Queen of NOLA Read online

  “I don’t get why she’s so upset. She seemed to be getting better now that everything was out in the open with Flanagan. Ok, so, you’re drying herbs to make her a sleeping concoction? They won’t let you take that in there.”

  My friend rounds her large, coffee colored eyes. “Barq’s.” She ends it with a slow wink.

  “Do you think something happened? Like Slade?”

  Her tight curls swing back and forth. “I t’ought dat too, but dey say ain’t been no visits, ‘cept me.”

  I roll my stiff neck. “Ok, I’ll try to talk to the staff and figure something out before they mess with her meds. And, well, I know you’re used to shit appliances, but you’re gonna have to get a handle on this stove. Damn, it just wants to be friends.” You need to treat her right. Show her some love because I don’t know if we’ll be able to replace it if something happens.”

  Ma’Linn’s double chin drops.

  I attempt to ease her mind before she spins out of control. It’s not like any of this shit is her fault.

  “Don’t go getting yourself all worked up. I didn’t mean it like that. There’s just a small legal snag.”

  “Girl, what shit be stirring now?”

  “It’s not like that, not this time. My lawyer says this is normal and it’s all going to be straightened out. He’s not worried, so neither am I.” I turn and open the window over the sink. “But that doesn’t mean we need to set all the new shit on fire. Work with me, here.”

  She stares at me with a blank expression right before her belly starts to tremble with laughter.

  “What’s so damn funny?”

  “Yo, tifi. Goin’ ‘n getting’ yo’self all excited.” Ma’Linn grips the table to help push herself up and grabs a long-handled pair of tongs. “Yo git now ‘n let me be. I got work to do.” She cracks a wide smile and pulls her skirt up through the middle of her legs and tucks it into the waistband of her apron.

  “You better be glad I got to be somewhere anyway.” I match her grin and throw up a quick thank you for having this woman in my life. She’s a bright spot in a world of darkness and I want so much to protect what little bit of light she has left.

  I head out for the next stop on this nightmare tour and settle into a corner table at Jimmy J’s. It’s a small hole in the wall tucked away in an alley and an absolute tummy pleaser. Not to mention, the perfect spot for a secret meeting.

  I dart my gaze and see his frame fill the doorway. I watch him saunter across the square space. He peers down at me and removes his hat, clutching it to his chest.

  “Well, if it isn’t the prettiest girl in all Louisiana.”

  I feel my smile before it slips in the corners of my lips. “Just Louisiana? I’m hurt! I guess things really are bigger and better in Texas.”

  Drew chuckles and slides into the booth across from me. “Texas ain’t so bad. Maybe you’ll let me show you around some time.”

  His statement reminds me of a time when things were easier. A time when things were kinder. I can still feel the brush of fresh air on my face as I molded my body around Lucky’s chiseled back. I close my eyes and swear the scent from Lucky’s neck comes alive in the room. I take a deep inhale, but it’s too late. The smell vanishes. It was never here. Just like Lucky. I never had him. He was never mine, and even worse, I was never his.

  “Hey, Baby? You still with me?”

  Drew pulls me out of my head and back to reality. I forgot how handsome he was, with light hair and bright, blue eyes. His pearly whites shine, peeking out from his big, southern grin, which hasn’t lost an ounce of charm.

  “Yeah, I’m good. Sorry, just lost in thought.” I stop when the bartender walks over to take our order. One coffee and one, extra spicy bloody Mary.

  Drew throws one leg over a knee and props his cowboy hat on the denim. “Alright, not that I don’t enjoy sitting and gazing at such beauty, but you tracked me down for a reason. It’s time to spill.”

  I drop my head, staring into my lap, and tuck the loose, wispy strands of hair behind both ears.

  “Yeah, I guess it’s time to get down to business.” I take a long sip of strong, black coffee and try to ignore the way the scorching liquid burns the roof of my mouth. It sparks me, the familiar sensation of pain.

  I place the cup back on the white, chipped saucer. “I need your help.”

