Chapter 50
“What?” Alex swiveled her head in the direction of Suzy’s and watched as the limo driver sauntered inside Coconuts. He was out of his usual all-black uniform and wore faded blue jeans and a crisp white shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. His black sunglasses were on top of his head and he looked delicious.
Hope rubbed her hands together. “He’s hot. I believe in signs, and this is definitely a sign in big flashing neon letters. Go for it, girlfriend.”
Suzy nudged Alex. “Invite him over if you don’t feel comfortable sitting with him alone.”
“Oh, God.” Alex reached for her giant purse and subtly reapplied power and freshened her red lipstick.
“Stop. You look stunning.” Hope sighed.
Alex cocked her head. “Remember, he’s used to driving a celebrity around.” She took a deep breath. “I’m going to do it. I’m going to get my nerve up and walk over there.” She stood, straightened her silky, red shirt, but sat back down. “I can’t.”
Suzy elbowed her. “Send a drink over to him. Guys send drinks over to girls all the time. Reverse course and see what happens.”
Alex brightened. “I like that idea.” She waved to Gus and intercepted him before he made it to the limo driver’s table. “What does he drink?”
Gus looked puzzled. “Who?”
Alex nodded with her head. “The new guy.”
“Oh, him. Usually a beer.”
“Please put it on my tab but don’t tell him who it’s from. I want to see his reaction,” Alex said.
“Have it your way.” Gus ambled to the bar, poured a beer from the tap, and took it to the driver. Limo Driver looked pleasantly surprised and must have guessed it was from one of them because he smiled and held his glass in the air.
Alex waved him over. “Oh, God. He’s getting up. Is my face red?” She wiped the sweat moustache forming on her lip.
“You look fi—”
“Evening, ladies. Do I have one of you to thank for this refreshing, cold Bud?”
Suzy and Hope both pointed toward Alex. “Her.”
“Subtle. Very subtle.” Alex extended her hand. “Hi. You remember my two former best friends, Suzy and Hope.” Everyone chuckled as the driver pulled up an extra chair.
“Hi again. Thanks for the beer. I don’t think I told you my name the other night during the man duel.” He laughed. “It’s Gage. Gage Carver.” He never took his eyes off Alex as he politely shook each woman’s hand.
Alex had a sly grin on her face. “That was almost as good as watching a boxing match.”
He laughed. “I suppose we were being typical alpha males.”
“You think?” Alex threw her head back and laughed. “But I’m flattered.”
“You should be.” Gage continued to stare at Alex. “You have beautiful green eyes.
She felt her cheeks burn. “Thanks, but you’re missing something.”
“What?”
“A limo and a passenger,” Alex said.
He nodded. “Knowing Cheri, she’s perfecting new recipes.” He sipped his beer. “She has her life and lets me have my freedom. I’m on call 24/7, though.” He grinned. “She’s a good boss and gives me my space.” He sipped his foamy drink. “She’s like a bird freed from a cage here. She wants to drive her grandmother’s red Mercedes everywhere.” He winked. “By the way, does your grandmother have a Mercedes?”
Hope howled and Alex giggled. “Not even close. More like a car the size of a small living room. One of those big boat Pontiacs or something. It could be a parade float.”
Gage chuckled. “I think that’s typical of most grandmothers.”
Hope leaned forward. “So, if Cheri doesn’t need a full-time driver, why are you here?”
“Not that we’re complaining,” Alex added.
“Good question. Other than protection from paparazzi—which only occurred the first night she arrived at Coconuts—I’m not sure why Cheri flew me here but here I am.”
“Stuck on the prairie,” Alex said.
“I wouldn’t call it that. It’s nice. Beautiful and peaceful. A much slower pace which is refreshing.”
“And occasionally boring,” Alex said.
“How long will you stay?” Hope asked.
The handsome driver shrugged. “It’s an open-ended date. She—Cheri—hasn’t decided. I thought it would be a quick trip, maybe a couple of weeks, but she’s taking her time. I’m not sure when we’ll go back. I already sent my rent check for next month. I don’t want to lose my apartment in Brooklyn.”
“I bet your rent is expensive there,” Hope said.
