Chapter 60
Cheri hadn’t yet found a maid in Branson but discovered cleaning was surprisingly therapeutic. Besides, she couldn’t wait to host her new girlfriends. She had slaved all day preparing her favorite appetizers to make the evening memorable.
Fluffing her oversized orange-and-brown-striped sofa pillows, she lit enormous chocolate brown leather candles and opened her French doors, overlooking Crystal Lake. She never tired of the serene view and stepped outside.
The late-afternoon sun warmed her face. Streaked in yellow, orange, and pink hues, the sky looked like a watercolor. Cheri raced back inside to get her camera and took photos of the stunning landscape to send to her mother. Maybe this will entice them to visit.
Leaning across the deck railing to photograph the crystal, blue water, Cheri marveled at the variety of boats that always dotted Crystal Lake. Luxury sport yachts and massive house boats dwarfed bass boats and jet skis but they happily shared the same space. Occasionally, a sailboat glided by. The large, white sails reminded her of poetry on water. Living near a lake was a welcome about-face from skyscrapers, taxis, horns, and the general hustle and bustle of city dwellers.
Cheri stepped back inside. The late-afternoon weather was perfect for entertaining. She took one last look around the gorgeous, updated house. Her late grandmother had given Cheri free rein with the decorating decisions. The challenge had been a fun break from Fifth Avenue Catering.
With the help of Skype, Cheri had served as the general contractor, having learned a great deal about real estate renovations from observing her father’s business over the years. Hiring subcontractors and a demolition crew, she had asked them to remove a wall to open the space and had updated every detail down to the brown and gold granite countertops, massive European light fixtures, stainless steel appliances, Italian tile floors, and the ivory carpeting in the living room and bedrooms.
Evenly spaced colossal wooden beams crossed the ceiling. The kitchen and living area were divided by one wall featuring immense, native stone rocks. The unique, natural divider spanned a large area featuring a fireplace in the middle. The home was an eclectic mix of modern and rustic with a slight European flair which fit the striking scenery to a tee. Her grandmother had been delighted with the results. Cheri just wished she had seen her nana’s face in person.
Glancing at the clock, she busied herself in the kitchen. They’ll be here any minute. She set out hors d’oeuvres and folded orange and white polka dot napkins as the doorbell chimed. She wore one of her white and gold Fifth Avenue Catering aprons when she swung the front door open.
Alex and Suzy stood grinning on the porch and jointly hugged their new friend. After stepping into the foyer, Alex scanned the room and sucked in her breath. “Cheri, this is drop-dead gorgeous. It should be featured in Architectural Digest.”
Suzy’s mouth fell open. “She’s right. It’s breathtaking. By the way, Hope’s going to be late. She’s meeting with a student but should be here soon.”
“In that case, do you want a tour of the house?” Cheri asked.
“Yes,” Alex said.
Suzy frowned. “Maybe we should wait for Hope.”
Cheri held her hands in a pose as if she were scales. “In that case, follow me.” She ushered Alex and Hope onto the barstools in the kitchen. “I’ll pour you a glass of wine while we wait.”
Suzy raced toward the open French doors overlooking Crystal Lake. “This view is incredible.”
Before Cheri finished pouring the wine, the doorbell rang. She greeted a smiling Hope who gave her an awkward hug and thrust a bottle of wine in Cheri’s hand.
“How thoughtful, Hope. Come in. We can’t start the party without you.”
Hope’s eyes widened when she stepped inside. “I’m never leaving. Do you have a spare bedroom for me?”
Cheri giggled. “Stay here anytime you want. I’d love the company. Consider it your lake retreat.”
Hope rushed toward the kitchen. “Girls, we have a lake retreat.”
Cheri filled their wineglasses. “Make yourselves at home. I’ve got to tend to the oven. Feel free to look around.”
The women hopped off the brown leather bar stools and walked into the living room.
“This is my new favorite house. I love it,” Alex said.
“It’s incredible but a kid would destroy this place,” Suzy said. “Look at those white carpets.”
Cheri overheard Suzy. “I don’t really like kids, so that’s a moot issue.”
