Chapter 59
Alex narrowed her eyes. “This is ridiculous. It doesn’t even make sense with someone of her caliber. It’s like watching a train wreck.” The minute she saw Hope’s face fall, she knew she had misspoken. “Shit. I’m sorry. You know I didn’t mean anything. I mean, never mind—”
Hope rolled her eyes. “It’s okay. It’s just a saying. Forget about it.”
Alex turned back toward Cheri. “I’d hate to think what could happen if these guys knew she was a Van Buren and worth millions. It’s actually scary. Who knows who these creeps really are?” She laughed. “That said, don’t judge if I ever—”
Suzy chortled. “Come on, Alex, you wouldn’t dare use the internet to troll for dates. Would you?”
Alex stayed transfixed on Cheri as the thin-haired, middle-aged man wearing huge eyeglasses and an outdated gray suit obviously tried to engage her in conversation. “I’d have to be totally desperate, but back to Cheri, this has to stop now.”
“He might be really nice,” Hope said.
“Sure, but come on,” Alex said. “They’ll never be a couple. No way.”
“Do you have a plan?” Hope asked.
“Don’t you realize who you’re talking to? Of course, I have a plan.” Alex tucked in her white, ruffled blouse and straightened her navy and white plaid skirt. “Watch and learn, ladies.”
She flipped her hair behind her shoulders as she crossed the room. Stopping at Cheri’s table, Alex smiled her biggest, brightest smile and directed her conversation toward the New Yorker. “You’re needed for girl talk pronto.” She faced the deer-in-headlights guy. “Sorry, bud, she’s no longer available.” Alex hooked her arm through Cheri’s and practically dragged her away.”
Alex heard the man mutter, “But, but . . .” and shouted over her shoulder, “She’s off the market.”
Suzy had already added a fourth stool and Alex practically pushed Cheri atop it. “Sit.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Cheri giggled. “Thanks for saving me. The poor guy is nice but—”
“Stop. Just stop.” Alex stuck her hand out inches from Cheri’s face. “You’ve got to stop meeting strange men. I forbid you to do this again.”
Cheri crossed her toned arms. “You forbid me. Who are you, my nanny or my mom?”
“Neither. I still forbid you,” Alex said.
Suzy leaned forward. “I agree with Alex. It isn’t safe.”
Hope shook her head. “I’m afraid they’re both right. I counsel my students often about social media. The Internet isn’t all unicorns and rainbows. On the contrary, it’s a dark, scary world out there.”
Cheri raised her perfectly arched eyebrows. “I appreciate the lecture, ladies, but I’m a big girl and can make decisions for myself.”
“Apparently not good ones. We’ve had this conversation before. I thought New Yorkers were savvy.” Alex reached into a bowl of nuts. “Listen, once a money-hungry jerk finds out you’re rich, he’ll latch on to you like a dog on a meaty ham bone.”
“Excuse me, did someone say you’re rich?” A handsome college-aged student with broad shoulders and curly dark hair approached their table. He extended his hand toward Cheri. “Hi, I’m Troy.”
Alex put her arms straight out to each side, baseball umpire style. “And . . . you’re out, Troy. Bye-bye.”
The young man feigned shock and sauntered toward the bar.
Alex had a satisfied look on her face. “Case closed. What’s next on the agenda?”
Cheri buried her face in her hands. “This is embarrassing. Since being away from New York and spending all my time in a kitchen, I guess I was lonely.”
“And in need of good judgment,” Alex said.
Suzy frowned. “I think Cheri got the message. Lay off.”
Alex shrugged. “You know I’m right.”
Hope chimed in. “I’m guessing you don’t get a lot of attention from your parents and you’re looking for companionship—”
Alex pointed toward Hope. “Listen to her. She’s a counselor and we’re not always going to be here to intervene.” She laughed. “Although we’re at Coconuts a lot lately.” Softening her tone, she said, “Seriously, please stop the Internet dating scene. For good.”
“I will,” Cheri said. “It was ridiculous and stupid of me.”
“Now, that we can agree on,” Alex said.
Hope and Suzy both said, “Alex, back off.”
Suzy glanced at her watch. “I’ve got to go. Ken is probably starving. Poor man thinks he’ll burn the house down if he cooks.”
Alex wrinkled her nose. “Tell Ken it’s no longer the fifties and to make a damn sandwich.”
Suzy gathered her purse. “You’re in some mood tonight, Alex. Cheri, nice meeting you. I hope you’ll join us again soon. I’ve gotta run.”
Hope waved for her ticket, mentioning school the next day.
The New Yorker tugged on Suzy and Hope’s arms. “Wait a sec before you leave. I want to make it up to you. I promise I’m not self-absorbed nor weird.” Cheri splayed her beautifully manicured fingers across the table. “I want to show my appreciation for including me in your girls’ nights out.” Her eyes glistened. “You’re the first real friends I’ve made here. I’d love for you to come to my house tomorrow night. I need to try out some new recipes. You can be my guinea pigs.”
“Say the word and I’m there,” Alex said.
Suzy nodded. “Me too.”
Hope grinned. “Me three.”
“Great. Come over at six. My address is 555 Bee Creek in Branson.” Cheri stared at her navy manicure. “Thanks for rescuing me again.”