband around the waist. “Have I told you how much I love you?”

  Ken turned around. “I hope you still love me. You’ve seemed distant lately.”

  Suzy’s thoughts turned to her confrontational stepdaughter but this wasn’t the time for that conversation. “Of course, I love you, silly.”

  “I love you more.” Ken framed his wife’s face with his hands. “We’re lucky we found each other after all those years.”

  “Thank goodness you broke off your engagement with . . . what was her name?”

  He grinned. “Doesn’t matter.”

  She stared into Ken’s soft eyes and brightened. “You can say that again. I married the most handsome guy in our class.”

  “And the smartest.” Ken playfully patted her behind. “Hurry up and come to bed, beautiful.”

  As she pulled her nightgown over her head, her mind raced. I’ve got to think fast. Jon and Fernando are perfect together. But I don’t want to be a busy-body, call Fernando’s mother, upset Jon in the process, and get off on the wrong foot with his family. She put Chapstick on. They’ll sort it out.

  Chapter 13

  The next day, Hope squinted as she read the fine print for international students on several college websites. Can’t any of these countries be consistent? This paperwork is unbelievable. No wonder the kids are so stressed.

  Will broke her concentration by bounding into her office. “Good plan, Miss Truman.”

  “Morning, Will. Good plan about what?”

  “The mechanic job.”

  “Did you like it?” Hope motioned for Will to sit across from her desk. “Did you like getting your hands dirty, I mean?”

  Will studied his pristine fingers. “Not really.” He grinned. “You set me up, didn’t you?”

  Hope tapped a pencil on her desk. “Actually, it was a gamble. You might have loved it and started your own franchise sort of like that television show, Garage Monkey, or whatever it’s called.”

  The student shook his head. “No way. Law school doesn’t look so bad now. That was hot, backbreaking work. I have a new appreciation for car service people.”

  “Good. S
o, you’re going to apply to law schools?”

  Will bobbed his head. “Yep. Our team just won the debate tourney. I think I could handle a courtroom.” He shrugged. “I guess I was being bullheaded.”

  Hope winked. “That never happens with teenagers.”

  The student gave her a quick, awkward hug. “You’re good at your job. Thanks, Miss Truman.”

  After Will left, Hope had free time between student appointments and wandered to the teachers’ lounge. She stopped when she spotted a woman standing near the doorway. A peace sign tattoo made of daisies decorated her upper arm. Her prematurely gray hair hung in braids past her shoulders and she wore layers upon layers of what could easily pass for bag lady clothes.

  Hope smiled and extended her hand. “Hi. I’m Hope, the school counselor.”

  As the woman grasped Hope’s hand, nearly twenty bangle bracelets clanged together. “Nice to meet you. I’m Willow, the new art teacher.”

  Hope grinned. She’s a hippie like my late parents. I have a feeling we’ll become great friends. “Follow me, Willow, and get ready to experience the world’s worst coffee.”

  Chapter 14

  Two days later, Suzy and Hope were perched at their familiar high-top table at Coconuts. As usual, Alex was the last to arrive and breezed inside with explanations ranging from traffic, road construction, jerks sandwiching her in on the road, to having to work late at the bank. She joked, “Pick an excuse. Any excuse.”

  Suzy waved her hand as if she didn’t want to hear it.

  Alex ignored Suzy’s obvious annoyance and scanned the crowd of regulars who were as much a fixture at the restaurant-bar as the beachy wall mural. “I don’t know how we’d survive without this oasis.”