Chapter 42
A tall young man, obviously her fiancé, grasped the young woman’s hand. He wore faded, torn jeans, a black KISS tee, and had those big, floppy ear lobe expanders.
“Yep. That must be them.” Suzy stood and waved the couple over.
As they got closer, Alex noticed the man had fake horns coming out of his head. She whispered, “Ow. Holy shit. That looks painful.”
Tony laughed and turned to Limo Driver. “Bet you don’t see that in New York.”
He shrugged. “Are you kidding? Every day. No big deal.”
“I think this is my cue.” Limo Driver downed his whiskey, glanced at Alex, and touched her shoulder. “Later.”
Alex watched as he sauntered out the front door. He had disappeared as quickly as he had appeared. She was surprised at the disappointment she felt. After all, she didn’t even know the guy’s name.
Tony grunted. “Later my ass. City slicker needs to go back to the Big Apple. Be around those weirdoes in New York City. He’s not wanted around here.”
“I’d love to go to New York someday. I hear it’s amazing.” Alex hopped off her stool and slung her purse over her shoulder. She wanted to avoid any more confrontation since Tony was obviously in a mood. “Enjoy your meeting, Miss Wedding Planner, and Hope, tell those helicopter parents to stop already with those damn participation trophies. Let the kids learn to fail. Success will mean much more when it’s earned. Problem solved.”
Hope studied her banker friend. “I didn’t think you were even listening earlier. And since when are you a high school counselor? Great advice.”
“Since I’m sick of shit. Bye, ladies.” She gave Tony a wide berth as they exited the bar. He followed her outside.
Hope watched as Alex leaned over and said something heated to Tony at the front door. Soon she did an about face and returned to the table without him.
Both of her friends raised their eyebrows but didn’t say a word in front of the couple-to-be who were all eyes and ears watching the events unfold.
“Where are my manners?” Suzy stood and introduced herself. She gestured with her hand toward an empty booth. “Let’s get our own table. My friends obviously need some space.”
The young couple laughed. The tall guy said, “And I bet you thought we were weird.”
Suzy smiled. “Not at all. Looks like I need to scout around for pumpkins for your wedding.”
Hope raised her brows. “Pumpkins? Good luck with that. How will you pull pumpkins off this time of year?”
“I’m a magician. See you ladies later.” Suzy escorted the couple to an empty booth near the beach mural featuring bikini-clad women, sand, surf, boats, and palm trees. As they settled into the booth, Suzy opened her iPad. Alex and Hope watched as the couple placed an order with Gus.
“What a strange day.” Alex stared at Hope. “What should we drink next?”
Hope held up both hands. “No more alcohol for me. How about more coffee or water? I’ve had enough booze.”
“Same here, although I could use a drink after that episode with Tony.”
“What did you say to him at the door?” Hope asked.
Alex waved her hand as if swatting a fly. “I told him he’s not my boss. I swear. He can be so domineering. I guess it’s his police training. He finally got the message and left.”
“I’m surprised he left that easily.”
“Oh, he peeled out of the driveway. I heard the tires spin on the gravel but I wasn’t about to give him the satisfaction of knowing I noticed.” Alex flipped her hair over her shoulder. “I don’t want to talk about him anymore.”
Hope nodded. “I understand.”
They finished off the cheese, crackers, and olives the men had left behind. Alex kept an eye on Suzy’s table. “Look how that girl is drinking her soda. I wonder why she uses the side of her mouth.” Alex squinted and sucked in her breath. “Oh, my God. Is that what I think it is?”
Hope didn’t bother to look up. “Forked tongue, probably.”
“And you say that so casually.”
Hope shrugged. “When you’re a high school counselor, you see everything.”
Alex couldn’t stop staring. “She’s going to regret that when she’s older. I mean really regret it.”
“She probably already does but she won’t admit it. It’s difficult to eat and drink, as you can see. Sometimes it affects their speech.” Hope shook her head. “Kids.”
Soon Gus appeared with water for Hope and decaf coffee for Alex. “Enjoy.”
Between sips, they glanced at the animated bride-to-be and her fiancé.
“I’d like to be a fly on their table. If anyone can pull off a non-seasonal Halloween wedding, Suzy can,” Alex said.
“Without a doubt,” Hope added.
“I can’t wait to hear about their wedding ideas.” Alex yawned. “I’m leaving after this cup. I hope Tony isn’t waiting in the lot.”
Hope made a face. “Men. I’ll walk you out.”
~ ~ ~
After leaving Coconuts, Tony pulled into a Walgreens parking lot less than a block away. He had already glanced at Gage’s rental car since Mr. Sunglasses was sans limo tonight. Tony had memorized the license plate number before going into Coconuts and called his contact.
“Do me a favor and run these plates. They belong to a guy from New York, Caucasian, about 5’11,” with a buzz cut. He’s a limo driver for a New York socialite, Cheri Van Buren. That’s all I’ve got. Call me right back.”
He pulled into a McDonald’s drive-thru, ordered black coffee, and drove past Alex’s street. He wanted to make sure limo asshole wasn’t parked in her driveway. He wasn’t. Tony pulled over and parked as his cell rang. His jaw tightened as he listened to the caller. “No priors? Are you sure? Not even a speeding ticket or a DUI? Damn. Okay. Thanks, bud.”