Chaos at Coconuts

by Beth Carter

  Suzy nearly choked on her coffee. When you put it that way, sorry.

  Alex responded, You’re sorry?!!

  Suzy skimmed her Facebook page as twenty more people reacted to the wedding photos. When will you be back?

  A few days. Maybe a week. It depends on several factors that are confidential. You know, bank stuff but even three or four days will seem like an eternity. You should see this crappy hotel room. I have to use a tissue to touch the remote. I already looked under the mattresses and behind the headboard. No bed bugs to report.

  Suzy smiled. You’re a nut. Love you.

  Ditto. Gotta run. Xo, Alex

  Suzy stared at the now-blank screen. God, I miss her. She texted Hope: Can you meet at Coconuts tonight?

  She waited for a response while simultaneously scrolling through her Facebook feed. Soon her phone reacted.

  Hope replied: Thought you’d never ask. See you at six.

  Chapter 81

  Hope arrived at Coconuts first. She scanned the room, smiled at the regulars, and waved to Gus. Her phone buzzed with a text from Alex. She read the bold type:

  MY BOSS IS SENDING ME TO A DAMN BRANDING CONFERENCE. ~A

  Hope texted back: I can tell by the all caps that you’re not happy. How long will you be gone?

  WHO KNOWS? DEPENDS. A FEW DAYS OR A WEEK. I WANTED HIM TO SEND HANNAH, NOT ME. UNFREAKINBELIEVABLE.

  Suzy slid onto a chair and nodded as Hope held up her phone so Suzy could read the screen. She mouthed, “I know.”

  Hope responded, Sorry. We’ll miss you.

  DRINK SOME CHARDONNAY FOR ME. BYE. LOVE YOU GUYS. ~A

  Suzy leaned back and sighed. “I already miss her.”

  Hope frowned. “Me too. Coconuts won’t be the same without Alex.”

  “I guess we should order drinks. Alex would be mad if we didn’t.” Suzy stared at the empty chair where Alex usually sat and turned to Hope. “I love you but it isn’t the same without Alex.”

  Hope nodded. “I know what you mean. I already miss her spunk.”

  Suzy perused the bar. “Come to think of it I haven’t seen Cheri in here lately. I wonder if she went back to New York. It’s just you and me, kid.”

  “Cheri came to my—” Hope cupped her hand over her mouth, remembering Cheri’s insistence of anonymity.

  “Came to your what?”

  Hope talked fast in an obvious effort to change the subject. “Wasn’t her grandmother’s house gorgeous?”

  Suzy sipped her white wine which totally confused Gus when she placed the order. “It was fabulous—the house, food, even Alex’s silly game.”

  Hope nodded as she rubbed a smudge on her new brown loafers. “What have you been up to?”

  Suzy laughed almost hysterically. “Nothing much. Just a Halloween wedding, a runaway stepdaughter, constant challenges with planning my son’s beach wedding, and a distant husband. You?”

  Hope hooted. “Sorry to laugh about your problems but I needed that. We’ve had a rough spring, haven’t we?”

  “You can say that again. Let’s eat like pigs. We deserve it.” She waved Gus over and requested menus.

  “I’m always in when it comes to food.” Hope patted Alex’s empty chair. “She’d be proud of us.”

  Suzy ordered artichoke poppers, salmon dip with pita triangles, and garlic-stuffed olives.

  Gus took out a pad. “Guess I need to write this order down. Anything else?”

  Hope grinned. “Chicken wings.”

  The server took their zebra-print menus. “Looks like you two will be here a while. Where’s Alex?”

  “At a conference,” they both said.

  After Gus left, Suzy asked, “How’s everything at Hilltop?”

  “We’re almost back to normal, thank goodness. Kids need routine and apparently so do I.” Hope brightened. “The most amazing thing happened.”

  Suzy leaned forward. “Did you meet someone?”

  Hope pretended to be exasperated. “Does it always have to be about a man?”

  Suzy shrugged. “Then, what is it?”

  “It’s better if I show you.” Hope scrolled through photos on her phone until she found pictures of the roast cooking on the manifold. “Can you guess what this is?”

  Suzy squinted at the picture. “Food? Meat?”

