All That Jazz

by Hope Alexis Milam

  "Wow. What are you going to do?" Sheryl asked.

  "Well, I have a few choices. I can die, disappear or abdicate in favor of my child." She shrugged. "I really don’t want to die, disappearing does not sound appealing and abdicating is out of the question."

  "That is logical." Aaron nodded in agreement. "Makes perfect sense."

  "What makes perfect sense?" Danny did not think on the same levels his lover did. It was one of the many ways they complimented one another.

  "If Nicole were to tell everyone she’s pregnant and then have that child be the heir, there’s no guarantee she’ll be taken care of, and there’s no guarantee she’ll be able to raise her own child." Aaron answered after perusing the other documents Nicole passed around. "So, it would be best for her to accept the responsibilities and then after the fifteen years is over, create her own children as her heirs. According to this, if she were to die without an heir, then everything would be split among the surviving Hebert children, not the grandchildren."

  "Can’t your family do anything simply?" Sheryl groaned. The critic rubbed her forehead as if it ached.

  "Actually, this is rather simple for them. I just don’t know why they chose me to do it. My grandfather died five years ago, and apparently I’m the heir in his too. I don’t get it." She understood her acceptance of it, but she still did not grasp the motivation behind her grandparents’ decision.

  "We may never know. At least you won’t have to worry about looking for work." Danny chose the optimistic route. "Or running out of diapers, baby food, dog food, you know piddlely little stuff like that."

  "Or college tuition." Aaron pointed out.

  "True." She grinned. "I’ve already decided to stick it out, but I’m glad you agree with me. It’s nice to be backed up sometimes."

  "We’re behind you." Sheryl spoke for the three of them. "Especially since now you can give us all jobs." The critic teased.

  "Uh huh. You’d hate not working at a paper." Nicole stood. "Think it would be improper if we ventured out to find food?"

  "Not in the least. Even if it is, we don’t really care. You do need to eat something." Danny told her.

  "Where are we going?" Aaron offered his hand to the critic.

  "I don’t care as long as it has lots of food." The photographer rubbed her stomach. She already felt as if she were hungry enough for two.

  "I don’t care sounds like a nice place. Let’s eat there." Sheryl suggested.

  "Well, there’s a great place not far from here, but we’ll have to drive or take the trolley." Danny looked down at his feet. "I know I don’t want to walk far in these, I’m sure you don’t either." He turned to Nicole. They were all still in their funeral attire.

  "We can take one of the cars. Let’s just try to slip out quietly." She did not want to face the rest of her family yet. She would have invited Stan and Jessie, but did not want to make things awkward for the critic. The two had not spoken since Jessie returned home.

  "Oh, good. Spy games." Aaron pretended to hold a gun. He ducked down and walked in parody of old TV shows. "Follow me."

  Chapter Thirty Four

  "Ok. We change our set from time to time. It keeps us from getting too deep into a rut." Laurel explained. "Now, since you helped write the music for two of the songs, those shouldn’t be a problem right?"

  "Right. We still practice those, and we do a cover of ‘Come to me’." Sam sat on the empty stage. The others had not yet arrived.

  "Really. I’m flattered." She grinned. "Are you sure you’re ok with this?"

  "Yeah. I’ll need the practice with the bass, but honestly, I’ve always fantasized about being in a band on tour."

  "It’s not all it’s cracked up to be. At least you’ll have BJ."

  "Yeah, that’s true. Did he tell you he asked me to marry him?" Sam grinned broadly. "He was so sweet about it. He got down on his knee, pulled out this ring and was really shy. He had to ask twice before his voice and my ears caught up with one another."

  "That’s a beautiful ring." She looked at it. It was slightly larger than normal, but otherwise appeared to be a standard engagement ring. "I bought this one back in February for Nicole." She pulled the chain out from under her shirt.

  "Wow. That’s incredible. Where did you find it?" Sam cupped her hand around the ring. "I like the cut of it." It was an oval cut set in a gold band. The band was slightly wider than normal. A delicate ring of Celtic knots circled the band. Inside was the phrase "Lovers destiny entwined’ in thin, ghostly runes. She had patterned the tattoo on her arm after the ring.

