When I came back from my mental wonderland, Daryl was arguing with Katie about his ninja-level skills and I couldn’t help but snort. “Ain’t you never heard that hiding in plain sight is sometimes the best option?”
I raised my eyebrow at him. “Maybe in some bad spoof on spy movies. Seriously, what is all this?”
“This,” said that deep voice that curled my toes, “is a birthday party for a special lady.”
I spun around and there was Devon smiling down at me, dressed in jeans and a white button down shirt with his hair brushed back. He pulled me into him and gave me a hug, kissing me on the cheek. He whispered in my ear, “You look beautiful, chère.”
I was dumbfounded. “But what is all this?”
He looked around and dropped his hand to my lower back. A sharp intake of his breath let me know he appreciated my wardrobe choice. Score one for the formerly fashion challenged!
“This is us needing to blow off some steam Cajun-style and us wanting to celebrate you.”
I still couldn’t understand why they would care about my birthday. Who was I to warrant such a celebration? I told him as much and he looked stunned.
“Birthdays are sacred around here, Jaylene. We have to celebrate them. It’s in our blood. Now come dance with me.”
I looked at Mackenzie in panic and she just gave me an evil grin while biting one long hot pink nail.
“But Devon, I don’t know how to dance like this!”
He took me by the hand and pulled me out on the dance floor where Marcus was already dancing with a woman I hadn’t met and Jade was dancing with Mrs. Boudreaux. Daryl and Katie came out, too, followed by Star with Mackenzie in tow.
Devon leaned down to whisper in my ear, “You’ll be fine. Just follow my lead.”
He slid his right hand around my lower back, his fingers skimming my skin where there was a gap between the top of my pants and the bottom of my top.
I shivered and he pulled me closer. He took my right hand in his and started to rock us back and forth gently to the beat. I must have still looked petrified because he threw his head back and laughed.
“Jaylene, relax! I’m not going to let you fall. Trust me?”
I nodded at him, wide eyed, and I prayed silently to the gods of grace that I not make a fool of myself.
He kept his blue eyes trained on me the whole time as we moved together. The beat was a slower one, but when that song finished and a faster one started he sped us up, never breaking eye contact with me. Then he was grasping my hands, pushing me out and pulling me back in to him. He lifted me up and spun me around like I was nothing but a waif! I was in shock! All I could do was go along with it. Pretty soon I found myself laughing, too.
For a tall guy he was a helluva dancer. I wasn’t surprised he had good rhythm, but the fact that he was very coordinated as well.? Amazing. I was the one trying not to step on his feet. I could move alright by myself. I just didn’t have much experience partner dancing. I kept my eyes on him and held on tight. He was very moved by the music. He closed his eyes sometimes and a small smile would play on his lips. The rest of the time his gaze shone down on me with happiness. He was truly happy. It was the first time I’d seen him so relaxed and it was heartwarming.
One song ended and another one started up, this one just as fast. Dwayne Dopsie, the leader of this band, was wailing away on his accordion and singing his heart out. The man on the washboards was hopping around the room, letting some of the other folks play his spoons.
Mage cut in and had his fun spinning me around. Then Jade stepped up and Marcus even took a turn spinning me around the floor. I was dizzy and laughing so hard my stomach hurt. I ended up back in Devon’s arms just in time for a slow number. He held me so close to him that I was forced to rest my head on his chest. He stroked my back with his thumbs while we swayed along to the music. I closed my eyes and just let it all in. It felt so good to be in his arms, with his cheek resting against my head. I could feel his breath on my neck and goose bumps started to rise on my moist skin. So much for my rules!
“Thank you for agreeing to come here, Jaylene. After our talk this morning, I feel like I can almost breathe again.”
I looked up at him, startled. His lids were low on his eyes and he was smiling that half smile. “I’m glad we talked, too. That song you wrote was beautiful, Devon. It really moved me.”
He closed his eyes and pulled me tight against him. I felt him sigh and I couldn’t help but snuggle in closer to him.
