by Judith Lucci
Robert had been the one who wanted the divorce, not her. She doubted she would ever recover from that rejection. It had destroyed her for a long time. Besides, it had been years since they had been together. They could be good friends now, but lovers? Well, who knows, but she certainly doubted the possibility. Anyway, after the spring, Alex had decided to shut herself away from romance for a while.
She was jerked back into reality from her musings when Monique rejoined her on the bench. Monique was positively effervescent after her call to Jack, her cheeks flushed, her eyes bright, and her spirit lifted.
"Jack wants us to meet him at the Palace Café. He wants to celebrate that someone knows about us. He's naturally pleased that it’s you. We were gonna tell you and Robert this weekend, but now that you know about us, can we go celebrate? Can you go? Should we call Robert and invite him for dinner?"
Alex hugged Monique again. "It's your call, Monique. It's your party. I'm up for anything, as long as it involves fun. We deserve some after today!"
"Yes," Monique agreed. "For sure. Today was a bomb. I think I will. Do you know Robert's number off-hand? Never mind, it's in my cell. Where's my brain?"
Monique saw Alex's hesitation and asked, "It is okay with you if Robert comes, isn't it?" Monique returned to her doctor mode and tried to detect Alex's emotions.
"Of course it is, you crazy fool! Call him." Alex watched happily while Monique fished her smart phone out of her purse and walked towards the window to call Robert. She could tell that Monique was leaving a message on his cell. Monique was breathless when she returned.
"I left a message. Can't get to his phone, I guess. I didn't tell him anything. I just asked him to join us. When we get to the Palace, we'll call and text him again. I'm so excited about sharing our secret. We're in the open! No more clandestine relationship. It feels so good. Come on."
Alex giggled to herself about Monique's being in the open remark. "Really, Monique, it's not like you and Jack have come out of the closet!" Monique laughed as they walked towards the parking garage. Alex noticed how dark it was already though it was only 7:00 in the evening. The trees, together with the moss that hung from them, blocked out any remaining daylight. Angie must have been so scared when she walked alone in the early hours last night. As the two women approached the crime scene, Monique squeezed her hand.
After they passed, Monique continued to chatter gaily. "You know, Alex, Jack and I have known each other for years. In fact, we lived in the same neighborhood. Of course, he's older, but we even dated a few times in college, when he was at Tulane and I was in pre-med at LSU. We were never really serious, but we really liked each other."
"Really! No, I didn't know that. What happened?"
"Nothing, really." Monique looked pensive. "I think we just eventually drifted apart. There was no precipitating event, no argument, or anything. I was in medical school. Jack went into the service, came home from the wars, and became a rookie with the NOPD. Later, of course, you know that I married – a disastrous affair." Monique noted Alex's raised eyebrows at this piece of information.
"I never knew you'd been married, Monique. What happened? How long did it last?" Alex was curious.
"Oh, seven years. Seven very long years. I, for one, am a big believer in the theoretical seven-year itch. My husband was a stockbroker. He left me high and dry about 10 years ago for a very voluptuous blonde and a career on Wall Street. I call it the chick du jour experience, better known to my close friends and family as Tartlett. So much for forever after." Monique looked disgusted when she described her ex-husband and his affair.
"Great day! That was pretty awful. How tacky! Did it take you a long time to get over it? I'm being snoopy, I know. You don't have to answer if it makes you feel uncomfortable."
Monique looked thoughtful. "To be honest, I'm not sure I'll ever get over it! It felt like I'd been stabbed with a knife. It took a long time for the intense pain of betrayal to go away, but it finally did. The thing that remains is the sense of a loss of trust. I really trusted Jeff. I never would've expected him to do that. I thought we had the perfect, professional yuppie marriage – minus the kids, of course." Monique was quiet for a moment. "I guess it sort of makes me afraid to love someone else, to make that kind of commitment. But, I do love having someone in my life to share things with."
Alex was nodding her head continually as Monique was speaking. "Yes, I certainly understand that ... perfectly. I felt the same way with Robert. I knew we were growing apart, but I never thought he'd want to divorce me. I was devastated."