Alex and Suzy exchanged glances.
“She’ll change her mind someday,” Suzy said.
“I’m not sure about that.” Alex studied the décor. “She could be an interior decorator as well as a chef.”
Cheri stepped into the room. “It’s ready, girls. I made several appetizers. These are all on Fifth Avenue Catering’s menu.”
Wineglasses in hand, the threesome stared agog at the heaping platters of food.
Hope said, “It’s too pretty to eat.”
“Thanks, but I hope you eat every last morsel.” Ladies, I made bacon-wrapped dates filled with gorgonzola cheese; pasta with spinach, garlic, tomatoes and olive oil; asparagus drizzled with balsamic vinegar and parmesan cheese; chilled shrimp with a mango cocktail salsa; and a microgreens salad with strawberries, feta cheese, green onions, and pecans.” She looked at her guests expectantly. “I hope you’re hungry.”
Hope’s eyebrows shot up. “You call these ‘appetizers?’ I call chips, salsa, and guacamole from Sam’s Club appetizers.”
“If this is an audition to be my wedding caterer, you’re hired,” Suzy said.
Cheri beamed. “Done. I’d love to collaborate with you.”
Alex eyed the spread. “I’m hiring you, too, for the next time we need fancy schmancy food at a bank function.”
“Thanks for the endorsements, ladies. Who wants a sangria?” Cheri pointed toward a giant glass container filled with strawberries, orange slices, apples, and plenty of wine.
An echo of “Me, me, me” filled the kitchen. Cheri tightened her apron and took out glasses from the cabinet. “I’ll get the drinks while you grab some food. Let’s eat on the deck. We can’t let this beautiful day go to waste.”
Alex, Suzy, and Hope balanced square white plates laden with food and walked outside.
“Even the sunset coordinates with Cheri’s napkins.” Hope shook her head. “Unbelievable.”
Alex winked. “I have a feeling Cheri thinks of every detail—even the sky.”
Suzy leaned over the railing. “That gorgeous, blue lake is inviting.”
“I can’t eat. And that’s saying something.” Hope chuckled. “I just want to stare. Look at this huge, wrap-around wooden deck.”
“I like the patio furniture and those burnt orange cushions,” Suzy said. “And that slate table and fire pit? Stunning.”
“I love the flowers.” Alex pointed toward several hefty clay pots filled with Gerbera daisies, elephant ears, and impatience. Placed strategically along the deck and down the stairs, the flowers led to the yard overlooking Crystal Lake. Green ivy spilled over the railing.
Cheri stepped outside in time to hear most of the comments. “Thank you, ladies. Grandma chose a beautiful lot for a home, didn’t she? Now you see why I couldn’t bear to sell it.”
Alex held a mango-dipped shrimp in mid-air. “Everything is amazing—the house, water, view, and the food. Thanks for inviting us. It’s a much-needed break from my crazy life.”
“You’re welcome. Thanks for your friendship. All of you.” Cheri lit citronella candles to keep the mosquitoes away and raised her glass. “Here’s to girlfriends.”
“Here, here,” everyone echoed and toasted.
Suzy popped a date into her mouth. “Oh, my God. This is orgasmic.”
Hope stabbed the bowtie pasta with her fork. “Thank God I don’t diet. I could eat the whole bowl.”
Alex chased a bacon-wrapped date with sangria. “I could make a meal out of the dates. Just bring the whole platter out here.”
“Get seconds, ladies. There’s plenty.”
“You sure know how to cook. I’m already stuffed,” Suzy said. “I’m bloated but it was worth it. Thank you for this mouth-watering feast.” She peered at the sky. “We were so enthralled in eating, I didn’t realize it had gotten dark.”
Hope leaned against an orange pillow. “I feel like a mouse who just ate all of the food at Golden Corral but this is a hundred thousand times better.”
The women giggled.
“Look.” Alex pointed. “There’s a shooting star. Make a wish, everyone.” After the star disappeared, she said, “I brought a game.”
“A game?” Hope asked.
“Yup. You’ll love it.”
“Let’s go inside and play this game, whatever it is,” Cheri said.