Daryl cut in then and Devon took up dancing with Katie, giving me a devastating smile as he moved her away. Daryl watched them go, shaking his head.
“I don’t know what you done to that boy, but there’s new life in him. I tole you you’d be good for them.”
I groaned. “I’ve been here less than 36 hours! All I’ve done is draw some pictures, do one tattoo on the fly last night, and watch them play. It’s got nothing to do with me.”
Daryl gave me a stern look that meant I was in for it. I couldn’t help cowering a little. I knew he’d never hurt me, but he was an intimidating man.
“Now you listen to me, Jaylene Renee Charles! Devon has been inconsolable since Maggie died. He and my Marcus haven’t been able to be in the same room without bickering and arguing. All these boys had long faces since the accident, and today? They’re laughing, dancing. They say they even got a couple of songs going. Dat’s something, chère. Dat’s some magic whether you want to believe it or not.”
I blew my bangs out of my face and tried to look away. I hated all this pressure. I just knew I was going to disappoint someone. I spoke in a quiet voice, “Daryl, I’m just a tattoo artist. Maybe they’re just ready to be opening up to each other. It’s got nothing to do with me being here.”
“Jaylene, I have known you for a year and a half now and I ain’t seen nothing but beauty come outta your hands. You’ve softened up some of the meanest motherfuckers I ever knew. What you done for Ted and Bobby, tattooing them when they came back from Iraq...Dey was in bad shape. I thought we was going to have to put Bobby in rehab. But after he talked to you and got that tattoo, he’s talking through shit, and he stopped drinking. He swears it was just being able to talk about their fellow soldiers with you that helped them. And most importantly, Katie and the girls adore you. You know we all love you, but if you keep talking like this, I’m going to put you over my knee, little girl.”
I started giggling at that. “Bet you’d like that, wouldn’t you, you dirty old man.”
That got him to smile. “I’m serious, Jaylene. You doubt yourself too much, girl. Just do me one favor, you.”
I raised my eyebrow at him, waiting for him to continue.
“Just whatever happens, if he ain’t for you, you let him down easy, you hear? Dat boy ain’t never acted around no woman like I see him with you.”
I was so confused. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
He sighed and rolled his eyes at me. “Are you so dense, woman? Ain’t you seen the way he looks at you? Devon never paid no attention to girls, hell he had to fight most of dem off growing up and he still could care less about ‘em.”
“What about Maggie,” I asked, exasperated.
Daryl frowned at me like I’d grown a third eye. “What do you mean, what about Maggie? Her death rocked us all. I still can’t believe she’s gone. But dat girl was headstrong and she was going to do what she was going to do.”
This was getting more confusing the more he went on and then the music was over and everyone was heading over to get food. Katie grabbed Daryl and pulled him away to get cuddly in a corner.
I noticed Mackenzie and Star sitting at the bar eating, so I wandered over to them.
“I thought I smelled fried chicken, you can’t hide it from me.” I took a piece of crunchy skin off Mackenzie’s plate and she fake-slapped at my hand.
“I can’t believe I’m supposed to be your best friend and I didn’t even know it was your birthday! How is that possible?”
>
I shrugged and grabbed some more chicken skin off her plate. This time she did slap me and I pulled my hand back, shaking it off.
“It’s just a birthday! I’ve had 25 of them already, what’s one more? I want a bite of your chicken, Kenz!”
“Go get some yourself, silly! Mrs. Boudreaux made it for you!”
The smile fell from my face. This was just too weird.
“I’m just going to go get something to drink.”
I heard Mackenzie call after me, but I kept going. I walked around the end of the bar and down the hall to the patio. When I got outside I took a deep breath. My head was buzzing and I realized it was late, I hadn’t eaten much and I definitely hadn’t had enough water. I sat down on my bench from yesterday and put my head in my hands.
What the hell was happening? I’m here a day and they throw me a birthday party? Who does that? I felt so unsure of myself that I was starting to shake.