  “Yeah, it’s a roast, but the cool thing is it’s cooking on an engine manifold.”

  Suzy reached for the phone. “How?” She studied the photo.

  Hope enlarged the picture. “The heat from the engine cooks it. Isn’t that incredible?”

  “Very. Where did you see this? Pinterest?”

  Hope shook her head. “I saw it in real life. Larry and Willow came by my house. They’ve rebuilt a VW Microbus and Willow knew how to cook a roast on the darn thing.”

  Suzy chuckled. “Alex would croak thinking about all the germs.”

  Hope threw her head back and roared. “That’s exactly what I told Larry and Willow.” She paused. “It’s so weird to say their names as a couple instead of Larry and Montana or Mom and Dad. I still feel like I’m dreaming.”

  “I can only imagine, hon. I can’t wrap my head around it, if it’s true, which I still doubt but—”

  Hope frowned. “It’s true. I know it is.”

  “Whatever you say.” Suzy retrieved her phone. “Send me the picture of the roast. I’ve got to show Ken and Izzy. Maybe if I include my stepdaughter in more things she’ll like me. In fact, I wish I had taken her to the Halloween wedding. I bet she would have loved it.”

  “How can anyone not like you?” Hope concentrated on her phone as Gus placed heaping platters of food on their small table. “We might need a bigger table.” She pushed ‘send’ and said, “Done. Let’s eat.”

  After they gorged and chatted for nearly two hours, Hope glanced at her brown Timex watch. “We have a faculty meeting early tomorrow before school. I’ve got to run.” She patted the empty chair. “Somehow, we managed to have fun without Alex but don’t tell her.”

  Suzy laughed. “Not a chance. We’ll say how miserable we were.” She winked. “I need to head out too. Ken will be happy to see me come home early for once.”

  As they neared the front door, Suzy gasped and yanked Hope back inside Coconuts.

  Hope rubbed her arm. “What’s wrong?”

  Suzy lowered her voice. “I think that’s Tony talking to another woman across the street. They look a little too cozy.”

  Hope poked her head outside.

  Suzy tugged on Hope’s shirt. “Don’t let him see you. From the description Alex gave me, I think that’s Tony’s ex. They were standing very close in the lot across the street. The woman stood on tippy toes as she whispered in his ear.”

  “Alex will be furious.” Hope peeked out another, smaller window. “That’s definitely Tony.”

  Suzy poised her camera, zoomed in, and clicked the possibly damning photo.

  Hope stared at the picture. “Are you going to send it to Alex?”

  Suzy nodded, pressed on the image, hit forward, and then hesitated. She clicked the delete button.

  Hope’s mouth fell open. “Why didn’t you send it?”

  “He might be Alex’s boyfriend but he’s still a cop, remember? Plus, he found Izzy.”

  “Good points and she’d be even more miserable on the road after she saw the photo.” Hope peeked back outside but they were gone.

  Chapter 82

  Two days later, Suzy left the house early to do some research at The Coffee Drip. She had decided to let Ken and Izzy have a wide berth since their home situation was still somewhat tense.

  She ordered black coffee, settled in a corner booth, and scanned her beach wedding notes. Something had to shake loose—and
fast—or she’d never get a ceremony pulled together for Jon and Fernando. This wedding has to be perfect.

  Her phone rang, breaking her concentration. This is my problem. Constant interruptions. She almost didn’t answer but picked up after glancing at the screen.

  Alex didn’t bother with hello. “I’m in hell.”

  Suzy crossed her legs. “Hi. I miss you too.”

  “Yeah, same here. I’m still in hell.”

  “What’s going on?” Suzy absentmindedly stirred her coffee. “Is it that bad?”

  The branding campaign was almost fun if you consider a bunch of suits in a room fun. Actually, it was informative. I learned a couple of things, plus they had a marching band each morning to rejuvenate us.” She laughed. “Maybe I’ll have Hannah march every morning.”

  Suzy giggled. “See you got something out of it. I’m glad you liked the conference.”

  “Let’s don’t go overboard. ‘Liked’ is a strong word. What have you been up to? What am I missing?”

