Untrusting Hearts: A Contemporary New Orleans Romance

by Hartt, Madison

  The rest of breakfast passed in a blur. The next thing Jade knew she was following Maylene up a wide set of stairs that was hidden behind a panel on the third floor. “Watch your step, dear,” Maylene cautioned her, although the stairs were in perfect condition, their hard wood polished to a shine even here where eyes wouldn’t pry.

  Outside, thunder rumbled across a gray sky, threatening rain.

  “Sounds like we’ll be getting a shower,” Maylene said. “I love the rain. It makes the house feel so cozy.”

  The attic took up the entirety of the top level which was about half the size of the floor below. Furniture that looked new to Jade filled most of the space. A coat stand overflowing with hats stood next to a dresser with an oval mirror. Jade chose a small lavender hat with a long deep-purple feather and slipped it on. “What do you think, Maylene?”

  Maylene turned and a giggle slipped forth. She quickly joined Jade and they took turns modeling hats with fruit, one with a bird’s nest replete with eggs, and even a top hat with a lacy red band. After laughing themselves silly, the two finally caught their breath.

  “Why do you have such a variety?” Jade asked.

  “For Mardi Gras, of course! Jean Pierre and I used to go every year when we were younger. Oh, you should have seen the costumes we’d come up with. And you probably will; I’m sure there are photos in the trunk.” Maylene went to an intercom on the wall and pressed the button. “Parker? Are you there?”

  “Yes, Ma’am!” Parker responded after a brief wait.

  “Could you please send up Henry and Jake to carry down a trunk from the attic?”

  “Yes, ma’am, right away, ma’am.”

  “Who are Henry and Jake?” Jade asked.

  “Oh, you haven’t met them, have you? They come twice a week to work on the yard. It does take tending to or it just overruns the house.”

  “I’m sure that’s true.”

  “It’s lucky the rain has held off so far or the men would have been gone.”

  While they waited for the workers to arrive upstairs, Maylene poked about in her treasures and Jade daydreamed about Gage. She knew this time away from him was good; she needed to evaluate how they had gotten intimate so quickly. It wasn’t like her to fall into the arms of a man. But their time together yesterday had felt like they were meant to be side-by-side and she needed to reflect upon her feelings. She had gone from anger to lust in a flash. And his attitude had changed from suspicion to desire just as quickly. Yes, she decided, it was good he was away; she needed the time apart from him and she was determined to enjoy it.

  At last, she and Maylene had the trunk at their feet next to the long dining room table. A soft rain fell, fulfilling Maylene’s prediction.

  The morning and afternoon passed quickly. They lunched at the table and later sipped hot chocolate as Maylene pulled one photo after another from the box and exclaimed over it. Jade eventually stopped scanning the pictures unless something special appeared. Her laptop was going to be overflowing and she would have to spend hours deciding which images to keep, which to print, and which to discard.

  At five, Ty phoned. Maylene informed Jade that he wanted to make amends for upsetting his aunt, so he was taking them to dinner and to the opera. “He wouldn’t have to try to placate me if he’d just do his job.” She sighed. “I so hope he’ll grow out of his boyhood soon.”

  Boyhood, Jade scoffed inwardly, he’s twenty-seven years old, for heaven’s sakes. But she kept these thoughts to herself. “Should I wear a dress or slacks? I have no idea where we are going.”

  “Oh, my, that’s right, you wouldn’t know. Well, he said we’d eat at the Court of Two Sisters prior to attending Puccini’s La Boheme opera at the Mahalia Jackson Theatre for the Performing Arts. You won’t need anything too fancy. A nice dress but nothing formal.”

  “I’ve never been to an opera,” Jade admitted.

  “You’ll love it, especially La Boheme. Shall we retire to ready ourselves? Ty said he’d come for us at six.”

  Glancing at her watch, Jade exclaimed, “Six! We’d better get to it.” She followed Maylene up the stairs.

  Jade selected a short-sleeved cobalt-blue dress that fell just below her knees. The belted waist showed off her trim figure. A pair of two-inch white heels and a small white bag finished off the outfit. She added silver hoops to her ears and dabbed on a sparse amount of powder and blush and soft pink lipstick before going downstairs to await Ty.