I’d always been a loner. It was easier that way. Don’t disappoint anyone, don’t get disappointed. I loved my life here in New Orleans, but I was still an outsider. I didn’t understand the way they were all so close with each other. I definitely didn’t understand what Daryl was saying about Devon. Could it be that he really liked me? But he just lost his wife four months ago! Worrying about this was exhausting and against my rules, so I decided to just go back inside and have fun with my friends.
As I reached for the back door it opened from inside.
“Hey, I was just looking for you. What are you doing out here all by yourself?”
Devon was so handsome tonight. It was hard to look at him.
“I just needed some air. And now I need some food. Is it in the kitchen?”
I moved to pass by him and he grabbed my wrist. “Is everything alright? You seem awful quiet.”
How did I tell him what I was feeling? Simple. I needed to quit acting like an idiot and start practicing what I preach.
“I’m just feeling overwhelmed. I appreciate that you wanted to throw a party, I’m just not used to anyone doing anything for my birthday. It’s a lot. I mean, it means a lot. I just don’t know how to be, you know?”
“Why would no one do anything for your birthday? You grew up with your father and stepmom, right? Where was your mama?”
I shrugged, pointing my chin up.
“She left shortly after I was born. My father already knew Shannon so they ended up together almost immediately. She did a good job with me, the best she could, but neither of them were the warm fuzzy type, you know? So this whole thing you guys got going on, it’s just different than what I’m used to.”
He nodded.”I’m sorry you grew up without your mama. That had to be hard.”
“It is what it is. She and my father didn’t get along. It was best for everyone that she just go her own way. I used to wonder about her, but I realized that she wasn’t meant to be a part of my life and I moved on. Here everyone has been so friendly and warm with me. I just don’t want to let anyone down.”
“The only way you’d let anyone down around here is if you would have said no. We’ve all been having so much more fun with you around. And...” he stepped outside and let the door close behind him. With his hands in his back pockets and a nervous smile he said, “I just like you being here.”
I crossed my arms and frowned at him. “Why? You just met me.”
His grin moved into dangerous territory. “You need me to spell it out, huh?” He stepped toward me and I stepped back.
“I just don’t get it.”
He took another step toward me and my legs were already backed up against the bench. We were just two feet apart. I felt like I couldn’t breathe.
“What’s not to get, chère? I like you being here. I like to look at you,” his voice was so low and it sent shivers through me. “I liked seeing your face first thing when I woke up this morning.” His eyes were searching mine. “And I like talking with you, it’s so easy. That’s why.” He reached out for my hand and I looked down at his for a moment before putting my hand in his.
“Devon, I like being here with you, too. But I feel like I’m not being fair to you.”
He frowned at me and squeezed my hand. “How are you not being fair to me?”
I let go of his hand. He was just too close for me to think straight. “Devon, I’m supposed to be here to help you guys through a rough time and to design tattoos. I like being here, but I don’t want to make anyone uncomfortable. I certainly don’t want to make things difficult for you.”
“I don’t understand, Jaylene. How would you be making things difficult for me? I feel better today than I have in months. Today was a good day, thanks to you.” He smiled and walked toward me, sliding his arms around my waist. I had to tilt my head way back to look up at him. “I just want to say thank you, is that ok? So thank you.” He leaned down and my heart jumped out of my chest as I realized that he was going to kiss me. His lips gently brushed mine and my body jolted from the shock of it. He was searching my face for a reaction and I just froze.
“Devon, I...”
He put a finger against my lips. “Jaylene, I’m not asking anything from you other than to stay with us. Spend some time with me. It just feels good to be around you and I need that right now. Is that too much for you?”
I shook my head. “I can do that. But what about the other guys?”
He shrugged and smiled, “What about them? They want you here, too.”
I still wasn’t sure if he understood my hesitation, so I had to ask the tough question. “Devon, what about Maggie?”
His face fell a little. He looked confused.
“What about your feelings for her? If you are thinking about getting involved with someone, have you really dealt with your feelings for her?”
