Chapter 57
The minute Suzy stepped inside Coconuts, her shoulders relaxed, but when she spotted her friends, dread overcame her. Alex had obviously been crying. Alex never cried. Suzy rushed to the table. “What’s wrong?”
“Tony. My relationship. My job. Pretty much my life.”
“We know about the issues with Tony. What’s up at work? The new girl?” Hope asked.
“Hannah the Horrible.”
“That sucks,” Suzy said. “You always loved your job and you’re so good at it.”
“I keep hoping a car will hit her,” Alex said.
Suzy frowned.
Alex swatted the air with her hand. “I’m kidding. I just need a break. Between Tony’s ex and my stupid intern, I’m losing it. The little bitch is probably rifling through my desk right now.” She fished her cell out of her magenta purse. I think I’ll call the bank and tell the master’s degree genius to take tomorrow off. I need a break. I can’t stomach her two days in a row on top of dealing with Tony and his spiteful ex.”
Alex pressed the phone against her ear and frowned, then her mouth flew open. She turned the device off and sat back. “That little bitch changed my voicemail. Again.” I’ve got to go back to the bank and confront her right now.
Suzy grabbed Alex’s arm. “Sit down. Why don’t you wait until tomorrow? Let’s enjoy our girl time.”
“You’re right.” Alex waved to Gus. “It might be afternoon but I need a chardonnay. Pronto. Let’s change the subject. I’m sick of my issues.” She glanced at Hope. “How did you leave school early?” She waved her hand. “Doesn’t matter. I know how busy you must be with the cleanup and rebuilding. My problems are ridiculous compared to that.”
“Actually, hearing about your problems helps.” She licked the salt off her margarita. “That doesn’t sound quite right but you two don’t know how much you’ve helped by giving me much-needed breaks from the devastation. I can always count on you for levity—or drama—to get my mind off my problems.”
Alex raised her hand. “Drama provider here.”
Suzy bobbed her head. “For some reason, here too.”
Hope chuckled. “Sorry but it helps. I’m finally ready to talk about the aftermath. Our kids have really rallied to help the tornado victims. Habitat for Humanity has the experts but lets the kids help. In addition to students and faculty, tons of neighbors have volunteered.”
“What a sense of community,” Suzy said. “That’s wonderful.”
Hope nodded. “Definitely. Everyone has pitched in. I’ve never seen so many hammers, nails, and saws.” Hope wiped more tears off her cheeks. “This is the proudest I’ve been of the students in all my years at Hilltop. Well, this and when the students came to my aid after my parents—” Her voice wobbled. On the one hand, she could hardly wait to tell her friends her big news. After all, she was the one who asked them to meet. But Hope’s heart thrashed at the thought of Suzy and Alex’s reaction about Hilltop’s new janitor, a.k.a. Larry-Mac. What if they think I’m crazy? She stalled and took another drink.
Suzy sipped her merlot. “The students are learning a great life lesson, teamwork, and actual skills. They’ll never forget this and neither will the neighbors.”
“What’s the progress on the rebuilding of the demolished houses?” Alex asked.
Hope grinned, happy to delay the janitor-dad conversation. “Unbelievably, the houses are already framed. The nine Amish brothers framed the homes in record time. Neighbors pitched in, too. Many cried and bonded while driving nails or sawing lumber. And the students.” Hope shook her head. “I know I keep saying this but I’m so in awe of them. Like Suzy said, they’re learning teamwork and life skills, plus, it’s wonderful to see them get their heads out of their phones.”
Still avoiding the inevitable, Hope popped a handful of nuts in her mouth. “I’ve been living this 24/7. Let’s talk about something else. How’s your Halloween wedding going, by the way?”
“Ghoulish.” Suzy laughed at her own joke. “I couldn’t resist. Actually, it has been an enjoyable challenge. The event will be memorable to say the least. And Jon and Fernando’s wedding is back on. Thank goodness.”
Hope’s eyes bulged. “I didn’t know it was off. What happened?”
“You’ve been a little busy with the tornado aftermath for me to concern you.” Suzy shrugged. “Jon said it was something about Fernando’s mother. Apparently, she’s overbearing, was trying to call the shots, and tried to talk them into getting married in Italy instead of Jon’s dream beach wedding.”
Alex made a face. “Oh, God. She’ll be a hideous mother-in-law.”
Suzy let out a long sigh. “Yep. I’m worried about that. I’m trying to stay out of his family drama, though. I want them to work through this. I don’t want to meddle.”
Alex waved Gus over. “Hi, Gus. Can we get some water, please? I’m drinking my wine too fast with these peanuts. Speaking of which—” She pointed to the almost-empty bowl. “More nuts also.” She faced Suzy. “You’re too nice. I would have told his mother to back off.”
Suzy shrugged. “At least she lives in another country. I can’t imagine she can interfere much from afar.”
“Don’t count on it,” Alex said.
“Between that stress and my home life, I don’t know which end is up any more.” Suzy put her head in her hands. “I just want a little respect. A little help around the house. A heads-up if she’s bringing friends over.”
Hope patted her friend’s arm. “Let me guess. This is about your stepdaughter, Izzy.”
Alex twirled her wineglass. “She sounds like a royal brat. I don’t know how you put up with her.” She slapped her hand on her leg. “I just thought of the perfect name for Izzy.”
Suzy asked, “What?”
“Icky.” Alex smiled. “What do you think?”
Hope roared. “You come up with the best nicknames. Remember when Alex called that wicked mother of the bride, Mrs. Biltmore, Mrs. Bitchmore? It was perfect.”
Suzy nodded. “Oh, yeah. I remember. I nearly called her that a dozen times when she wanted me to plan her daughter’s wedding behind her back.”
Alex circled the rim of her glass. “What do you think? Icky. Let that roll off your tongue.”
“I’m afraid I’ll accidentally call her that now.” Suzy’s mouth curved into a smile. “You are good with nicknames.”
“No charge.” Alex bit into a chip. “I’m a marketing genius, you know.” She laughed. “But not according to Hannah. That girl thinks she came out of the womb as a branding and marketing pro. The little daddy’s girl is driving me bat shit crazy.”
“That’s tough since she’s your boss’s daughter.” Suzy said.
Alex shrugged. “It is what it is.”
Suzy ran her fingers through her hair. “What a couple of weeks we’ve had. Wait a minute. Hope, what’s your big news? Is it something besides the tornado?”
Alex leaned forward. “Yeah, we got off track, as usual.”
“What is it?” Suzy asked.