Grand Hotel (A Geek An Angel)

by J. A. JACKSON

  “Where’s your mother or your grandmother?”

  “Grand mere Catherine said she was going to go sit at the bar up front and wait for Mom. Mom had to take Lacey up stairs to our suite and fix her hair, he said without taking a breath.

  “Well Mrs. Ina, it’s getting close to Junior Court time. I’ll leave you now,” Horace said walking away.

  Ina Rosolado inspected her grandson one more time. “Okay

  Quinn Darnell Rosolado Rolandis, you and Nicholas stay out of trouble. The Junior Court will be assembling soon. No more water fountains, okay my little Mayan Clark Kent?”

  Nicholas let out a laugh.

  Quinn tilted his head and looked at his best friend standing beside him. “What are you laughing at Nicholas Avoyelles La Cour? Your name is just as long as mine.”

  Nicholas shook his head. “I’m not laughing at your name Quinn. I’m laughing because your grandmother said you look like a Mayan Clark Kent.”

  “Very funny,” Quinn said.

  Chapter 9

  Public Television wants an interview

  Louis was whistling a happy tune as he made his way out of the men’s room at the San Jose Hotel. He walked down the foyer. He was a man on a mission. He needed to go and check on the pageant and make sure everything started as planned.

  “Hey Louis!”

  Louis La Cour stopped abruptly and looked up. It was his good friend Horace Sherlock Garrison. “Hey Horace, I’m glad you could make it.”

  Horace Sherlock Garrison was expertly dressed. His tuxedo was excellently tailored to fit him precisely.

  Louis mentally pondered about Horace. He was an old friend. He had that attractiveness that could easily turn a woman’s head. And he was a good listener. Louis also knew Horace was the same age as his wife Pearl. They were both ten years younger than him. They had grown up together in Goldonna Louisiana.

  Louis gave Horace the once over again and realized he was wearing his press badge. He figured Horace wanted an interview. He knew he worked for a local public television station that also held a radio station and a newspaper.

  “Horace, how are things?”

  Horace gave a laugh. “Things are fine Louis.”

  Louis thought of some small talk. “Well good then. So are you having a good time tonight? Do you need me to show you around? He asked without waiting for an answer. “We’ve got a lot of festivities set up. There is Casino gaming down the hall in the small ballroom,” he said then quickly added. “But all proceeds go to charity as I’m sure you know.”

  Horace nodded and adjusted his tuxedo jacket. “Yes I know. But I’ve got to take care of business right now. Just like you Louis, I’m a man wearing several hats tonight.”

  Louis grinned. “Well I can understand that. So what is it that you need?”

  “I’m representing KPBS. The television station wants an interview since Grand Isles Foundation received monies from the National Endowment for Social Responsibilities and Humanities.

  “Whew, Really?” Louis whistled out.

  “Don’t tell me you didn’t know I’d be here for that reason. I know you Louis. You are always on top of things.”

  Louis liked the compliment. “Yeah, I knew. Do you just want me to read our press release or do you have other ideas.”

  “Kind of sort of both,” Horace said and then realized he needed to sale his interview. “Right now I have the cameraman setting up in front of the huge doors of the main ballroom. That way we can capture the feel of the moment,” he said waving his hand. “Then I’ll ask you a few questions. This will give a live feel to the interview and show folks in television land how important and popular this event is. After that you read the press release or adlib.”

  “That sounds good.” Louis said.

  “Good,” Horace said. “Remember, our main objective is to inform people about what the Grand Isles Foundation does in helping the community.”

  “Okay, then let’s do this.” Louis said.

  Chapter 10

  Falling for a Dancer

  “At least the cheap champagne is flowing freely,” Celica Baptiste thought as she snagged another glass off of a passing tray. She’d looked high and low for her date, or rather her employer, Monty Wildhorse. It seemed like he’d vanished into thin air.

  A few minutes later she glanced around the room again. She sipped her champagne.

  A man in a uniform stood out among all of the tuxedos. Perhaps that was why he caught her attention.