  Drew scoots forward and leans his forearms on the table. “What happened? Are you ok? Dammit, what’d that bearded bastard do to you?”

  I notice the way anger agitates in his light eyes.

  “No, it’s nothing like that.” I shift and hope my voice doesn’t betray me. I’m not ready to share that part of my life right now. That pain is personal and all mine. “I don’t have time to cover all the details, but there’s a girl in danger.”

  “Another one? Like the last girl, um, Lolli?” He puts his drink to his mouth and guzzles when I nod. “Whatever came of that girl?”

  I shrug. “Nothing official, so far, but you and I both know what happened to her. There hasn’t been one word since she vanished from the hospital. And if I don’t do something, the same thing’s going to happen to this girl Willow.”

  “Ok,” he starts as his head falls to the side. “Tell me what you know about this girl and let’s see if we can find a place to start.”

  I spend the next twenty minutes filling him in on the little bit of information I have about Willow. She’s young, with no ties or family. I know I’ve had more than my share of coffee because I start to ramble and tap my fingers against the sticky table.

  Drew seizes my hands and holds them down. “First things first. You gotta get a grip. This has you seriously rattled.”

  “Yes!” I don’t bother explaining about the money or court stuff. There’s no point and I don’t wear pity well.

  “So, she’s called you twice. And you’re sure it was her?”

  “At first no, but now, there’s no doubt in my mind.”

  “Ok, second thing, you need to stay away from the club. It’s dangerous. Is that gonna be a problem?”

  “No, not all.” I give an awkward giggle as I recall my last encounter at Bottoms Up. “I actually work at Gauthier.”

  It happened just like I imagined. His face drops as his expression fades. He gawks at me and I begin to squirm. He doesn’t speak, so I include more details, but only what’s needed.

  I sigh, releasing the air in a loud huff. “My father was Art Flanagan.”

  “Gauthier’s partner? But he’s dead.” He rounds his eyes and it arches his light brows. “Holy shit. You don’t just work at Gauthier. You’re a co-owner.”

  “I’m working on that part. The point is, there’s not a problem with me staying away from the club. I don’t think I could get through the front door anyway.”

  A slight grin releases Drew’s cheek dimples. “Damn, good for you, Baby. You deserve it. You deserve so much good.” His deep gaze seems to be looking into me, rather than at me. “Um, ok, let me do all the heavy lifting from here. How do I get in touch with you?”

  “Well, I’ll be at the office.” I roll my eyes when he snickers. “Don’t give me shit. This is my life now. I don’t think you should show your face around there, though. Slade has eyes everywhere and that bitch, Carrie Scott still has her meat hooks clutched on that company. And I have no doubt that the two of them would like to have your balls for earrings.”

  “You let me worry about that joker. I can handle myself.”

  “Alright, call but make sure you only speak with Wendy or myself. Wendy’s my assistant. She’s not in on any of this, but there’s something loyal about her.”

  Drew downs the rest of his drink and swipes his tongue across his lips.

  My body flushes when I see the glint in his eyes. I can’t help but wonder if he’s thinking of me.

  CHAPTER TEN

  Lucky

  This makes my fourth trip to the Executive breakroom. It’s a lame excuse, but I can’t think of a better one to walk by
Jade Belhomme’s office.

  Her door is pulled shut, but I know she’s not in there because I can see the dark room through the wooden slats on the window.

  “Mr. Gauthier, is there something I can help you with?”

  I glance over at the woman. I know her name’s Wendy, but I keep wanting to call her Jane. Plain Jane. However, I do regret the way I initially treated her, even if it was only in my head. It’s not her fault that Ms. Belhomme lacks manners and etiquette.

  “No, thanks though. Any word on when she’ll be back?” I jerk my head toward the locked door.

  “No, sir. She had some work to take care of outside the office. Would you like me to give her a message if she calls to check in?”

  I quickly shake my head. “No. I’d rather speak to her in person. Does she have any time available tomorrow morning?”

  The girl scans her computer. “Actually, she’s booked solid with interviews. She’s hiring an executive assistant.”

