Southern Secrets

by Shelley Stringer

  “By the way, I saw you dancing with Mr. Lon earlier and it seemed you two were deep in conversation,” he commented as he caressed the skin between my shoulder blades.

  “Yes. Uncle Lon came around about the babies, just as you said he would.”

  He led me back over to our table, where Ava Grace sat playing with the tiny cake babies everyone in the room had given to her. I relaxed back into my chair as I watched all of our friends on the dance floor. Everyone seemed to be having a wonderful time. John and Ty had switched partners, Ty twirling Brie to a lively jazz number as John sparred with Constance over something, both of them grinning as each tried to get the best of the other. Ben walked over and claimed Julia from another twenty-something male who had been dancing with her non-stop since the music had started. Banton sat watching them, the muscle beginning to tick at his jaw line again.

  I finally reached up and tugged at his sleeve, and he looked down at me with a hint of helplessness and frustration in his eyes. I grinned at him, I couldn’t help myself.

  “Um, did you forget, Mr. Gastaneau? Julia is nineteen. I’m twenty-three, only four years older than her. You’re…”

  “Okay, I get it. But some of these men,” he began.

  “Some of these boys are only twenty four or twenty five, less of an age difference than you and me, or Constance and Ty. What if you’d met me when I was only nineteen, and you were twenty-seven?”

  “I probably would have been arrested by your father,” he replied, glancing back down at me, his eyes softening. Leaning over, he placed a soft kiss on my lips.

  “And how did your little talk with my sister go?” he asked.

  “Great. She was pretty irritated with you at first, but I explained to her how much you love her and just want to protect her. She wanted me to go back and tell you she and Ben got all hot and heavy this afternoon, but I told her it might not be a good idea, for Ben’s sake. She laughed and told me to tell you she’s a big girl, and can make her own decisions. But she promised she will talk to you first before she goes out with him.”

  “Evidently it’s too late, if he’s already going to her room,” he began.

  “He only went to take her dress to her, when Mr. Philippe brought it over this afternoon. Then he sat down and they talked a few minutes, before he came out. That’s all, she assured me.”

  He seemed to relax and then grinned at me.

  “Wow, if you’re this bad about boys around your baby sister, just think how you will be about our girls!” I exclaimed, rolling my eyes.

  “That’s the first time you’ve indicated what you think the babies will be.” He smiled, and his eyes twinkled.

  “Well, you refer to both of them as girls so much you have me doing it now,” I laughed as he became serious again.

  “We’ve almost made it three months. Are we ever going to talk about names?” he asked, taking one of my gloved hands in his.

  “Actually, I have been thinking about it a little.”

  “Okay, so what names are we considering?” His eyes twinkled as much as his dimple.

  “Well, if one of them is a boy, he just has to be Banton Matthew Gastaneau IV.”

  He leaned back and studied my face. “You would do that to him? Saddle him with this name that sounds like a New York law firm?” he asked skeptically.

  “Well, yes. I love you so much, I can’t imagine breaking the tradition. The name is a lot to live up to, and I believe in challenging your children. Besides, I think Matty would be adorable when he’s little. He can grow into the name. And I know your dad would love it if we sort of name one of the babies after him.” I traced little patterns on the back of his hand as we bantered about the names.

  “And what if they are twin boys? Do you have another boy name in mind?”

  “Oh, I don’t know…Barrett or Bennett?”

  “Yeah, those work. What about girls’ names?” He grinned.

  “I’ve always had a girl’s name in mind…you know the silly game little ten-year old girls play when they talk about naming their kids.”

  “I can just imagine what you and Laurilee would come up with.” He winked at me. “Come on, tell me.”

  “Elysson, or Elyssa. Elly for short.”

  “Banton Matthew, and Elysson …what would be an “M” name that would fit? Michelle…or Melyn?” he asked. “I like it, Ellyson…it’s beautiful.” He leaned in to kiss me again. “Matty and Elly.”

  “Did you have any ideas?” I raised an eyebrow at him.

  “Well, I did have one…Collins, for a boy or a girl, to carry on your family name.” He looked deeply into my eyes, which had begun to mist at his suggestion.