  “Hope and I went to Coconuts. We talked about how it isn’t the same without you, drank, and ate way too much food.” Suzy considered telling Alex about seeing Tony with another woman but decided against it. Her friend was miserable enough.

  “I miss you guys.” Alex paused. “I’ve got to run. Someone just slipped a note under my nose that my boss is on the other line. I’ve got to make sure he doesn’t forget who I am. I’ll catch up soon. Bye.”

  ~ ~ ~

  After they hung up, Suzy got a refill and returned to the booth to concentrate on her beach resort notes. The second she got settled, her phone lit up with Jon’s name.

  “Hi, son. I was just thinking about you.” She listened and then frowned. “Sorry. I know, I know. I’ve been busy with my Halloween wedding, Ken, and Izzy.” She heard Jon sigh audibly as she cradled the phone between her ear and shoulder. “Of course, you’re my top priority. I’ve been juggling a lot lately.”

  Jon’s tone changed. “I’m not trying to be a jerk, Mom. I’m stressed about our wedding plans—or lack thereof. I know you’re doing this for free but—”

  Suzy could hear the disappointment in his voice. She opened her laptop. “I’m Googling beach wedding resorts right now.” As she tapped on the keyboard, palm trees, aqua water, and white sand appeared on the screen. “Nothing has changed for the venue again, I hope. You still want a beach wedding, right?”

  “Mom.”

  Suzy squinted at the screen. “Okay, okay. I’ll narrow down my favorites and check availability with my resort contacts. It’ll be perfect, son. I promise. Don’t worry about a thing.”

  “Thanks. Sorry to get testy. Gotta run. Fernando and I are going to Zumba class.”

  “Exercise for me and tell Fernando hello. Talk to you soon. Love you.” Suzy scrolled through the seemingly endless list of beach resorts. Her cell phone rang again. “Dammit. This is what’s wrong. I always have interruptions.”

  Suzy glanced at the screen and didn’t recognize the phone number. She almost didn’t answer. Almost.

  Keeping her eye on the computer and half paying attention, she spoke into the phone. “Weddings by Suzanne.”

  A breathy, fast-talking female voice on the other end said, “Suzy, we’ve got to meet. It’s important. Very important.”

  “Who is this?” Suzy asked.

  Chapter 83

  Pressing the phone harder against her ear as the female on the other end wept quietly, Suzy’s mind raced. She didn’t recognize the voice but something told her to listen.

  Her brows knitted. “Who’s calling?”

  The woman let out a loud sob and said, “It’s Vanessa, Jon’s girlfriend. I mean his former girlfriend from high school.”

  Suzy felt her forehead crease. Why would Vanessa call me? “Of course, I remember you. I still have your and Jon’s picture from the high school prom. It’s in a drawer now because—”

  The breathy young woman interjected. “I know Jon’s gay now but—” She paused. “Never mind. I shouldn’t have called. I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t be sorry. You were part of Jon’s life for two years. He and I both thought fondly of you.”

  Vanessa sniffled into the phone. “Thanks, but . . . it-it doesn’t matter. Never mind. I shouldn’t have bothered—”

  “Wait. Don’t hang up.” Suzy weighed her options. Should I explain there’s no point in seeking him out if she’s still holding a torch because he realized he was gay before they ‘dated?’ Her motherly rationale decided to listen. Hear her out.

  “Hon, this is awkward. You should know I’m planning Jon’s wedding to his partner. In fact, at this very moment I’m finalizing venues for the ceremony.” Suzy heard the young woman choke back another sob.

  “Oh, my God,” Vanessa said.

  Suzy frowned. “What’s going on? Please tell me.”

  The young woman blurted out, “I’m pregnant.”

  Suzy’s pulse quickened. She closed her computer. Obviously I’m not working on Jon’s wedding again today. “Do you want to talk about it?”

  “Yes,” Vanessa said in a hushed tone.

  “Let’s meet in person. Besides, I’d love to see you again.” Suzy glanced at the clock. “I’m at The Coffee Drip. Why don’t you come here in twenty minutes?”

  Vanessa sniffed. “I’m on my way.”