  “Block a half hour off for me before those appointments.”

  “Yes, sir.” She offers a simple smile as her fingers click against the keyboard.

  I’ve wasted an entire day wondering about his damn woman. Jade’s really worked her way under my skin. Every person I’ve come into contact with has been respectful, even concerned, but not her.

  Not Jade Belhomme.

  I pull out a notepad and start a list. My head is all fucked up and scrambled. I need to get shit down on paper. I scribble names and thoughts from my first morning at the office. I try to retain information, but it just slips away, like trying to catch the breeze in my grasp.

  “Hey, how are things going?”

  I’m deep in thought and it aggravates me when Carrie strolls in and plants herself in the chair across from me. I chalk the annoyance up to my head injury and try to offer her my best side. Whatever the fuck that might be.

  “Just trying to get my sea legs back, familiarize myself with everything.” I pat the massive stack of files resting on my desk. “I’ll pass some stuff along, but for the moment, I’d rather handle it myself. Looks like Wendy’s pretty tied up today anyway.”

  “Oh, about that, I conducted some interviews today myself. Your new assistant will be here first thing in the morning, bright and early.”

  I twist my face, distorting my hard expression. “But, I already have one, right?” I hate the way I have to question every part of my existence. Somehow, I don’t think relying on other people is my strong suit. “Isn’t Wendy already my assistant?”

  She waves the back of her hand through the tense air. “Forget her, the girl is incompetent. You saw what happened this morning. We’ll just pass her off on someone else. It’s no big deal. Besides, you’ll love Sheila. She’s a real go getter.”

  I don’t argue. There’s no point. I had an odd feeling about the homely secretary. “Fine, but I have the final say.”

  “Of, course.” She agrees, but I can’t help but feel like she’s placating me. “There are a couple meetings on that books that you really need to attend, so the more you can delegate the better.”

  “I’m busy in the morning. Anything after that should be fine.”

  She stiffens her jaw and squints. “Really? I didn’t know anything about a morning meeting. Let me check my schedule. I’ll join you.”

  “No need. I can handle it. Ms. Belhomme had some business to take care of today, so I pushed the sit down. It’s probably better that it’s one on one, that way we can keep the emotions in check.”

  Carrie twists her mouth, drawing her lips into a hard line. “Well, it’s not an option then. I will absolutely be in that meeting.”

  This woman gets under my skin too, but it’s not the same as Jade. It’s different. One has me confused and curious, while the other has me wanting to ditch this suit and hit the closer liquor store.

  I slam both palms against the smooth, dark wood. “I said I’ll handle it myself. I don’t need a goddamn babysitter.” I pull in a weighted breath through my nostrils and release it slowly through my mouth, attempting to control my temper. “Look, I know you’re just trying to help, and I appreciate it. I do, but I don’t need you to have eyes on me every second of the day. This is my company, and until a judge tells me otherwise, I will take back that role. I know you’ve really stepped up. You were left a shitty hand, but you can take a load off now. Get back to your own job. You must be way behind. I’m back now. Everyone can go back to their own corners.”

  I watch as she stands and smooths her hands over her expensive, but ugly, skirt. Her small chest moves with her full breaths. “If that’s what you want. Maybe you’ll feel more like yourself tomorrow.” After a few, tense seconds, Carrie grins. “You know what I think?”

  “What’s that?” I go back to flipping through my papers, scanning the margins for scribbled notes.

  “I think we should go out.”

  I drop my pen the same time I cut my gaze in her direction.

  “Oh, don’t look at me like that. It’ll do you good. A delicious meal and the perfect bottle of wine. Doesn’t that sound nice?” She invades my space, walking behind my desk and wrapping her arms around me from the back, dangling them down my chest like a loose neck tie.

  Mine and Carrie’s idea of a good time appear to be crazy different. I’d much rather grab a cold six pack and ditch the City lights for the stars.

  But she probably knows me better than I know myself right now. “Sure, hun. Sounds good.”