  “Collins…it would be an unusual name for a girl. It sounds sophisticated. Collins Gastaneau. I like that, too.”

  “I thought we might ask Momma to get our family bible out while we are here. There are lots of French names on both sides of our family. We might find something there too.”

  “That’s a good idea. You’ve given this a lot of thought, haven’t you?” I asked as he stood up.

  “Mrs. Gastaneau, would you please dance with me? I want to hold my wife in my arms and show the world you’re mine. You up for it?”

  “Oh, yeah. I’m up for anything involving your arms around me,” I answered as he whirled me out on the floor.

  As we danced around the room, I felt contentment for the first time in a long time. Our families were getting along famously. Uncle Lon was in a deep conversation with Ty at a table in the corner as Aunt Sue listened close beside him. Constance was dancing with Everett, and as always, John was lost in Brie’s eyes. Claudia and Will were even on the dance floor, one of the few times they weren’t separated by family obligations or work. Banton caught my chin in his hand and turned my face back to look at him.

  “Where is your little mind wandering now, I can’t seem to keep your attention for long these days,” he teased as he grinned down at me.

  “Are you kidding? I was just thinking, how happy everyone seems to be around us…and calm for once. I’ve been too wrapped up in you to notice much of anything else,” I broke off as he leaned in and kissed me.

  As the slow song continued, I lay my head against his chest. He drew my hand in close to his shoulder, caressing my bare-back with his thumb as he had when we’d first danced at the club by the river on our first date. Just his touch on my bare skin still lit me on fire. Life was perfect, whenever he held me. I felt so blessed. As we turned around the floor, I caught sight of Hillary staring at us from across the room, and as she saw me looking at her as Banton held me close, she stormed out the front door.

  “Unca Banin! Unca…Banin, pweese dance wif me!” Ava Grace tugged on Banton’s tuxedo jacket. He released his hold on me to bend over and pick her up in his arms.

  “Why, Ava Grace, I’ve been waiting all evening to dance with the prettiest princess at the ball! But I forgot it was you, you’ve been hiding behind this little masque all night long!” he joked as he pulled her masque up on her forehead. She giggled as he whirled her out on the floor. The band leader caught sight of them dancing, and then proceeded to play a medley of Disney songs sure to catch the heart of any little three-year-old girl. The SEALs all lined up and took their turns, one after another, bowing and taking her in their arms. From the look on her face, this was a night our little niece would remember as long as she lived.

  “Everett and Mr. Philippe are ready to move down to the quarter to their ball, are you all ready to go with them?” Brie asked. Constance moved in behind her.

  “Yeah, I think this is kind of turning in to a teen dance,” Constance motioned over her shoulder as several of Julia’s friends invaded the dance floor. A DJ took over the music, and the hip-hop phase of the night began.

  “Okay, Ev, you lead and we’ll all follow.” Banton grinned as he grabbed my hand and pulled me toward the door. I waived over my head at our parents. Ben joined us at Colin’s insistence, but I could have sworn I saw him wince as he
caught sight of Julia dancing with a tanned, blonde, football-player type. Colin had to drag him out the door.

  * * *

  The chatter in the Suburban on the way to the Aldon masque ball was loud and animated. We followed Everett down to the French Quarter, and then stopped at the hotel where the Aldon were holding their masque. As they gave the valets the keys, the men escorted us in. After we’d deposited our wraps and bags in the foyer, I spotted Everett’s grandmother immediately, surrounded by four or five young-looking Aldon men.

  Everett slapped the side of his face and exclaimed, “Come on, boys and girls; let’s hit the alcohol because it will take a lot of spirits to drown my embarrassment tonight. Maybe none of you will remember this in the morning!” He waltzed over to the bar and ordered a round of drinks for everyone.

  As I perused the room, I found several familiar faces in the crowd; most had been at our house since the guard detail had begun. Mr. Philippe and Stephan smiled in greeting and walked over when they spotted us.

  “My darlin’, sweet Chandler…You’re absolutely ravishing tonight! Every Aldon in the room is whispering about who the lovely human girl and half-breeds are who just came in…You’ll be the talk of the season! I’ve already sold two gowns like yours since you walked through the doors!” Mr. Philippe rocked back and forth on his heels as he gushed over me. Banton nodded in agreement as he put his arm around my waist.