  She downed half the glass of champagne and looked away. Time seemed to stand still.

  “Would you care to dance?”

  Holding her glass Celica Baptiste looked beside her. The man in the uniform had closed the distance between them. Her eyes focused on the shiny gold buttons on the man’s uniform. She tilted her face up to see the man’s face. He was tall, very tall.

  “Oh, you were asking me?”

  The man nodded. “I don’t see another beautiful woman standing here in a pink dress. My name is Rogmar Womack. My friends call me Rog. By the way, you look ravishing,” he said.

  Celica giggled and looked back at the seriously handsome face. Dark friendly eyes smiled back at her. One thing was for sure, Rogmar Womack was a healthy man who had a strong, muscle toned body that looked like he knew how to service a woman. “Rog, my name is Celica. Celica Baptiste. You look like a very tall prince charming in that uniform.”

  “Then Prince Charming it is. By the way, I love to dance, so don’t be surprised if you start falling in love with a dancer,” he said smiling.

  A sexy hot salsa beat began to play.

  Celica put down her champagne glass. “Rog, you are very smooth and easy on the eyes,” her voice was sensually soft. “I’ve always wanted to meet the one and only Prince Charming who loved to dance.

  Suddenly a sultry salsa beat filled the air.

  “Come along Rog. I hope you know how to salsa,” she said allowing him to steer her onto the dance floor.

  An hour later Celica felt oddly attracted to Rog. She eyed him eye-to-eye as their dance ended.

  She hadn’t danced that sensually with a man in a long time. It was obvious Rogmar Womack had had dance lessons.

  Rog rested his hand lightly on Celica’s shoulder.

  “Thank you for the dance. It was fantastic.”

  “Dance? Is that what you call what we just did? I’m exhausted.”

  Rog led them to a cozy sitting area. He watched as Celica sank into a plush comfy chair.

  “Are you enjoying yourself?” Rog asked.

  “Of course I am. I haven’t danced like this, I mean with a real live person,” she paused and looked up at him. “I mean, in my dreams, I always imagined that one day a man and I would dance like that. And, well, it looks like my dream has finally come true.”

  Rog pinned her with a fascinating gaze. His gaze was mesmerizingly seductive. “You don’t have a boyfriend do you?”

  “I mean, I’m interested in being your boyfriend, dating you, you know the whole package.”

  Celica Baptiste swallowed hard. She felt like she was being placed under a spell as she stared back at him. Rog was the picture of what every woman dreamed of. He had muscles, manners and good looks. She shook her head. “No, and I hope you’re not married or have a steady girlfriend.”

  He grinned wide. “No to both, for now,” Rog hesitated. “But I am working on the steady girlfriend part. How about we go and have a drink?”

  “I would love to, Prince Daddy Long legs,” she said, taking his arm.

  Chapter 11

  A Blast from her past

  Catherine Marie Rousseau-Andries La Cour stood at the end of the ballroom and stared across the room. The dimly lit room afforded her the opportunity to watch them, unnoticed.

  She watched the elegantly attired majestic-looking tall man dancing with the woman in the purple satin dress that was cut low in the front. The woman looked good for her age. But Catherine knew her. When you stood up close, the
woman had fine lines around her eyes that gave her age away.

  Catherine also knew the woman was much older than the man.

  The dance ended abruptly and the lights grew bright quickly. The man nodded his head at the woman and walked away. She watched him snag a glass of champagne off of a passing tray.

  All at once his dark eyes looked up and locked with hers. He closed the distance between them instantly. She felt like he was looking right through her.

  “Catherine Marie Rousseau-Andries La Cour,” he exhaled slowly. “The only woman I’ve ever loved that wouldn’t marry me,” he stared at her.

  “Remington Breaux, I thought I spotted you earlier,” her voice softened, as she scanned the room nervously. She wondered if anyone was watching the two of them together. “What are you doing here?”

  “Catherine, have you forgotten? The annual Grand Isles Christmas Ball brings together company CEO’S, Presidents, as well as major donors and investors to raise money for a worthy charity,” he said. “Besides I received a personal invitation signed by your son Louis La Cour.”

