Chaos at Coconuts

by Beth Carter

  Alex shook her head. “Interesting. And Ken?”

  “He was measured. He’s excited, I think, but still getting used to the idea of being a grandfather.”

  Hope glanced around the table. “When is Vanessa due?”

  Fernando held up two fingers. “Two months. That’s why we’re rushing to get married.”

  “I don’t quite understand how all of this occurred, but man, I’m glad I’m back in town. I would have hated to miss this.” Alex held her wineglass in the air. “Cheers to our pending newest addition.”

  Hope’s phone buzzed on the table. Her eyes widened as she glanced at the screen. When she finally stopped reading, she said, “You won’t believe this.”

  “What now?” Suzy asked. “I’m not sure how much more I can take.”

  Chapter 92

  Unable to wipe the silly smile off her face, Hope kept staring at her phone.

  Alex grumbled. “Hope, are you going to tell us or gaze at your damn phone all night?”

  Hope sat up a little taller. “I have an email from the mayor of Crystal City. The mayor. He’s inviting Willow and me to participate in an awards ceremony tomorrow for spearheading the school’s tornado effort, cleanup, and rebuilding.” She shook her head. “Habitat for Humanity is also receiving an award, as are the Amish brothers.” Hope gaped at her phone with her mouth half open. “I’ve got to reread this. Nothing like this ever happens to me.”

  “It is now. That’s fantastic,” Alex said.

  “You deserve it, hon,” Suzy said.

  Hope fanned herself. “What should I wear? It says they’re holding a press conference and we might be on TV. I’m already nervous.”

  “Bravo,” Fernando said. “Well done.” He put his arm around Jon. “Let’s go eat. I’m craving Mexican. Can you eat it two days in a row?”

  “I can always eat Mexican food,” Jon rubbed his belly. “I must be having sympathy pains.” The men hopped off their stools and left.

  After they exchanged good-byes, Alex glanced at Hope. “T.J. Maxx is calling your name.” She motioned for Gus. “Put all of the drinks on my card. This evening was well worth a hit to my Discover bill.”

  Suzy gathered her purse. “You two go ahead. I’m going to have dinner with my husband since we’re kid-free tonight. I’ll record the noon, five, and six o’clock news tomorrow. We can have a watch party at my house tomorrow night.”

  “Great idea. See you then, Suzy Q.” Alex turned toward Hope. “Let’s go. The store closes at ten.”

  In the parking lot, Hope said, “I’m shaking I’m so excited.”

  Alex put her arm across her friend’s shoulders. “I’m happy good things are happening to you. It’s about time. Let’s ride together.” As they climbed into Alex’s Mustang, she said, “Tony doesn’t know I’m back in town. Care if we swing by his ex’s house? I know I sound like a jealous girlfriend but I need to know if he’s at Nikki’s.”

  “Doesn’t make any difference to me as long as we get to the store before it closes.” Hope stared out the window as she remembered the night she and Suzy saw Tony outside Coconuts with a woman. She wondered if she’d recognize his ex if she saw her again but was far too happy and excited to bring up the likely volcanic subject now.

  As Alex rounded the corner where the hateful confrontation with Nikki took place on the sidewalk, her jaw tightened. “Oh. My. God. He’s there. Look. He’s in the yard playing croquet with Joey.” She hit the steering wheel with her palm. “Dammit. I knew it. He’s probably been here daily while I was gone. Shit.” Hitting the brakes, Alex jerked the wheel and did a U-turn before Tony noticed her car.

  Hope studied her friend. “I’m sorry. What are you going to do?”

  “I don’t know. I really don’t.” Alex huffed. “Tony can be so damn sneaky and his ex is a holy terror.” She groaned. “I have enough complications at work. I wish Gage hadn’t gone back to New York.”

  “The handsome limo driver? How do you know he went back?”

  Alex took a deep breath and blew it out in an obvious effort to calm down. “Hannah told me he called the bank while I was on the road. Apparently, he left a message saying he and Cheri had to fly back to New York for a while. Something about a major event for Fifth Avenue Catering.”