  "Stan, Nicole’s cousin, works at their uncle’s antique store. He was at an estate sale and saw this. I asked him over Christmas to look for something, and he bought it for me to give to Nicole." She explained. As soon as Sam released the chain, Laurel carefully tucked back under her shirt. "I’ve been wearing it as a good luck charm since I was never able to give it to her."

  "You will. And she’ll love it. It is gorgeous."

  "Thanks. Stan has excellent taste. I had final say so on it, but I couldn’t have found a better one myself had I tried."

  "Some things are just meant to be."

  "I’ve been hearing that a lot over the last few days. What is it with you people?" Laurel asked. She was starting to wonder if there were a conspiracy afoot. "When you came up here, did you know we’d ask you to replace me in the band?"

  "No. I really didn’t. BJ knows this is my dream though, so I guess he knew I’d say yes now that we’re back together." Sam looked at her. Laurel could read the truth in her eyes. It calmed the feeling of paranoia.

  "So, when and where is the big day?"

  "The day before you and Mandy leave. Mom’s bringing Thomas up, so I don’t have to worry about going home. I’m a convenience store clerk so I really don’t have to worry about getting fired for not showing up, so that’s taken care of. We wanted you two here. He’s talked to a JP who’s willing to do the ceremony on Monday."

  "Harold’s supposed to be back tonight. I guess we’ll have a meeting with him then." Laurel was not looking forward to that.

  "Are you sure this is what you want to do?"

  "I’ve thought about it for four days. I have to go home. I mean forgetting for a moment that I slugged our lead guitarist; I still don’t need to be here. It’s getting harder and harder to avoid the temptations. You’ve never been into the whole drug, booze and sex scene have you?"

  "Not really. I’ve drank, and I’ve had sex, but I’ve never had an overwhelming desire to do either." Sam looked at her for a long moment. "I told you once that you had a good thing with Nicole. I meant it then. I mean it more now."

  "I know. I don’t know what’ll happen. Hell, I really only know she’s in New Orleans. I’m guessing she’s staying at her grandmother’s house, but I don’t know for sure. I think I’ll go there first though."

  "Why? Doesn’t she have an apartment down there?"

  "Yes, but if I know Nicole, she’ll have made up with her grandmother since I’m not in the picture. She’s slightly more family oriented than I am." Laurel shrugged. "What’s taking them so long? It’s not like we haven’t scheduled this time for rehearsal every day for almost a week."

  "I asked them to give us some time alone. I wanted to make sure you weren’t forced into this." Sam idly plucked at the stings on Laurel’s bass. She had yet to get one of her own.

  "You know, it’s funny. There’s this little voice inside my head that keeps saying I should have not gotten on that plane to New York. But, there’s this other one that says it was the right thing to do. That somehow, I needed the time away from Hattiesburg, Nicole and everyone. It’s like I finally had to get a few screws tightened inside my head." Laurel leaned back against BJ’s drum stand. "I’ve learned a lot out here. Mostly it’s been about me, but that’s all good I think. I’ve never really been honest with myself about a lot of things. I can be now. It’s time to call a halt and send this weary soldier home." She pulled out a pack of
cigarettes. "Think they’ll know if we smoke in here? Nicotine goes so well with deep conversations."

  "So I’ve heard. I don’t think they well. If it matters, I think you’re doing the right thing. Not that I want you to quit the band or well…" Sam took a deep breath. "You know what I mean right?"

  "I think so." Laurel laughed. "It’s for the best."

  "I’m glad you think so. I really would hate to think you were forced to leave when you didn’t want to."

  "I need to and I do want to leave." She turned to the back stage area. "You guys can come out now."

  "How’d you know we were there?" BJ asked as he appeared from his hiding place behind the stage.

  "Lucky guess. C’mon. Let’s see how this new band sounds." Laurel stood. She watched as they took their positions. She would not be playing today. Larry was playing the lead guitar for them. She had to admit he was much better than Jenna.

  "Not bad, Lakky. You conduct as well as you write." Mandy commented as Laurel took a seat next to her in the audience.

  "I’m not conducting. If I were though, I’d move Larry over to lead guitar and boot Jenna. Actually, if I were staying I’d try to do that too."