  “Oh, did he now?”

  “Gosh, you are still beautiful. I spotted you when I first arrived. You were watching your granddaughter. You looked so happy, I couldn’t take my eyes off of you,” he smiled.

  Catherine’s eyes brightened at his words. She stared back at him. Remy was still a handsome good looking man with broad shoulders and a hard chest. He looked handsome dressed in his tuxedo.

  “Remy, I see you still have charm and talent in great abundance,” she shook her head. “You know that charm of yours just keeps getting better and better every year.”

  He chuckled softly. “For all the years I’ve known you Catherine, you are the only woman I let call me Remy. It makes me very happy when you do,” he teased.

  Catherine prided herself on her judgment of character. Remy had been the only man she’d ever misjudged. After she’d been widowed for a couple of years, Remington Breaux had come back into her life. She had dismissed him, thinking that he was only interested in her because of the large share of stock she held in a company that Remy and her deceased husband had owned together. Their disagreement had gotten out of hand. It was so bad that she had even involved her son Louis in their disagreement. A year later she learned that she had been wrong, but by then Remy had left town. She never got a chance to apologize. She regretted it dearly.

  Feeling her eyes on him, Remington glanced up and caught her staring. She quickly averted her gaze. She scanned the room realizing her son Louis might see her. Feeling Remy’s eyes on hers she looked up.

  A twinkle was in his eyes. He chuckled amusedly. “I hope you’re not scoping out other men while you’re standing here with me,” he teased her.

  Catherine laughed. “I forgot what a charmer and a tease you are Remy. If you keep pouring the charm on me like that Remy I may need to talk with you somewhere in private,” she teased.

  “I love it that you still have a sense of humor,” he grinned playfully. “Then, I will continue to charm you my dear,” his voice grew serious. “Because the truth must be said that I only came here tonight with the hope of seeing you and now,” he hesitated. “I’ll do or say whatever it takes to keep you talking to me. I’ve never gotten over you Catherine. Never,” he flashed a loving wicked smile.

  Catherine exhaled deeply and scanned the room again nervously. She reached out and took Remy’s arm. “Gosh Remy, you are a handful. I’m never bored with you. That is for sure. Come, we need to take this conversation somewhere private.”

  She took his arm and led the way out of the ballroom and across the hotel’s foyer. They walked arm in arm outside into the dimly lit patio garden.

  As soon as Catherine realized they were alone in the gardens she turned toward him and stepped in close. She felt light headed, she was sure it was because of all the champagne she had been drinking. She raised her head and brushed her mouth across his, drawing him into a kiss.

  She pulled out of his embrace and looked back at him. Quickly, she tried to think up small talk to cover up what she’d just done. “It’s a great ball, wouldn’t you say Remy?”

  Remy nodded. “It’s a fantastic party. I, for one, am enjoying myself. He reached down and his soft fingers traced her cheek. Slowly his hands grasped the side of her face and drew her in for an intoxicating kiss.

  Catherine trembled from his touch. She murmured as he kissed her again. “I’m so glad you are enjoying yourself, Remy. I’m so glad you are here. I have always wanted to apologize for that night.”

  For a moment Remington Breaux was completely still. “Shhhhh Catherine it’s okay. God, I’ve missed holding you,” he murmured. Then his hands slid down encircling her and pulling her close.

  There was a sound of rustling brushes and movement in front of them in the hedge. All at once a skinny young man with ruffled mussed up hair burst through the hedge. He reached back and pulled a girl though the hedges. She giggled and her eyes grew wide in her face.

  “Sorry for interrupting…Your affair,” the wide eyed girl giggled out, as the two trotted off to find another hiding place.

  Catherine pulled out of Remy’s embrace. Her voice rising. “My God, what am I doing standing in the moonlight kissing you like I’m some high school kid?”

  “Catherine, please calm down,” he said grabbing her hand. He looked her in the eyes. “You worry too much about what other people think. Those two kids were trying to do exactly what we were doing. Only we’re both grown adults who have every right to do what makes us happy.”