  Maylene entered the foyer just as Ty came through the front door wearing a pair of ash-grey slacks and a long-sleeved beige and white shirt, tucked in, with the sleeves rolled up above his wrists. Maylene had chosen a lightweight suit in soft green with a white silk blouse. Pearls adorned her neck and ears.

  “Ladies. You look marvelous.” He gave his aunt a peck on the cheek and pulled Jade in for a hug she found slightly inappropriate. Just before it reached the point where she would have to say something, he released her, stood back, and opened the door. “Shall we?”

  The rain had stopped, leaving the world glistening and fresh. Jade inhaled, filling her lungs as they walked outside.

  Ty’s car, though not as impressive as Gage’s, was none the less exceptionally nice. Also a convertible, he had the top up to protect the women’s hairstyles. Always the gentleman, he held the doors of the car and the restaurant to allow the ladies to enter first.

  Deciding to skip appetizers, Maylene ordered Chicken Oscar, Jade the Veal Oscar, and Ty had the Char-Broiled Tenderloin of Beef. Maylene and Ty selected wine while Jade chose to have sweet tea.

  As they dined, Maylene and Ty kept her entertained with their reminiscences of Ty’s childhood antics.

  “He was a bit mischievous,” Maylene said fondly.

  The food was excellent and the company so pleasant Jade didn’t dwell on thoughts of Gage. All were too full for desserts. They returned to the vehicle and Ty drove them to the theatre.

  He left the car with the valet and the three were shown to their box-seats. They just had time to get settled before the lights dimmed. Anticipation fluttered through Jade. Would she like opera? Or would she hate it? She’d soon know.

  Jade found herself hanging onto the edge of her seat; even though she couldn’t understand the words, she was able to follow the plot. At intermission, Jade hurried to the restroom and back to her seat. Alone, she amused herself by looking over the audience and trying to decide who had money and who was pretending. Soon, Maylene and Ty returned and the opera continued.

  Afterwards, during the ride home, Maylene and Ty discussed the different elements of the performance. Jade didn’t participate but she listened carefully, nodding if she had made the same deductions they had. At the house, Ty entered with them for a nightcap. Maylene immediately excused herself, claiming too much excitement for one day.

  “What’s your poison?” Ty asked from the small bar in the living room.

  “Something light.”

  “Chardonnay?”

  “That’s fine.” Jade accepted her drink and took a sip, savoring the subtle flavors of green apple and lemon. She noticed Ty had several fingers of straight Jack Daniels and inwardly shook her head, aware he’d be driving directly.

  “So, what’s on the agenda for tomorrow?” Ty asked casually as he sat close to her on the settee.

  Jade squirmed further into the corner, a little uncomfortable with the nearness of the man. She turned slightly so as to face him and make her move appear a little less conspicuous. “I was thinking about treating Maylene to an afternoon out. But, to tell the truth, I have no idea what she’d like to do.”

  “Well,” Ty laughed, “Maylene loves to shop. You can never go wrong there. There’s a strip of vintage clothing stores intermingled with modern shops near the French Quarter. You might do that. There are also several small delis in the area that are quaint and favorites of hers.”

  “How do we get there?”

  “Just tell Maylene I told you about Lacy’s; she’ll be able to ta
ke you directly to the place.”

  “Lacy’s?”

  “A boutique. Charming little hole in the wall.” Ty swirled the amber liquid in his heavy glass before taking a long swig.

  “That sounds perfect.”

  “Now, about you,” Ty said, leaning slightly toward her.

  “Me? What about me?” Frown lines marred Jade’s pretty face.

  “Well, not you exactly; more like you and me!” He set his drink down and swooped in on her, mashing his lips against hers, startling her and causing a small amount of discomfort to her mouth.

  Shoving him back, Jade jumped to her feet. “That was uncalled for.”

  “I’m sorry.” Ty rose as well, a look of repentance on his face. He reached out and cradled Jade’s neck gently. “I didn’t mean to be so rough.” Carefully, he lowered his face to hers and brushed her lips with his. “I came on too strong. Forgive me.”