  Hope faced Alex. “I have a feeling Gage will return someday. I saw the way he looked at you. As far as Tony, wait until you know the facts. Maybe this is innocent. Maybe not. My advice is to keep your options open when it comes to both men.”

  Alex’s jaw was set. “Damn Tony. After all we’ve been through.”

  Hope’s face fell. “I can see you’re upset. We don’t have to go shopping. I’m sure I have something I can wear.”

  Alex pushed harder on the gas pedal. “We’re going shopping. We might buy out the whole damn store.”

  ~ ~ ~

  Excited about Hope’s upcoming ceremony and the baby news, Suzy felt more relaxed than she had in weeks. Ken no longer seemed to blame her, was playful and loving, and even Izzy was more respectful. Her stepdaughter actually ate her sloppy joe and sweet potato fries without complaining and rinsed off her plate. It didn’t quite make it to the dishwasher but was progress. She’d take it.

  After dinner, Ken requested a family meeting where he suggested weekly outings to bring the three of them closer together. “Iz, will you plan our adventures?”

  Suzy braced for Izzy’s usual eye roll reaction and was happily surprised when her stepdaughter glanced in her direction, almost grinned, and said, “Sure.” That was much more animation and eye contact than usual, so Suzy quickly handed Izzy a magnetized pad off the fridge. “This way, we can display the list in the kitchen and none of us will forget.”

  Izzy scribbled on the pad. She chose bowling for the first week, followed by the zoo, miniature golf, and the nature center. Obviously pleased, Ken hugged his daughter for planning a month’s worth of fun family activities.

  Suzy embraced them both. “Great idea, sweetie. I love the idea of weekly excursions. Wonderful suggestions, Izzy.” Maybe she and Izzy would finally bond.

  Chapter 93

  The next day, Suzy recorded the news. When Alex and Hope arrived at her house after work, she met them at the door with cocktails.

  Suzy handed the first drink to Hope. “Hi, TV star. You were at the top of the news. I didn’t watch so we could all see it together.”

  Hope put her hands over her face. “I’m almost afraid to look.”

  “Nonsense. I’ve got it queued up.” Suzy steered them toward the couch and grabbed the remote.

  Alex and Hope sat in front of the television sipping their drinks as Suzy increased the volume. The mayor, Chamber officials, and president of Habitat for Humanity stood near a podium.

  “The Amish brothers were there but refused to be on camera,” Hope said. “They sat in the front row and were recognized by the mayor.”

  Alex stared ahead. “Hope, you look fabulous. Who is beside you?” She glanced at Suzy. “Can you pause this?”

  Hope hopped up and pointed at the screen. “That’s Willow, the new art teacher, Dr. Holmes, our principal, a few students and . . . there’s the janitor, Mac or Larry, take your pick.”

  Both Suzy and Alex’s mouths flew open. “He sure looks like Larry,” Suzy said.

  “Keep it paused.” Alex stepped closer to the television. “Oh, my God. He’s thinner and looks older but he’s a dead ringer for your hippie dad.”

  “Told you.” Hope said. “And, remember, he’s dating Willow. I’m almost past the shock but it’s still awkward.”

  “This is unbelievable,” Alex said. “I’m sorry I-we-doubted you. When are you going to tell him who you are?”

  Hope pushed the lime down in her margarita. “I don’t know. I want to see if his memory returns n
aturally. I don’t want to rush him through that process.” She tapped her head. “It’s a lot for me to comprehend and I’m a counselor who doesn’t have amnesia.” She sighed. “Can we simply enjoy my special moment? Please? I’ve never gotten an award nor been on television before.”

  “Sorry. Of course,” Alex said as she sat back down. “You’re right, Hope. It’s unbelievable, that’s all.”

  Hope sipped her drink. “Tell me about it.”

  Suzy rewound the last few seconds so they could watch uninterrupted. “Let’s be quiet and enjoy this.”

  One by one, volunteers and first responders were recognized and given certificates emblazoned with a gold city seal. The mayor thanked an anonymous donor who had supplied furnishings and appliances to the homeowners of three newly built homes.