"I'm sure you were. I think Robert knows now he made a terrible mistake." Monique gave Alex a knowing look out of the corner of her eye.
"Yes, I think he does. Well, tough for him. Now it's water under the bridge. Actually, I know he does. He told me that recently, but it's just not a relationship that I can jump back into – besides, we have lots of other things to work on. We each carry enormous baggage from that marriage and the breakup, not to mention me losing Mitch and Robert possibly losing his surgical career. I think we’re both fighting demons we need to work through. Anyway, what else about you and Jack? How did all this happen?" Alex waved her hands and Monique laughed.
Monique began her story. "You know we saw each other earlier this year, during the disaster at the hospital. Well, anyway, we had coffee a few times during that ..."
"Coffee and jelly donuts?" Alex couldn't suppress a smile.
"Yes, yes, oh my God, those damn jelly donuts. Anyway, I didn't see him for several months after Mardi Gras. In May, I was green grocery shopping at the French market and had stopped for café au lait at the Café Du Monde, mainly to tourist watch. I love to watch tourists in New Orleans. Jack was there, too. It was a beautiful day, not too hot. We spent the afternoon together and even had dinner. Ever since then, we've been seeing each other. It feels so good to share this with someone. I'm so glad it's you, Alex. I know how highly Jack prizes your friendship. He loves you, you know." Monique changed the subject as they reached the parking deck. "Did you drive in today, Alex?"
"No, I walked today. I have no wheels, except for Martin. Should I call him?"
"Oh, no. I have my car. It's on Level 4. Let's take the stairs, work our legs and butt muscles."
Alex groaned, but agreed.
Monique and Alex continued to talk as they climbed the stairs. Alex could feel the four flights of stairs, but Monique wasn't even winded. She continued talking as she skillfully steered her grey Volvo out of the CCMC garage and onto Canal Street, heading for the Palace Café. The two friends chatted incessantly during the short ride to the restaurant. Life was good for this hour.
Chapter 15
Monique maneuvered her vehicle right to the carpeted entrance of the Palace Café, one of Alex's favorite places to dine. The Palace was a local favorite and was owned by the famous Brennen restaurant family. Food at the Palace was to die for and the award-winning restaurant had been serving Creole cuisine in the old Werlein Music building on Canal for years. Monique generously tipped the valet at the door. She and Alex entered the beautiful eatery and spied Jack at a coveted corner table. The maître d' greeted Monique by name and accompanied them to the Police Commander's table.
Jack rose and kissed Monique on the cheek. He hugged Alex tightly and said, "Yo, Alex, now you know my deep, dark secret! I've had a hard time hiding this from you because I'm so happy I can hardly stand it."
Alex had tears in her eyes as she hugged Jack. "This really is a huge surprise, a gigantic one in fact!" She gazed into the happy, flushed faces of her dearest friends. "This is just perfect. My favorite peeps. I'm so happy for you all and, to be honest, a bit jealous."
Jack nodded, his face beaming. "I know, Alex, and I understand your feelings. Your day is coming, Miss Lawyer Lady," Jack teased. "Just have patience. I never thought this would've happened to an old, fat, nasty bastard like me, but, well, I'm living proof. If I can snag someone, you surely can." Jack smiled lovingly at Monique, who
once again blushed at his look.
"You've got that right, Commander. I am amazed that anyone would want anyone who is as big a pain in the butt as you. You're one lucky man," Alex taunted as she high-fived Monique.
"Jack, we want to call Robert and have him join us. Will you do that?" Monique insisted, pulling at his jacket.
"Of course, honey. If it's okay with Alex. Is it Alex?"
"Absolutely, OK." Alex nodded her head, still shell-shocked at the big, burly, fearless policeman calling her eminent, elegant, psychiatrist friend 'honey'. Alex had many descriptors for Monique, but honey was certainly not among them. She laughed. "You guys are flipping me out. I really need a drink. This is just great!" Alex's face glowed with happiness for Monique and Jack.
"Champagne, ladies? I've been ordered to make a phone call." Jack pulled his cell from his pocket as he signaled for the waiter.