  Constance didn’t lose any time as she spotted Sam and dragged him out on the dance floor. As the band struck up a rock-n-roll number, she grabbed the skirt to her dress up and kicked off her shoes. Soon, the Aldon circled the dance floor and a dance-off of sorts began. Everett grabbed a woman from the crowd and pulled her onto the dance floor, and as he whirled her past me I recognized Astrid, the caterer friend Everett had brought to our house for the engagement party.

  “Chandler, my dear girl, how are you feeling?” I recognized Dr. Renault’s voice as he came up behind me.

  “Dr. Renault, how nice to see you! I should have known you would be here, I’m so glad to see familiar faces. I’m doing well, thank you. I’m feeling great, no problems at all.” I smiled as he patted my shoulder.

  “Hey, Doc, nice to see you!” Banton shook Dr. Renault’s hand.

  “I want to talk to both of you some more about the proposal I made to you, when you come for your appointment week after next. And I want to talk to you about scheduling an amnio, just to check to make sure everything is on track.”

  “Yes, certainly. We’ll do it when we come in,” I answered as the dance ended.

  “Come on, Banton…get Chandler out here! This Band is rockin’!” Constance exclaimed, grabbing Ty and pulling him on the floor.

  “Man, this room is sure full of some tipsy vampires,” John commented as several of them locked arms and swayed to a ballad the orchestra played.

  “What is this music, it’s familiar,” Brie wondered.

  “I know… it’s from the Rocky Horror Picture Show. That’s appropriate,” John laughed.

  The Aldon continued to sing along, seeming to get in character, several of them playing the trans-gay-monster drama to the hilt. Another group appeared to be drunk enough to try out several dance moves, with three or four of the Aldon break-dancing in the center of the group. I tugged at Banton’s shirt sleeve, and then motioned over to Everett’s grandmother…She’d spotted us and waved us over.

  “Showtime!” Ben exclaimed, and he and Colin drained their glasses, and then grabbed Banton’s arm as they crossed the dance floor to visit with Mrs. Wilhelmina.

  “Oh, Chandler, you look beautiful tonight. Is yours one of Mr. Philippe’s dresses?” Mrs. Henrietta asked as she embraced me.

  “Yes, Mr. Philippe takes good care of us. He always knows exactly what I need before I even ask.”

  “It’s an Aldon reaction, dear. But even more than that, Mr. Philippe is the best, especially if he likes you. And I happen to know, he loves you, dear. He told me there isn’t a more beautiful, purer or kinder soul on this earth.” She squeezed my waist as she finished.

  “That’s so kind of you to share with me, thank you. I feel the same way about him, and about Everett.”

  “Oh, my, Everett will have a conniption,” Mrs. Henrietta fretted. I looked up over where her gaze was fixed and found Everett’s grandmother, her skirt drawn up over one arm, gettin’ down with Ty, John and Banton, a drink in her other hand. I smothered a giggle as Everett’s mother searched the room for Everett.

  The Band cranked it up. Evidently they had a lot of hard rock and hip-hop in their repertoire. The wilder Mrs. Wilhelmina got, the wilder the music became. After four or five songs, the whole room was rockin’, and my group seemed as inebriated as the polluted vampires.

  Banton returned to my side with a fresh drink in his hand. He leaned over and whispered “I don’t know what I expected. I just thought with so many of them being from another century or so back, somehow the Aldon ball would be more traditional and stately.” He grinned as he watched Everett dancing with his grandmother, a feather boa tied around his head.

  I was still giggling when Constance came off the dance floor.

  “Come on, Chandler, you can still get down, even if you can’t drink,” she called, grabbing my hand to drag me out on the floor.

  “Leave her alone, Diva-doll. Not everyone wants to make a scene like you! I swear you’re head drama queen tonight!” John yelled over the music, draining his glass. Brie stood at his side, tugging on his shirt to quiet him down.

  “Drama queen? It just seems like it to you, because you’re such a stick-in-the mud. You’re a little too straight-laced, Cowboy…and if you don’t get your nose from so far up Banton’s ass, we’ll need a crowbar to get it loose!” Constance swayed as she took another large drink of her brandy. Banton chuckled and reached around to take her glass.