  Suzy paused the television again. “Sorry, I know I promised to watch without interruption but I keep forgetting to ask you about the donor. Surely, you know who it is. I saw the big write-up in the paper. Someone was extremely generous.”

  Alex turned to Hope. “Do you know who it is?”

  Hope fidgeted on the couch. “I, uh, can’t say.”

  Alex snapped her fingers. “I should have figured this out earlier. It’s Cheri Van Buren, isn’t it?”

  Suzy nodded. “That makes sense. She’s got the cash and wouldn’t want the attention. Is it her?”

  Hope stared at her loafers. “I can’t say. I’m sworn to secrecy.”

  “I can tell by your body language that it’s her. I won’t say a word.” Alex pointed toward the screen. “Hit ‘play,’ Suzy. Let’s watch this to the end.” She grinned. “There you are, Hope. Looks like you’re next. You look beautiful in that orange dress.”

  Hope sat riveted as she watched herself standing by the microphone. After she accepted the proclamation, she said, “I’m accepting this award on behalf of all of Hilltop High School’s faculty, staff, and especially the students who worked so hard to restore our neighborhood.” Hope then led a young teen to the podium. “I want to recognize one of our students, Britney, who collected broken glass from the tornado debris. She repurposed the glass to create beautiful jewelry. Say a few words, Brit.”

  The student fiddled with the microphone, trying her best to lower it. “Uh, thanks, Miss Truman.” She reached into a heavy tote bag and pulled out a handful of necklaces and earrings. One of the cameramen zoomed in on the pieces. “This is, um, jewelry I made from broken windows and such. I decided to make something beautiful from the awful tornado.” The young teen began to walk away. Hope bent down, grasped Britney’s shoulders, and steered her back to the podium. Hope whispered, “Tell them about your Etsy shop.”

  “Oh, yeah. I created an Etsy shop. You can buy the tornado jewelry and I’ll donate the proceeds to the victims’ children, so they can buy whatever was broken or lost.” Britney shoved the glass pieces back inside her tote and managed a hushed, “Thank you.”

  Hope spoke back into the mic with pride. “This is one example of a student who doesn’t have much but is giving back to our community.” She placed her arm around Britney’s shoulders. “I couldn’t be more proud of our Hilltop students.”

  The mayor walked up to Britney and presented her with an oversized gold key to the city. He turned toward the camera. “This, folks, is representative of the fine young people we have in Crystal City.” After the official thanked everyone once again for their tremendous contributions, cameras captured the applauding crowd.

  “Bravo, Hope.” Suzy’s voice wobbled. “Great speech and Britney was fabulous.”

  Hope beamed. “Wasn’t she? I’m so proud of her. If you only knew about her awful home life. I tried to get her to donate fifty percent of the proceeds and keep half for her college fund but she wouldn’t have it.”

  Alex dabbed her eyes with a tissue she plucked off the coffee table. “Dammit. I feel like I just watched a Hallmark movie. Fantastic job, Hope.”

  “Thanks. I wasn’t too bad if I say so myself. My frizzy hair even looked decent.” She laughed. “I never thought I’d be on television and recognized for something good in a million years.”

  “You deserve it.” Suzy popped a cork and poured champagne. “Let’s celebrate.” Before they finished half a glass, the doorbell rang. “I wonder who that is. Ken and Izzy are eating pizza.” She opened the door wide. “Well, hello, stranger.”

  Chapter 94

  Gage Carver stood on Suzy’s doorstep dressed in his usual black, wearing dark sunglasses, and holding a huge bouquet of yellow roses.

  He lowered his voice. “These are for Hope. I’m under strict instructions to deliver them. I hope she’s here.”

  “She is but how did you know we were here?” Suzy asked.

  Cheri saw the announcement about the press conference on the Ozarks5 website yesterday and asked me to fly here this morning. She had business in New York. After I went to Coconuts and you weren’t there, I found your house with a little help from Gus who knew your last name.”

  Alex hopped off the couch. “I recognize that voice.” She ran to the door and grinned. “You’re here.”