As the Commander left the table to call Robert, he appreciated the lovely decor of the strictly old-line New Orleans restaurant. He ordered a bottle of Cristal on his way to the quiet bar area, and in less than two minutes, Alex and Monique were toasting each other with beautiful leaded glass champagne goblets.
Robert responded to Jack's call. After a brief chat, Jack returned to the dining room and was happy to see Alex and Monique having such a wonderful time. Françoise was wise in the ways of life, and he knew that bad times far outnumbered the good times. He also knew that the heartache of Angela's attack and rape would surface again in the morning. He had a suspect with a psychological profile that was promising and it was one of Monique's patients. To preserve the good feelings and the festivities of the evening, he'd made a pact with himself not to allow the dinner conversation to turn to the case. After all, this was a celebration honoring him and Monique.
Jack continued to observe the two lovely women from a distance. He felt his hard policeman's heart fill with love for both of them. Of course, the love was a different kind of love for each woman. Jack had known Alex for less than a year and was very fond of her. He smiled as he remembered how the beautiful, tall, auburn-haired lawyer had stood her ground against his macho police captain's ego earlier in the year. The then ‘Captain’ Françoise had treated her rudely, undermined her presence, denigrated her position as the hospital attorney, and had generally been a bastard. Of course, this was the barometer the hard-nosed cop used to check people out. Alex had responded to him in a courteous and professional manner, but would not allow herself to be bullied. She immediately earned his respect, not an easy thing to do in Jack Françoise's world.
As events continued to unravel during Mardi Gras at CCMC, Françoise finally admitted to himself that Alex was some young woman. His grudging respect for her had increased. He admired her courage and cursed her fearless and stubborn spirit. Jack's fear for Alex's life had culminated in life-saving heroics for both of them, which had created a bond between them for life. Commander Jack Françoise loved Alex like a sister and best friend.
Jack continued to look at Monique. How could a gnarly, overweight, arrogant cop earn or deserve the love and attention that Monique offered him? What could she possibly see in him? Jack couldn't believe his good fortune. Sometimes, he still pinched himself when they were together. Monique was just stunning. Jack was a bit older than Monique, but she looked 20 years younger. Her long hair was still dark and her face unblemished by sun and age. She was tall, maybe even a little taller than he was, and she was positively the most exquisite woman Jack had ever met. She was sensitive and completely without pretense.
Monique already knew exactly what he was thinking and even knew how to respond to and handle his dark moods. He was so lucky. He had decided he'd take Robert's advice to lose weight and get himself back in shape, because who knew where this relationship could lead? He wanted to spend a lot of years with the lovely Monique Desmonde and he wanted to look and feel his best every moment they were together. When he returned to the table, both women were laughing heartily. Jack kissed them both on their cheeks.
"Ladies, I've good news! Robert can join us. He's leaving shortly – should be here in about 30 minutes. He can't stay long because he has to make late rounds, but at least he'll be with us for a short time."
Alex felt her heart flutter for a second and then was angry for feeling excited. What the hell, she thought. She admonished herself and then convinced herself how neat it would be for Robert to learn about Jack and Monique. Robert had known them since childhood. He and Monique had grown up in the Garden District. Jack had lived close by in the Uptown area of NOLA.
Monique smiled at Jack. "Good work, Commander. I knew you could get him. Did you tell him that Alex was with us?"
"I sure did. No offense, Alex, but I think he'd have come anyway," Jack teased her.
"Robert's going to be thrilled for you all. Did you tell him?” Alex asked as she looked at Jack.
Jack answered, looking pleased. "Nope, played it down. I wanted to surprise him. I've been dreaming of this night for weeks." Monique smiled and patted Jack's hand.
Alex's heart warmed at the gesture.
Jack squeezed her hand and turned his attention to the menu. "I suggest an appetizer for now then wait for Robert to order. I'm sure he'll be able to stay later than he thinks. He's not operating, so he can't have too many patients to see, now can he, Alex?" Jack looked inquiringly at her.