  Jade was conflicted. She didn’t want to cause a scene here in Maylene’s house, especially not with the woman’s nephew. And she had felt nothing when his lips touched hers, not a flicker of desire or a shudder of revulsion. Simply a moment of awkwardness. She’d have to be tactful, but direct. Finally, she calmed herself and relaxed slightly. “Of course I forgive you, Ty. But let’s not forget we are practically cousins.”

  “Yeah, right. Cousins.” He snorted lightly and then traced her ear with a finger as he stared into her eyes. “So far removed it doesn’t even matter. I’m no more closely related to you than I am to anyone on the street. And you’re so pretty, Jade. You really light my fire.”

  His words left her speechless for a second or two as she considered them. He was probably right about their genetic status, but it still made her uncomfortable. Though she couldn’t blame a guy for trying, she didn’t believe she’d given him any encouragement. Nor should she now. It was probably just the liquor talking anyway. She stiffened in his arms. “I’m not sure what to say to that. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to call home before it gets any later.”

  Ty released her reluctantly and picked up his glass. “Who do you have to call? I thought your grandma died. Does someone else live with you?”

  Thinking it none of his business, Jade nonetheless answered. “No, I live alone. But my boyfriend, well, ex-boyfriend, is taking care of the house while I’m here. I check in with him every night and it’s getting kind of late.”

  “Ex-boyfriend,” Ty grumbled. “Fine, you go do that.” He downed his drink and set the empty glass on an end table. “Time for me to hit the road anyway.”

  Before Jade could remove herself from his path, Ty cornered her again and leaned her back a bit, kissing her more thoroughly than before. He smiled triumphantly and exited the house.

  Jade shook her head in disgust. That man sure has a liking for himself. She took both their glasses to the kitchen, rinsed them, and left them in the sink. Once in her room, she called Jeff and touched base with him. Everything was fine at home and they hung up directly. Jade allowed herself a soothing bath before bed. Tomorrow, she would clear her thoughts by spending a relaxing day with Maylene. She sank quickly into sleep on the luxurious mattress.

  Chapter 8

  “What do you think about going shopping today?” Jade asked as she poured a glass of juice at the breakfast table the next morning.

  “Shopping? That sounds wonderful. Let me think, where can we go?”

  “Ty suggested starting at Lacy’s. But if you have a better idea…”

  “No, no! I love Lacy’s. There are wonderful stores in that area. You’re sure to find tons of clothes to take home.”

  “Well, I don’t have enough money to buy tons of clothes, but I may pick up one or two items if they catch my eye.”

  “Pshaw. You’ll find more than one or two items,” Maylene threw her words back at her, sure as only the rich can be that shopping always included buying.

  “Mmm-hmm.” Jade made a noncommittal sound. “Anyway, Ty also said there are several delis in the area so I thought I’d treat you to lunch. You’ve done so much for me since I’ve been here.”

  “Perfect, darling,” Maylene said as she ate the last bite of her omelet. “I think I’ll get ready now. Be sure to wear something easy to slip on and off.”

  Jade smiled as her aunt moved elegantly away from the table and glided toward the staircase. She soon followed. She chose a bright yellow sundress and sandals. Blush and lipstick were all she wore as far as make-up. A spritz of flowery perfume and she was ready. She grabbed a straw bag and ran happily down the stairs.

  It was only a short time later that Maylene appeared in an olive-colored shift with a lightweight beige jacket. Diamonds graced each ear and the scent of melon body spray floated in the air ahead of her. “You look lovely, Jade.”

  “So do you. We’ll turn some heads today.” Jade giggled.

  “Oh, I’m sure we will. Shall we?”

  Maylene drove a Lexus. The sleek vehicle seemed to glide along the streets and before long they were parked and on the sidewalk outside Lacy’s. “Here we are.”

  The windows displayed an array of vintage-styled chic clothing. Jade shuddered to think of the prices. As they entered the store the cool air-conditioning wrapped them in its embrace, causing both women to shiver slightly. But Jade soon forgot the temperature as Maylene handed her one outfit after another to try on.

  “I can’t afford these so why bother?” Jade whispered as Maylene handed her yet another dress in another shop.

  “You won’t be paying for them, silly. These will be my gifts.”