  She hesitated. “I guess you’re right. I am happy being with you tonight Remy. It’s just that….”

  A chill of dread went through Remy. “It’s just what? Catherine, I found you again. I want to be with you. I can feel you want to be with me too.”

  “Oh Remy I do,” she shook her head. “It’s just that I don’t want to be discovered this way. I mean, I wish we could be together somewhere alone and private where we can talk and be alone.”

  His face beamed with enthusiasm. “Oh really? What if I told you I have a suite booked here tonight at the hotel? And every night if you want me to.”

  “Do you really? Here at this hotel?” Catherine asked.

  “Yes. Come go there with me,” Remy said.

  Catherine paused. She breathed out slowly. “I want to. But I can’t right now.

  Irritation and sadness flashed in his eyes.

  “No Remy, I just mean I want to make sure we are not disturbed. I must first make sure my daughter-in-law knows I can’t watch my granddaughter tonight, that’s all. We already had a baby-sitter lined up. I can meet you in your suite, right after I double check things.”

  Remington Breaux looked pleased with her answer. “Then you’ll meet me at my suite,” he said checking his watch. He reached inside his jacket. “Here’s my room key card. I’ll get another one at the front desk. I’ll see you just as soon as the pageant is over.”

  Catherine caught Remington’s eye. They stared at each other with a mutual understanding that needed no words.

  “Yes, right after they have the junior pageant. I’ll make my excuses and stay the night with you,” she nodded and then smiled wickedly. “I want to see if you’ve still got that old magic I fell in love with.”

  “Oh Catherine, you’ve made this old man happy. I’ll be waiting for you my love.”

  Chapter 12

  Sisters bonding, exes and other riddles…

  Someone touched her arm. “Sister, I’ve been looking for you everywhere,” a delicate deep drawl floated on her voice. “Hiding out in the bar are we?”

  Catherine Marie Rousseau-Andries La Cour smiled and looked up into grey eyes as deep as her own. She swirled her glass in her hand. Her sister’s voice always reminded her of their Cane River Louisiana Creole roots.

  “As you see my precious sister,” she drawled out slowly.

  Catherine had always thought that when her sister Delta Dawn Allemande smiled
her prettiness took on a beauty that made people take notice. Her rich curly dark russet brown hair was styled to frame her face. They both had inherited their gray eyes and slender build from their mother.

  “Delta, I thought I saw you dancing with that distinguished looking gentleman, Professor Percy?”

  “Professor Percy Newhouse is an intellectual bore,” Delta said as she opened her evening bag and retrieved her lipstick.

  As Delta gripped her evening bag, Catherine noticed Delta’s jungle red fingernails matched her evening gown.

  Catherine took hold of her sister’s hand and inspected it. “I love the red fingernails Delta. They make you look like a queen, ready to conquer the world.”

  “I thought so too sister. But that stupefied Geek King snob, Percy, told me I was wearing too much red,” she said applying lipstick. “Can you believe the nerve of that man?”

  “Did he really?” Catherine tilted her head to the side so that her sister couldn’t see her smile. “I thought you really liked him?

  “No,” she hesitated. “Well maybe a little. But the guy talks about himself all the time. He is such a complete bore,” Delta said.

  She shook her head and patted her sister’s arm affectionately. “Catherine, I like the way you styled your hair tonight,” she said checking out her hair style in the mirror behind the bar. “I shouldn’t have cut my hair this short. Maybe men don’t find it an attractive style on me.”

  Catherine shook her head. “Spare me the self-pity tonight my precious sister. We both know you are beautiful,” she said, her voice trailing off. She turned and waived at the bartender.

  Delta knew when to change the subject. “What are you drinking?”

  “A martini, extra dry,” Catherine said nodding her head.

  The bartender walked over and took their order.

  “I’ll have one also,” Delta said. She turned and stared at her sister questionably. “Well Catherine, I’m picking up the vibe that you’ve got man trouble. I’ve only known you to take a few drinks when men are involved.”