  “You’re just jealous, diva-doll because you aren’t officially one of us. You’re such a frog hog!” John continued.

  “What the hell did you just call me?” she demanded as the music ended.

  “Oh, don’t get your panties all in a wad, doll, it’s a term of endearment. It means groupie…a girl who hangs around Navy SEALs. It’s just SEAL slang,” he commented as he leaned over and kissed Brie, who was becoming more and more uncomfortable by the moment.

  “Girls who don’t wear panties don’t get them in a wad, and here’s a term of endearment for you, cowboy…ASSHOLE!” she shot back as Ty laughed and pulled her out on the dance floor. As he whispered in her ear she smiled suddenly, forgetting all about John and their little play-fight.

  “Oh dear, this is getting out of hand,” Everett fretted. We gazed across the room to find Grandmother Wellington sandwiched between Colin and Ben, dirty-dancing away.

  “She thinks she’s Jennifer Grey…She’ll break a hip, I swear! Come on, Banton-babe, let’s see if you and John can charm her back to her little table.”

  I giggled and shook my head as Banton shot me a pained look.

  “Come with me, Chandler. I need some fresh air,” Brie whispered. I turned to her.

  “Are you all right? You don’t look so good,” I commented.

  “There are just way too many drunken egos in here tonight, and I can’t stand this constant bickering between Constance and John. I feel as if I need to play referee, and I need a cigarette!”

  “Gabriella! You don’t smoke, what are you talking about?”

  “Actually, I used to. Ever since I met John, I’ve been trying to quit. I’ve pretty much weaned myself off to one or two a day, but I’m dying for a fix right now. My nerves are shot, and I always crave when I’ve been drinking. Please, don’t tell John, he doesn’t know I smoke. Come outside with me for just a minute or two?” she begged.

  I searched the room for Banton to tell him where we were going, and he was across the room with all of the SEALs, toasting at the bar as they yelled, “HooYah, HooYah, HooYah, HEY!” I could tell they were preoccupied, wrapped up in their SEAL r
itual.

  “Sure, okay. It’s freezing outside so let’s get our coats.”

  We crossed the dance floor and out into the foyer and the coat check closet. I thumbed through the cloaks and furs, but couldn’t seem to locate hers. I finally found mine, and since she was dancing around as if she had ants in her pants, I handed it to her.

  “Here, take mine. I’ll wear Constance’s, I can’t find yours.” I wrestled to pull the plum satin coat on, and turned to find Brie out the door on the sidewalk, having already lit-up. Just as I reached the door to push it open, a man slammed full-force into Brie, grabbing her up and then taking off down the sidewalk as she screamed out in terror. I gasped as I caught sight of his glowing green eyes. He paused and looked back from across the street.

  A valet stood on the sidewalk, shocked at the sudden attack. I bolted out the doorway without a thought to my own safety.

  “Please, go inside…tell the Navy SEALs the girls have been attacked and for them to come quickly! Run!”

  I screamed over my shoulder as I rounded the corner, following Brie’s attacker. I could see him far ahead in the darkness. Carrying Brie was the only factor slowing the Orco enough for me to keep up. I was amazed at my pace. It was the first time I’d tried to run since I’d been transformed, and my feet flew across the pavement. I pushed on, but lost sight of the attacker. What are you doing? You have to think of the babies, it’s not safe for you alone, I thought as I pushed on. But I just couldn’t give up on following Brie.

  Chapter Thirty-One

  I stopped at the corner to catch my breath. I’d lost sight of the man, dragging Brie swiftly between the buildings and down the alley. I felt so helpless…I could still hear her screams, and then they stopped abruptly. My heart pounded in my ears. I was torn, because I knew I needed to find Banton and the others. But if I didn’t follow I’d lose them. I struggled to hear anything in the darkness. I didn’t know if it was my imagination or if I could still hear his fast gait on the pavement. I pushed on, running faster and faster through the night. I had no idea what direction I was going, the buildings were so close together, I just knew I was coming out of the Quarter. As I entered the next alley, I paused and then leaned around the corner as I heard voices.