  Suzy slugged her coffee wishing it were a stronger drink. She considered calling Jon but wanted more details first. She put her computer in her Murano and paced on the sidewalk underneath The Coffee Drip’s familiar white awning with brown lettering and an oversized, brown coffee drip. Her heart raced as she waited for Vanessa to arrive. She wasn’t sure why she was nervous but she was.

  Suzy’s shoulders relaxed when the pretty, young woman with the familiar wavy, ginger hair waved from a beat-up car with a loud muffler. After Vanessa parked, she waddled toward her. Suzy’s eyebrows shot up at the sight of the young woman’s very round, very pregnant belly. She approached Vanessa who nearly knocked her over with a giant embrace.

  Vanessa’s voice caught. “I’ve missed you, Suzy.”

  Suzy held her in a long embrace as she stroked her hair. “I’ve missed you too. Let’s go inside and catch up.”

  Without thinking, she patted Vanessa’s tummy. “Sorry. I couldn’t resist. You’re like the daughter I never had. I’m happy for you.”

  Vanessa’s face clouded for a second and then she beamed. “That means a lot.” She rested her arm on top of her baby bump. “A couple of things have changed since high school.”

  “I’d say.” Suzy opened the door and ushered Vanessa inside. “I want to hear everything.” The aroma of fresh coffee lured them to the counter.

  Vanessa stared at Suzy. “Want to know the sex of the baby?”

  “I want to know a lot of things.” Suzy draped her arm across the girl’s shoulders. “Let’s order first.”

  Suzy ordered decaf coffee since she had already had a couple of cups and added two blueberry muffins.

  Vanessa requested green tea and blew on her steaming mug as she surveyed the room. “Where do you want to sit?”

  “That corner booth is where I was earlier. Let’s sit there.” Suzy led her to the booth while balancing her coffee and muffins. She set them down slower than she needed to, realizing she was stalling.

  A young pregnant woman who dated her son in high school was not on the agenda. Suzy took a bite of the blueberry pastry and tried to focus on Vanessa’s freckled face. It was no use. She couldn’t keep her eyes off her baby bump. “How have you been since graduation?”

  Vanessa patted her belly absentmindedly. “Aside from being shocked by this pregnancy, morning sickness, and leg cramps, nothing new.”

  Suzy chuckled. “Touché. That was a stupid question. Why
don’t you start at the beginning? Who is the lucky father?”

  Vanessa squared her shoulders. “I’ll just come out and say it. I’m carrying Jon’s baby.”

  Suzy’s mouth flew open. “What are you talking about? You two haven’t been together since the high school prom. And Jon’s—”

  Vanessa met Suzy’s eyes. “Didn’t he tell you?”

  “Tell me what?”

  Chapter 84

  Suzy set her half-eaten muffin on a plate. She had lost her appetite from utter shock. Turning to Vanessa, slightly annoyed, Suzy asked, “How can the baby be Jon’s?”

  The young woman’s hazel eyes were filled with tears that steadily rolled down both cheeks. Obviously upset, Vanessa swiped them away. She reached for a tissue, and between sobs, said, “I was a stupid teen who thought I was the only girl my senior year who hadn’t been laid. Call it peer pressure. Call it a girl in love with her boyfriend of two years. It just happened.”

  Suzy leaned forward. “I’m confused. Jon’s gay.”

  “I know that. You don’t have to keep repeating it.” Vanessa squared her jaw and glanced around the half-empty coffee shop. “Listen, it was my fault. I practically begged Jon to have sex with me after our prom. I was tired of being a virgin. Jon didn’t want to. He said it would ruin our friendship, plus he had already confided he was gay. I told him I didn’t care. I loved him anyway and wanted one last hurrah before he left for Europe.” She whimpered. “I knew I’d probably never see him again once he traveled abroad, so I got drunk and made darn sure he was drunk too. I’m sure he regrets being intimate with me.” She patted her belly. “And now look what happened.” Tears continued to snake down her cheeks.

  Suzy sat speechless. It was all she could do to comprehend this bombshell. She tried to speak but her voice no longer seemed to work.

  Vanessa continued, “It was our one and only time we ever made love during the two years we dated. Jon said he wanted a new life—the life he had always dreamed of—and, well—” She sighed. “You know the rest.”