"I wouldn't think so. But, you know, it could be an excuse. He could have other plans," Alex speculated, changing the subject. "What should we have for appetizers?"
"I doubt that," Jack speculated, as he consulted the menu. "The Creole Shrimp is good. So is their baked spinach dip. Let's start with those," Jack suggested, as he sought approval from the ladies.
The three friends were enjoying their second glass of champagne and appetizers, unaware that they were being watched from the lobby by Dr. Robert Bonnet. Robert stood behind a column at the restaurant entrance. He was curious and intrigued by what he saw. Alex looked lovely. She always did, even on the worst of days. Seeing Alex always made his heart race, but he couldn't get over the change in Monique Desmonde. She seemed to have undergone a veritable metamorphosis. Her eyes were twinkling, her normally pale cheeks were flushed, and her entire body was relaxed. He'd never seen Monique look so beautiful, not even at their senior prom at Sacred Heart high school where she had been his date. And, to think, he'd thought Monique had been reasonably pretty at 17. But now, words couldn't capture how captivating she was this evening! Then, his glance shifted to Jack. Jack was laughing, smiling without reservation – very different from the day-to-day, stressed-out Police Commander.
What in the world was happening here, Robert wondered. Jack looked happier and more relaxed than Robert had ever seen him. His worn face, the deeply furrowed forehead, and dark eyes had lost their anxiety and fatigue. His silver hair was shining as he nodded towards the two women. Robert continued to watch his friends as an awakening thought invaded his consciousness. At the same moment, he saw Jack cover Monique's petite hand with his big, calloused one. Then he knew! Jack Françoise and Monique Desmonde were in love. Two of his old childhood friends. This was inconceivable, but it was wonderful.
Robert felt tears jump into his eyes, but hastily wiped them away. He'd found himself much more emotional since his injury and he was overcome with delight. Monique and Jack were as different as day and night. Why, Monique was the exact antithesis of the Commander. She was quiet, reserved, dignified, and cool as a cucumber. Jack, on the other hand, was loud, boisterous, volatile, and earthy. Wow, this was incredible! Robert felt his pulse quicken in delight for his two old friends. He quickly strolled towards them.
Jack saw Robert first, his policeman's intuition kicking in. He stood up, heartily shook Robert's hand, and hugged him.
Robert, charming as always, clasped Jack's hand tightly and bent to kiss Alex and Monique on the cheek.
Alex could not help but notice how handsome Robert looked. His sandy blond hair gleamed in the light of the chandel
iers. His light tan suit and pale yellow shirt and tie were perfect for the sultry New Orleans evening. His sensitive, warm brown eyes quickly alerted Alex that he had discovered Monique and Jack's secret. They exchanged knowing nods. Alex felt it amazing that they still communicated so well emotionally even though their marriage had been over for years. They were often on the same emotional plane. For some reason, that pleased her. Plus, she had to admit to herself that her former husband was a hunk and very, very sexy. Her heart quickened with memories of their times together.
Robert smiled at Monique and Jack and said in his cultured Creole accent, "I've been spying on you all. I think I've been invited to a celebration. It seems there is love in the air!" Again, Robert smiled broadly at the threesome, showing his perfect white teeth. Monique blushed again and Robert couldn't stand it. He laughed at her and put his arm around her.
Alex felt her heart quicken again at the sight of her former husband. He was so charming, so handsome, and they had been so perfect.
"Good Lord, Monique. You look like a 16-year-old girl on her first date! What in heaven's name is happening! Fill me in, Commander," Robert demanded, "You've never been at a loss for words!"
The huge Commander looked a bit sheepish, as well as a bit embarrassed. "Yo, Robert. What can I say? Dr. Desmonde told me she has a crush on me. Me! Can you believe it? Big, ugly, uncouth, gnarly me?”
Robert looked at Monique, his eyes twinkling. "Nope, Jack. Actually, I can't. Tell me, Monique. This just couldn't be true. You could like this big, old, ill-bred, uncouth ox?"
Monique was laughing so hard she had tears in her eyes. "Yes, yes, yes. I totally love the uncouth man. Every bit of him! Perhaps I need a shrink," she joked.