  *

  I’m having an out of body experience.

  That’s the only explanation I can come up with as to why I would be bellied up to the pressed, linen table cloth wearing a suit and tie, drinking Pinot Grigio sitting across from three people I have yet to recognize.

  Carrie ran into another couple when we arrived at the fancy restaurant. And because that’s what people do, she offers to turn our intimate supper for two, into an excruciating double date from hell.

  I listen to endless chatter about floral arrangements and designer wedding gowns while the guy across me stares down at his phone.

  I want to rip my own head off and throw it through the painted window.

  “Yeah, I hate to do this, but I just remembered that I forgot to take care of something at the office. Sorry, it can’t wait.” I toss the cloth napkin on my chair and shove my chair back under the table. It only takes a split second to see Carrie’s failed attempt at concealing her anger.

  “Darling, now?” When I don’t answer, she continues. “Fine. I’ll go with you. Just let me…”

  “No!” I cut her off and divert the attention back to Bud and Tess, or Ted and Bess. Whatever their names are. “I’m really sorry to ditch like this, but you know how it can be, right?”

  They nod unison and mumble words of understanding. I glance over at my Carrie, my apparent fiancé, and it’s clear that she expects something from me. For the life of me, I can’t figure out what it is. I feel no prompt, no connection, or resemblance of a relationship.

  “Aren’t you forgetting something?” She bats her eyes at me and turns her face up to meet me. That’s when it clicks. She wants a kiss.

  I dodge the lips and put my mouth to her cheek, but just lightly before backing away.

  “See you tonight?” She calls out after me.

  “Tomorrow.” I holler before bolting from the building. The lie came way too easy. I gather air in my lungs. I can’t get out of there quick enough. I leave the car for Carrie and decide to take a walk to clear my head. No plan or direction. Just me and the sweltering night.

  That’s one thing about good, old NOLA. It always feels like home. The City proves to be too strong for the amnesia. I can feel it coursing through my blood. My heart siphoning the magic, breathing new life into my dead cells. The extravagant, ornate restaurants and shops give way to run down buildings and vacant store fronts. There’s no divider. No strategic line to warn the stuffed suits they’re crossing over into the real New Orleans.

 
I wander down to the Quarter and stop to grab a ‘Huge Ass’ beer, dipping in and out of the sea of tourists.

  It takes all of two minutes for me to drain the plastic cup shaped like a woman’s backside.

  I’m visually overwhelmed by all the royalty of Bourbon Street, where everything’s flashy and bright. Flickering lights and blasting music dance in my head.

  I duck into an alley when my mouth fills with saliva from the delicious scent of spices and bacon tickling my senses.

  A small plaque over an open-door lures me inside and I search the cramped, shadowy space for an open table.

  And that’s when I spot her. She’s sitting alone and seems to be lost in her own, little world.

  The idea of pretending like I don’t see her backfires when the bartender says something to her, making her gaze up, steering her eyes to the front of Jimmy J’s.

  Her captivating, green eyes are round with surprise, but only at first. The longer she stares at me, the harder her expression becomes.

  But she doesn’t speak or get up. She tilts her head to one side and I can’t bring myself to look away. And then Jade Belhomme manages to knock me off my feet, and as hard as it is to believe, it has nothing to do with her stunning looks.

  She pivots her glance away from me and toward the door. “Two cold Shiners for me and my co-worker here.”

  The server nods and then Jade shoves her boot against the chair next to her, pushing it out, I guess for me. I wish I could say I’m excited, but that wouldn’t be honest. The truth is, I’m scared shitless of this girl. And I can’t say it has jack shit to do with the business.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  Baby Jade

  Lucky holds an empty cup in one hand and scratches his scruffy chin with the other.

  Thank fuck ‘James’ had the good sense not to mess with the beard.

  He looks like he’s just been caught doing something dirty. I decide to put us both out of our misery. I order two beers and offer him a seat.

  I break my gaze as he walks over, and I immediately resent the way my heart races like a fucking jack hammer inside my chest.