  “Oh, no! I can’t let you buy me clothes. What would people think? That I’d come here to mooch off you, that’s what.”

  “Pooey! Gage isn’t in charge of my money.

  Blushing, Jade stammered, “Who said anything about Gage?”

  “Jade, dear, I know Gage very well. Once a young woman came to visit, claiming to be a long-lost relative. I was pleased but wary. Gage sniffed out the truth about the girl in no time and sent her packing. You’d think he had a vested interest in my wealth. But he simply wants to protect me.”

  “Yes, against me.”

  “Oh, no, honey. Don’t talk that way. There’s a huge difference, don’t you see?”

  “Is there? What is it?”

  “The difference is that I know for a fact you are family and there’s nothing he can say that would make me think otherwise. And I want to buy you some pretty things. I never had children; I missed shopping with a daughter.”

  Realizing she wouldn’t win this discussion, Jade grudgingly allowed Maylene to purchase a few things, ending up with seven dresses, three jackets, and a dozen pairs of shoes and purses. But if Maylene had had her way, there would have been ten times as much.

  “The packages will all be delivered to the house,” Maylene explained when they left the first store empty-handed, even though they’d selected several items.

  As the pair made their way to an old-fashioned deli for a late lunch, Jade complained, “This day was supposed to have been my treat. Now all I get to pay for is the meal. Something just seems wrong about the whole thing.”

  “On the contrary. Everything seems just right. You’ve really made me happy being here.” She reached over and placed her hand over Jade’s for a second.

  Jade felt tears well up and blinked rapidly to keep them back. “That’s so nice, Maylene. You make me happy too.”

  After they’d eaten, the two women held hands as they walked down the street. Suddenly Maylene stopped. “Jade, look!”

  “What?”

  “Crystals!”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “This new store. They have crystals and whatnot. I just love this kind of stuff. It’s so relaxing. Let’s go inside; I want to get an ambient music CD.”

  “A what?”

  “They’re tracks of mellow, tranquil music. So soothing.”

  Feeling uncertain, Jade followed on Maylene’s heels as the older woman bustled into the buildi
ng. Her senses were assailed by the strong aroma of incense wafting past her, their tantalizing fragrances carried on a breeze generated by a pedestal fan on the floor. Crystals and gemstones sparkled from trays lined up along one wall. Tinkling sounded from chimes. A rack displayed books on meditation, spirit guides, other dimensions, and astral travel. Tarot cards, amulets, vials of unknown solutions, magnetic bracelets, herbs, and scented oils cluttered the small space. Their music section included recordings of Gregorian chants, ocean waves, binaural tones, space music, and nature sounds.

  “Wow! This is kind of overwhelming,” Jade muttered to Maylene who had selected a tranquil moods CD and was approaching the counter to pay.

  Ruby-red satin drapery covered the doorway leading to the rear of the store. The curtain fluttered as a woman wearing a turban and long flowing gowns swept into the room. She was tall with a queenly bearing, prominent nose, and heavy-lidded eyes. Maylene drew in her breath and came to a dead stop. “Madam Zulerha! I didn’t realize you had opened a new shop.”

  The woman’s head lifted slowly and her gaze met Maylene’s. She rushed forward and gathered her into an embrace. “Maylene Broussard Dubois! It has been far too long but I was expecting to see you, if not today, then soon. I had a premonition just last night. Oh my! Look at your aura. It is positively blazing! I’ve never seen anything like it. Something marvelous is in store for you, no doubt. But, that is not all. Oh no, indeed; the powers of darkness are never idle. Trouble is always brewing on the spiritual plane.” She snatched Maylene’s hand and turned her palm up, brushing it gently with the tips of her long fingers. “Yes, it is as I thought. You must come to the back for a reading, immediately. There is no time to waste. Remember, our vigilance is its own reward.”

  Vigilance is its own reward? Jade briefly puzzled over the words and decided they were nonsense. The woman began leading Maylene toward the covered door. Jade’s wits finally caught up with her and she remembered the problems Gage had mentioned about psychics and mediums. Leaping forward, she grabbed her aunt by the arm. “We need to leave, Maylene.”

  “What? Oh, Jade. This won’t take long. You just wait here.”