Chapter 37
That evening, Suzy and Alex made it to Coconuts before Hope. The minute Hope walked inside the darkened bar, the twosome ran to their friend and nearly trampled her in a group hug.
“Thank God you’re okay,” Alex said.
“I love you,” Suzy said. “Want to talk about it?”
Tears streamed down Hope’s cheeks. She sniffled. “I’ve seen the worst of weather and the best of humanity.”
Alex and Suzy linked arms with Hope as they walked back to their table. When they sat down, Hope squeezed her friends’ hands. “I’m exhausted. I can’t tell you how good it feels to come to our happy place and see your smiling faces.”
“Ditto. We were worried sick about you,” Alex said.
“I couldn’t answer my phone. Sorry I frightened you. It was pandemonium.” She shook her head and said, “I’ve never been prouder of our students. We had cleanup today and you wouldn’t believe what the kids found—a Purple Heart, an engagement ring, wedding photos, baby shoes, a puppy, and I can’t even remember what else.” She laughed. “Oh, yeah. Someone’s dentures.”
Suzy and Alex both hooted. “That’s wonderful,” Suzy said.
Hope continued, “The students sorted everything out and put the items in bins until we can find the rightful owners.” She blew out her breath as Gus brought drinks.
The server winked at Hope. “On the house, ladies. I heard all about the school’s cleanup efforts. Coconuts is honored to buy your drinks tonight.”
As Hope reached for a margarita, her hand shook. “You’re going to make me cry again. I have the best friends. Thanks for everything.” Then her thoughts turned to the new janitor/Larry/Mac or whoever he is. I think I’ll keep that to myself. For now. I’m not up to a lengthy Q&A.
Suzy raised her glass and Alex followed suit.
“Here’s to the victims, to you, and to the school for helping,” Suzy said.
“Can we help? I’d be happy to send Hannah.” Alex quipped, as she patted Hope’s arm. “Sorry. This isn’t funny. Actually, I’d be happy to help. I’m sure I could get a crew from Show-Me Bank over there tomorrow.”
Hope grinned. “I can always count on you for a laugh. I’ll let you know but we have several hundred students, neighbors, and I just learned Habitat for Humanity will be in charge of rebuilding.” She paused. “You’ll never believe this. A crew of nine Amish brothers pulled up in three horse and buggies armed with hammers and saws and began shearing trees and hauling the wood away. You should have seen the students’ mouths fall open.”
Hope splayed her hands on the table. “Thanks for offering to help but I think we’ve got it covered.” She sipped her cocktail and let out a deep breath. “I know you’re curious about the damage but can we talk about something else tonight? I’m spent. I need an escape from tornado alley.”
Suzy leaned back. “Sure, hon. I understand. Consider the subject changed.”
Alex gasped. “Oh, my God. She’s back.”
“Who?” Hope asked.
Alex pointed with her head. The women swiveled in the same direction. “Well, well. I guess Miss New York is still in Crystal City. Look at her shoes. I’d love to afford Louboutin heels.”
“Lou what?” Hope asked.
“The shoes with the red soles. They’re high-end designer shoes by Christian Louboutin,” Alex said. “Surely you’ve seen them on celebrities.”
Hope shrugged. “I suppose.” She laughed. “Not really. I’m not exactly a fashion connoisseur.” She peered at her sensible, now-muddy gray sneakers. “I’d have a tough time balancing, let alone walking one flight of stairs at school in those heels.”
Suzy glanced at her own two-inch white wedge sandals. “I’ll admit it. I have shoe envy. I could use an upgrade but designer shoes aren’t in our household budget.” She glanced back at the socialite. “The Midwest must be culture shock for her. I mean we roll up the sidewalks about ten o’clock. Isn’t that the dinner hour in New York, or so I’ve heard.”
Hope gawked at the socialite. “I wish I had one-tenth of her fashion sense.”
Alex feigned a hurt expression. “Thanks a lot.”
“No, no. You and Suzy are gorgeous but she looks like she stepped out of Vogue.” Hope laughed. “Not that I read Vogue.”
Alex removed her black jacket. “I get it. Her clothes and shoes are fabulous. I doubt she shops at T.J. Maxx like I do. Still, it’s my favorite store and probably would be even if I struck it rich.” Alex loved being the fashion queen and this woman was competition. She wasn’t sure she liked it.
Suzy sipped her red wine. “Have you noticed she always wears animal print?” She furrowed her brows. “Sorry, Hope. This must sound insensitive after what you’ve been through.”
Hope waved her hand. “No, remember I wanted to change subjects. The lighter the better. Besides, I love people watching.”
“Me too. I also love animal print.” Alex studied the gorgeous newcomer. “I think I need to update my wardrobe. That would be a nice reward for dealing with daddy’s devil daughter.” She scooted her chair to get a better look. “She’s apparently alone. I wonder where that cute limo driver is. Should we ask her to join us?”
Hope’s eyebrows shot up. “Why would she join us?”
“Hey, we’re pretty cool.” Alex squinted as the front door to Coconuts opened, streaming bright sun inside. A man with a bad combover sauntered in. He wore a rust-colored vest buttoned from top to bottom over a tight, white tee, faded jeans, brown loafers, and no socks.
Alex wrinkled her nose. “Miami Vice called. They want their clothes back.”
Suzy and Hope put their hands over their mouths in an obvious attempt to stifle giggles while they observed the stranger scan the room. He perked up when he spotted the New Yorker and practically galloped toward her like a greyhound.
Alex’s mouth fell open. “Please tell me he’s not going to approach her. Hell, I don’t even have the nerve.” She sat fixated as the vest-wearing man advanced toward Miss New York’s table. “I bet it doesn’t take her two seconds to shut him down.”
Suzy grinned. “She doesn’t appear very happy to see him.”
With a quick nod, the man pulled out a chair and plopped down at the socialite’s table.
The women did an audible countdown as Cheri Van Buren tapped her watch and pointed toward the front door. Obviously confused, comb-over eventually got the message and left.
“Poor guy,” Hope said.
“Seriously? He didn’t stand a chance with her.” Alex took a drink. “I’m dying to meet her but I’ve lost my nerve.”
“You’ve lost your nerve?” Hope put her hand on Alex’s forehead. “Feeling okay?”
“Ha-ha.” Alex rested her chin on her hand as she ogled Cheri Van Buren. “Another time.”
“How do you know there will be another time?” Suzy asked.
“My premonition has held true so far,” Alex said. “Our lives have already changed pretty drastically.”
Hope shivered. If they only knew how much mine has changed.
Alex checked her watch. “I’ve gotta run. This is a one-drink night for me. At least we got to see Hope and the rich girl.”
The three women fished out a big tip for Gus and wrote a note on a cocktail napkin thanking him for the free drinks. Suzy draped her arm around Hope. “Call if you need anything. I mean anything.”
“Good luck with the cleanup.” Alex winked. “Remember, let me know if you need Hannah. I’m sure she’d love to boss everyone around. Plus, it would give her an opportunity to tell a new group about her master’s degree.”
Hope cackled and embraced her best friends as they approached their cars. “Thanks, you two. I needed this.”