  “In the flesh.” Gage motioned toward the flowers as he held a finger to his lips. “For Hope.”

  Suzy and Alex blocked the doorway as Hope stepped across the living room. “Who’s at the door?”

  Alex and Suzy separated, giving Hope full view of Gage, the bouquet, and his shiny, stretch limo.

  Hope glanced from her friends to Gage. “What’s going on?”

  Gage made a grand sweeping motion with his hand. “This is for you. I understand you’re a hero and helped several tornado survivors. I’ll take you anywhere you want for a well-deserved, celebratory ride.”

  “I’m not a hero.” Hope put her hand to her chest. “But wow. Just wow.”

  Gage gave her the bouquet and extended his arm. “Ready?”

  Hope stood in place in the foyer. “Only if they can join me.”

  He grinned. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

  Suzy and Alex followed them down the sidewalk and began climbing inside as Ken and Izzy drove up.

  Suzy’s face fell. “You guys go ahead.”

  Ken hopped out and crossed the lawn toward Suzy. Izzy stood on the grass angling her phone to take photos of the limo.

  Ken grasped his wife’s shoulders and pointed her back toward the limo. “Go with your girlfriends. I know Izzy and I have tested you. Thanks for putting up with us.” He patted her backside.

  Suzy whispered, “I love you,” kissed her husband, and ran toward her friends.

  Hope studied the pristine limo while Alex studied Gage. After several seconds, Suzy nudged her friends. “Are we going for a ride, or is this a staring contest?”

  “By all means, we’re going for a ride.” Gage opened the back door. The smell of leather filled the air. A gold decanter held a chilled champagne bottle beside three gold-rimmed flutes atop a gleaming silver tray. Soft jazz played in the background.

  Hope sat agog. “Luxury and Hope Truman don’t belong in the same sentence.”

  “They do now,” Suzy said.

  Hope grinned from ear to ear. “I’ve never ridden in a limo before.”

  Alex gave her a playful prod. “Hurry and get in while the champagne is cold.”

  Hope slid in first, then Alex. Suzy waved good-bye to Ken and Izzy through the window. After Gage poured their champagne, he climbed behind the wheel and started the engine. He lowered the privacy window between himself and his three giggly passengers.

  “Ladies, before we head out, I’m supposed to deliver this.” He handed them an ivory envelope with an embossed CVB monogram.

  After the privacy window rose and he could no longer hear them, Alex said, “God, he smells good.”

  Suzy laughed. “That
’s exactly what you said about the cop once upon a time.”

  Alex winked. “What cop?”

  Hope and Suzy exchanged glances. “Progress,” Suzy said.

  Alex tapped the envelope. “Open it.”

  Hope carefully opened the edges and plucked a creamy, ivory card from the cover. The handwritten note had a gold-leaf border and was written in gold ink, naturally. She cleared her throat before reading the inscription:

  To three women who have taught me the true meaning of friendship- I can’t thank you enough for the warm welcome to Crystal City and for letting me join your fun group. I can’t wait to be back at Coconuts drinking Angry Balls soon. Enjoy the ride and congratulations on your big day, Hope. Well done. Gage will take you wherever you want to go.

  XO,

  Cheri

  Hope reread the card and pressed it to her chest. “Can I keep it?”

  “Of course, Alex said. “She’s pretty damn awesome.”

  “Very sweet of Cheri,” Suzy said.

  Gage lowered the privacy window again. He placed his arm over the seat and locked eyes with Alex. “Where would you ladies like to go?”

  Alex grinned. “This is Hope’s day. She gets to decide.”

  Hope radiated from all of the attention. “Let’s make a grand entrance at Coconuts. I’d love to arrive there in a limo. We’ll have Angry Balls in Cheri’s honor. But drive the long way around.”

  More content than she had been in weeks, Hope leaned against the cool leather and soaked up the experience. Her phone vibrated. She glanced at the screen and read a text from Britney: Miss Truman, I got five hundred likes on my Etsy shop after the newscast! I’m gonna be makin’ a lot of jewelry.

  Hope reached for her friends’ hands. “Can this day get any better?”