He looked even more confused. “What do you mean? Jaylene, Maggie was...”
The door opened and Mrs. Boudreaux came through. We were still standing in an embrace. Great.
“There you are! Devon can I see you in the kitchen, son?” She was smiling sweetly at him.
He looked down at me and moved his hands to grasp mine. “We’ll continue this conversation in a bit, ok?” He looked worried so I smiled to reassure him.
“Sure. I’ll see you inside.” I stepped away from him and walked to the door.
Mrs. Boudreaux held it open for me. “Did you get some chicken, Jaylene?”
“I’m afraid not. Is there any left?”
She looked upset. “Well there better be! I made it for you! If those boys ate it all, I will whip them within an inch of their lives! I’ve done it before and I don’t care how big they get, I’d do it again.”
“No no, no whippings necessary. I’m sure I can find some. Thank you so much for everything you’ve done tonight. I hate it that you’ve gone to so much trouble for me.”
She pulled me into a hug. “Nonsense, sugar! You’ve been good to my boys. Now go find you some chicken!”
I smiled and thanked her again, heading for the kitchen. Devon met her in the doorway and she smiled just as brightly at him. He looked so adoring at her it melted my heart. This man was too much. Beautiful, smart, talented, generous and loving. This was going to hurt.
I found a few pieces of chicken at the far end of the bar and I took it around to the other side of the stage. It was delectable! I hadn’t had homemade fried chicken since before my Grandma had moved in with Shannon and my father. About a year before he died she moved in with them because it was just getting too hard for her to keep up a household by herself. Before that, most of our family gatherings were at her house. She was a fantastic cook. She made to-die-for fried chicken. But this chicken, with its touch of Louisiana flavor, was just a smidge better. I felt like a princess eating this chicken. Even if I was hiding in the shadows and shoving it in my face like a wild animal!
“There you are! I wondered where you’d gotten off to, or who you’d gotten off with.”
Mackenzie was so naughty. I loved that ab
out her, but in this situation where I was already so nervous about everything, it just made me that much more uneasy.
“I had to find me a piece of chicken before it was all gone. Are you having fun?”
She nodded, licking her lips. “Absolutely. That Star is one fine looking young man! What do you think of him?”
I was glad it wasn’t Marcus who’d caught her eye. I couldn’t give him a ringing endorsement in the eligible man department. In the friend department, that remained to be seen.
“Star is a good guy. He’s been very sweet to me and he’s completely devoted to his boys. He seems like he’s had a rough time of it, but he’s got great energy. I think you’ve chosen well.”
Her femme fatale facade slipped a little showing me the vulnerable woman I knew her to be. She might act the part of vixen, but really she put that on for show. She was very sensitive and a bit like me in that her appearance gave people the wrong idea about her from time to time. She’d been really hurt a few times by douchebag ex-boyfriends. I felt very protective of her. If I had any inkling that Star wouldn’t be good to her I’d tell her.
“Really, Jay? We’ve been talking all night and he’s just so...”
“Yeah, I get it. Just be careful, Kenz. I love you, girl, and I don’t want to have to kick his ass for not being good to you because I kinda like him.”
She smiled a totally girly smile at me and kissed me on the cheek. “You are my best friend, Jay and I love you. Now tell me what the hell is going on with...
“Jaylene, can you come over to the bar?” Mage was standing there with a mischievous grin on his face.
I looked questioningly at Mackenzie and she gave me a guilty smile. I squinted my eyes at her before I followed Mage.
I saw a glow from behind the bar, which was surrounded by even more people than had been here earlier.
“Happy Birthday To You, Happy Birthday To You, Happy Birthday Dear Jaylene. Happy Birthday To Youuuuuuuuuu.”
Devon was standing in the middle holding a birthday cake covered with candles. The light from the candles played across his face. It illuminated his gorgeous smile and painfully perfect blue eyes. I stepped up to him feeling hands pat me on the back.
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