He nodded. “Don’t get me started. Prices are reasonable here. Downright cheap. I could get used to that.” Gage eyed the group. “Cheri told me one of you is a banker.”
Hope stuck out her leg and wiggled her white capris and tan loafers. For emphasis, she gave a slight shimmy to show off her short-sleeved brown blouse. Then, she posed her hands Vanna White-style, likely from watching too much Wheel of Fortune, to showcase Alex who wore a cropped, black jacket over a red blouse, fitted black slacks, black heels, and a stunning silver statement necklace. “One guess as to which one is the banker.”
Gage’s eyes twinkled. “I give up.”
“You’re such a gentleman,” Hope said.
Alex grinned. “So, you need a banker, huh?”
Gage nodded. “I want to open a checking account. I use my credit and debit cards for most things, but it would be nice to have cash.”
“We have plenty of New Account reps who can help you with that.”
Gage leaned toward Alex. “I thought you could help me. Personally.”
Alex crossed and re-crossed her legs. “I handle the marketing. I don’t really deal with customers’ accounts. I’d be happy to sit with you and explain the lingo if you want. Or speed up the process.”
“That’s what I want. Thanks. Tomorrow at eight o’clock?”
Alex groaned. “Are you another one of those morning people? I work with all morning people.” She glanced at the calendar on her phone. “I have an 8 o’clock meeting tomorrow that’ll run about two hours. How about 10?”
“It’s a date. See you at ten.”
“Uh . . . do you need an address?” Alex asked.
“I’m a driver, remember? I can find anything. I’ll be at Show-Me Bank at ten on the dot.”
Alex smirked. “On the dot?”
Hope giggled. “Our dear Alex isn’t exactly prompt. That’s one of her many endearing qualities. Another one is—”
Alex shot Hope a look. “He doesn’t want my life story.
“Maybe I do.” Gage chuckled as he stood. “I’ll be right back, ladies.”
Alex waited until he walked through the restroom door before turning toward her friends. “What was that all about? You know I’m dating Tony.”
“Like we said earlier, maybe you should keep your options open, especially after that scene with his ex,” Suzy said.
Alex grimaced. “I know today was rough. Really rough. But after going through pure agony, Tony and I are finally together. It may not be perfect but we’ve made it through some tough times. I know he has baggage but don’t we all?”
Gage returned to the table, totally unaware of the women’s conversation. “Maybe you’d like to have lunch together after I open a new account tomorrow.”
Alex squirmed.
Hope kicked her under the table.
“I don’t know. I’m in a—”
Hope kicked her again. “She’ll have lunch with you. She was just telling me about a new restaurant near the bank.”
“I was?”
Hope grinned. “Yes. It’s two blocks north of Show-Me Bank. A new Chinese place. You told me you’ve been dying to go.”
Suzy winked. “I remember that conversation.”
Alex cocked her head. “Must have slipped my mind.”
Hope leaned forward. “Alex is a fancy schmancy bank vice president. She got promoted last year. We’re proud of her.”
Alex held up her hand. “Okay, okay. That’s enough.” She motioned toward her friends. “Hope is a superb high school counselor and Suzy is the go-to wedding planner in Crystal City. But I’m guessing you already knew all of this since you guard Cheri.”
“Maybe.” Gage winked. “Diverse occupations. I like it. How do you know each other?”
“High school” they said in unison.
“We’ve known each other for over twenty years,” Suzy said.
Alex elbowed her. “You didn’t have to add that. It makes us sound really old.” She eyed the limo driver and guessed he was at least five years her junior, maybe more.
“Not old at all,” Gage said. “You look like you’re thirty, if that.”
Alex beamed. “You just want me to buy you another beer.”
Suzy turned to Hope. “I think it’s time for me to go home.”
Hope faked a yawn. “Me, too. Call me tomorrow, Alex. Good to see you, Gage.”
Alex turned her head away from Gage’s view and mouthed, “Don’t leave.”
Suzy kissed her on the cheek. “I’ve got two weddings to plan and a husband at home. Gotta run, doll.”
Alex’s mouth went dry as she watched her friends walk out the door.
Seemingly amused, Gage’s lips curved up. “Are you in a hurry, too, or did I forget my deodorant today?”
Weighing her options, Alex said, “I can stay a while.”