  "Are you staying?"

  "No. Why does everyone keep asking me that?"

  "Because we don’t want you to walk away and regret it." Mandy told her. "We’re just trying to make sure you know what you want."

  "When haven’t I?" Laurel countered. "I want to walk away. I really do. I will always play music, so I won’t miss that. I have a stand up bass. I thought maybe I’d see about joining a jazz quartet or something."

  "That would be cool. Have you given any thought about what you’re going to say to her?"

  "Who? Jenna? I’ll be long gone by the time she returns. I’m very thankful for that too."

  "No, silly. Nicole."

  "Nope. Thought I’d wing it." She had thought about it, but had not formed a concrete plan. She knew the words would come when she was in the situation.

  "That’s probably for the best."

  "Hey, do you two mind? We’re trying to rehearse up here." Steve called to them.

  "Sorry." Laurel was not the least apologetic.

  "Well, how’s it sound so far?" Sam asked.

  "I don’t know. I wasn’t really paying attention. I was caught in the throes of a conspiracy. Play it again. I’ll listen this time." She replied.

  "We’re honored." Larry commented in a dry tone.

  "I can’t listen if you all don’t play." Laurel warned.

  "Alright. Once more from the top." Steve counted out Sam’s cue.

  Laurel leaned back in her seat and listened. They sounded surprisingly good. Especially when she compared the first rehearsal. Sam was blending in well with Steve and BJ. It helped that she played in a band in Hattiesburg. Still, Laurel knew it was difficult moving from one band’s style to another’s. All in all, she was impressed. It was almost depressing. She understood then how replaceable she was in a way. However, on the whole it made her feel better. She would not be leaving the band in a lurch. Sam was more than able to pick up the slack Laurel’s departure caused. With one problem solved, she was finally able to turn her mind to the other one. She wondered how she could win back Nicole.

  "Well?" Steve called out into the audience again.

  "Better. Much better." Laurel stood. "Let’s take a break and get something to eat. I think everyone has the songs down. Wanna skip this afternoon?"

  "Yeah. I could use a break." BJ rubbed his wrists. "Want Chinese?"

  "That sounds excellent." Sam grinned.

  "Works for me. Pack up and let’s move out." Laurel told them.

  "Aye sergeant." Steve saluted.

  "Smile when you say that, son. It’ll be all good." She laughed. "Hurry up, I’m hungry."

  ***

  "Hey Hotshot, can you pass the salt?" Sheryl asked as the waitress placed her plate in front of her.

  "Yeah, here you go." They were at one of Danny’s favorite restaurants. Somehow they managed to escape the house undetected.

  "So, what’s the first order of business?" Danny asked.

  "Well, since we have them both here, think we should ask them now?" Nicole asked.

  "Yeah, go ahead." He said.

  "What is going on?" Aaron asked.

  "Danny and I wanted to know if the two of you wanted to stand as godparents."

  "Are you serious?" Sheryl asked.

  "Yes we are. We wanted to talk to the two of you about it. We want to have the child christened, and we thought you would consent to being the godparents." Danny looked at his lover. "Would this be ok since you aren’t catholic?

  "I have no problem with it. In fact, I’m honored." He smiled. "But would that be ok?’

  "All we’d have to do would be to donate something and it would be ok with Father Jason." Nicole said. "Well Aaron is in, what about you?" She turned to Sheryl.

  "I can’t believe you asked me." The critic had tears in her eyes. "I’m honored, yes of course I’ll do it." She reached over and hugged the photographer. "Who else are you going to chose?"

  "We haven’t thought that much about it." Nicole counted Danny in the equation. For all intents and purposes, he was the father of her child. It was easier for her to think of him as the father. She refused to think of Brian in that capacity.

  "Well, we could at least ask Michael." Danny suggested. "Where is he anyway?"

  "I don’t know. He disappeared after the funeral. He would like being asked I think." The photographer thought about it. She knew her brother would be flattered.

  "I saw him go off somewhere with Jessie." Aaron informed them. "They seemed to want to talk in private."

  "Wonder what that was about?" Nicole was curious. She knew she would find out that evening.

