Chapter 39
Staring at the Happy Hour crowd, Alex said, “God. What a week. Who’s ready for the weekend?”
Suzy and Hope raised their hands.
After they ordered drinks, Alex’s eyebrows shot up. “She’s here again.” She motioned with her head toward the gorgeous socialite who sat alone in a darkened corner. “Let’s talk about the new fashionista instead of this insane week and our usual rash of problems.”
Hope held her drink in the air. “Cheers to that.”
Suzy joined in. “Here, here.”
Alex was fixated on the newcomer. “I can’t take it anymore. I think I’ll go over and introduce myself. Care if I ask her to join us?”
“Not at all,” Suzy said.
“I’d love to meet her.” Hope stared at her boring brown capris and plaid tan top. “I wish I had worn something nicer for our first meeting.”
“Don’t be silly. You look beautiful.” Before Alex could scramble off her bar stool, a tall frame passed their table and made a beeline for Miss New York. He was as skinny as a pencil and evidently overcompensated for his baldness with a giant, black Captain Kangaroo-shaped moustache. His strong cologne lingered in Alex’s face. She waved the air trying to clear the smell. “God, his cologne is revolting.”
The women watched as Mr. Moustache pulled out a chair and plopped down at the beautiful woman’s table.
Alex chuckled. “That guy has the confidence of the president of the United States. Gotta give him that but seriously? Eww.” She didn’t care if she gawked. She wasn’t taking her eyes off their table. “I’m betting this will be another short meeting. Do you think she’s interviewing other limo drivers?”
Suzy shrugged. “I can’t imagine what’s up. If it’s online dating, these guys are obviously using someone else’s profile picture.” She laughed. “I know that sounds mean but these men aren’t in her league.”
“That is kind of mean,” Hope said.
Alex rolled her eyes. “But it’s true. Shh. Just watch.”
Within two minutes, the cocky guy strutted away as if he had negotiated the best deal in the world. The socialite raised her toned arm and held an empty glass in the air. Gus apparently got the message and appeared at her table with a highball drink.
“Ladies, I’m going in.” Alex stood, straightened her black pencil skirt, and tugged at her silky, hot pink blouse. “I’m going to ask Miss New York if she wants to join us.”
“Hurry back,” Suzy said. “I’ll grab a fourth chair.”
Alex could feel Hope and Suzy’s stares bore into her as she approached the socialite. At first, the young woman was stiff and obviously wary. Her arms were folded, as if she had a yellow do-not-cross line surrounding her. She literally leaned away when Alex approached her table. But soon, the New Yorker broke into a wide grin, grabbed her drink, a quilted zebra print purse with a gold chain, and followed Alex toward Hope and Suzy.
Alex flashed a huge smile. “Ladies, meet Cheri Van Buren. She is indeed the famous New Yorker we suspected. Cheri meet my two best friends, Suzy Jacobs and Hope Truman.”
The foursome shook hands. Suzy motioned toward an empty chair. “Please join us.”
Hope gawked. “You’re even prettier up close.”
“Thank you. I’ve noticed you ladies in here a few times. I’m glad you invited me over.”
“Why are you in Crystal City?” Alex asked. “If I may be blunt, that is.”
Suzy leaned forward. “Alex is always blunt. That’s one of the things we love about her. That and how she checks glasses for lipstick smudges.”
Hope playfully elbowed Alex. “Don’t forget about how she places silverware in her lap until plates arrive so the table germs don’t infect the utensils.”
Alex flung her hands in the air. “Stop it. You’ll give Cheri the wrong idea about me.”
Cheri flashed a million-dollar smile. “Nothing wrong with being a germaphobe. Just ask Howie Mandell. I love that guy. I recently catered a dinner party for him.” Her diamond solitaire earrings twinkled as she spoke. “To answer your question, I’m here because of my sweet, darling grandmother.” Her eyes filled with tears. “Nana passed away and I’m helping with her estate, not that it’s huge. Still, she meant the world to me.” She blew out her breath and sipped her drink.
The three friends murmured condolences.
Cheri continued, “Since my parents are in Europe for several months—maybe a year—I was tasked with selling her home.”
“Where is the house? Here in Crystal City?” Hope asked.
“Close. It’s in Branson, but the thing is, I fell in love with it. I hadn’t visited Nana since I helped her renovate it from afar—” Her voice broke. “Much to my dismay, I never visited to see the final renovations. I wish I had sat with her on the deck overlooking Crystal Lake sipping lemonade like we did when I was a kid.” Cheri’s voice wobbled. She held up a hand. “Sorry, I finally meet some female friends and you must think I’m a nut case crying like this.”
Suzy, Alex, and Hope said, “Not at all” and “Of course not.”
Cheri gathered herself. “I’m going to buy the house. I don’t want it to leave the family. It’s all I have left of my sweet Nana.”
Alex’s eyebrows shot up. “You’re moving from New York permanently?”
“No. Never.” Cheri shook her head. “I mean, I enjoy it here but I love Manhattan. My work is there. Maybe I’ll find new opportunities here in the Midwest, plus it’ll be a great retreat when life gets crazy in New York. When I’m in the city, I long to see blue sky and green grass. I’m starting to get used to this slower pace.” She groaned. “Being chased by paparazzi isn’t fun and games.”
“We noticed several photographers were here the night you arrived at Coconuts.” Alex’s face lit up. “That was exciting.”
Cheri made a face. “Someone must have tipped them off. At least they didn’t hang around long. There have to be several celebrities in the area to make it worth their while to hide out in the bushes. I haven’t seen TMZ in town. I guess there aren’t too many celebs in Crystal City. I’m not a big enough draw to hold their attention for long.”
Hope stared at the newcomer agog. “I think you’re a big draw.”
Cheri grinned. “You’re sweet.” She took a sip of her amber drink that contained two cherries.
“What’re you drinking?” Alex asked.
Cheri laughed. “It’s called ‘Angry Balls.’ It’s Fireball cinnamon whiskey with Angry Orchard crisp apple hard cider and two maraschino cherries.”
All four women laughed so hard every patron turned in their direction. “I’m ordering that next time,” Alex said.
Suzy held her wineglass in the air. “Here’s to Angry Balls.” The women clinked their glasses together.
“I’m glad you approve. After getting my grandmother’s estate settled, I’m considering opening a satellite location here for my business, Fifth Avenue Catering.”
“Not that you need the mon—” Hope clapped her hand over her mouth. “Sorry. It’s hard for me to hide my jealousy. You’re gorgeous—and rich. I’d be ecstatic with just one of those attributes.”
Cheri stiffened, obviously not thrilled the women had discussed her wealth.
Suzy clearly noticed the New Yorker’s stance and interjected, “Hope has had a tough year.”
“Sorry to hear that. It’s okay. I’m a New Yorker. I have pretty thick skin. I suppose anyone who reads People knows about the Van Burens. I forget that at times since I never read the trades. It’s tough—and weird—when strangers are aware of your personal business.”
Alex attempted to change the subject. “If you don’t mind my asking, what’s up with the guys who approach your table? Are you interviewing other limo drivers?” She scanned Coconuts. “By the way, I haven’t seen the hot one who was with you the night you arrived.”
Cheri giggled. “He is pretty hot, isn’t he?”
Alex scrunched her nose. “Did I just put my foot in my mouth? Do you two date?”
“No, he’s employed by my family. He’s still here but may go back to New York soon to pick up freelance jobs transporting celebrities since I’ve been driving myself around Crystal City and Branson. I’m enjoying the freedom of driving.” She touched the rim of her glass. “I don’t date employees but I’ll tell you a secret.”