  "Beats me. Have you met Jessie’s new girlfriend?" Sheryl did not sound bitter.

  "Yeah I did. Are you ok with that?" She asked. They had not really talked about it.

  "Yep, I am. I won’t settle for anything less than what you have with Short but Deadly. I didn’t have that with Jessie and we both knew it."

  "We can talk about this later if you want." Nicole suggested.

  "Why?"

  "Because they just walked in with Stan and Michael." The photographer waved at her brother, her two cousins and Jessie’s new girlfriend, Dana.

  "Now this is going to be interesting." Aaron muttered. He did not seem to get along well with Jessica’s new lover.

  "Seems we can’t avoid you people." Michael teased as he approached the table. "Mind if we join you?"

  "Go ahead." Nicole was getting apprehensive. Aaron was right. Things were about to get interesting.

  "Here." Stan pulled a table over. "I think everyone knows everyone else."

  "Yeah, we’ve all met." Danny did not seem happy about the turn of events either.

  "Well, if this isn’t a quaint little spot. We have a few places like this in New York. Of course those are in the older sections where all the geriatrics hang out." Dana commented as she sat down.

  "So where do all the drug dealers and mobsters hang out? Or do they just stay in Jersey?" Aaron seemed unable to stop the question. Sheryl quickly hid her snicker in her napkin.

  "I think they stay on cable TV. Honestly, is that how you people learn of other places, from the TV?" She scoffed.

  "No, I’ve been to New York. Nice place, little cold for my taste, but nice." Nicole commented.

  "Bet you just did the tourist view, didn’t you? Broadway, the museums, Times Square." Dana dug the ditch a bit deeper.

  "Pretty much. We did get to see some homeless guys on 42nd street." Sheryl managed to keep a straight face. "I didn’t remember that in the brochure, did you Danny?"

  "Nope, but those adult video stores were interesting." He smiled at his friends. "Course, they have nothing on Bourbon Street."

  "Yeah, and Father Jason almost had a heart attack when he discovered you were in one." Nicole pointed out.


  "I wasn’t the only one in there. You and Sheryl were too."

  "Yeah, but we managed to make it outside before the nuns came looking for us." Sheryl laughed. "It was an interesting trip. Great for the band."

  "And us." The photographer agreed. "So, there you have it. We’ve been to New York and seen the culture there."

  "Oh yeah, that’s a great culture comparison, the sin factor." Dana set down her menu. "What’s good here?"

  "The today’s special is really good." Aaron’s smile could be described as wicked. "I highly recommend it."

  "Yeah, it is great." Nicole played along. She wanted to see what the New Yorker would do after ingesting blackened alligator, spicy sausage gumbo, and the only ‘red alarm’ jambalaya in existence.

  "Amazing. We’re getting some to go." Sheryl was overtaken by a suspicious coughing fit.

  "Can I trust them?" Dana asked Jessie.

  "Yeah, I didn’t see what the special was, but if they say it’s good, go for it." She did not look concerned.

  "Um, you know, maybe that’s not a good idea." Michael looked uneasy.

  "Nonsense, bro, if the Yank… I mean Dana wants to try some local cuisine, the special is a good way to start." Nicole leveled her best stern look at him.

  "Right. On second thought, go for it. I think you’ll find it unlike anything you’ve ever had before, but in a good way." He winced. Fortunately Dana did not see it.

  "Ok, I’ll take that then." Dana placed her menu on the table. "So what do you guys do for fun around here?"

  "Oh, we sit by the River, toss food to the ducks, look for vampires, hunt some ghost, sit on our front porches in our underwear chewing on hayseeds. Nothing much." Aaron’s comments earned laughter from his friends and a scowl from Jessie.

  "Right. Like there are vampires and ghost. What do you take me for?"

  "The city mouse?" Danny asked under his breath. "Jessie, I think you need to warn Dana about Conti Street." He started their favorite prank.

  "I’m sure she’s not a virgin though. So it should be safe, if she’s with other people." Sheryl picked up her cue.

  "Well, the real question is, does lesbian sex qualify as loss of virginity to a vampire?" Nicole could not resist. The four of them had run that scam on more than one tourist. It was how they entertained themselves in high school.