by Joan Rylen
“What are you looking for?” the bellman asked. “Something nice? Something casual?”
“It’s our last New Orleans meal, so we need something awesome!”
“Then go to Galatoire’s. Authentic cuisine. Great service. One of the best.” He looked at their outfits. “No shorts allowed, so you should be okay.”
Wendy slipped him a $5 and they left the hotel.
It didn’t take them long to walk to the Bourbon Street restaurant they had passed at least six times during their visit but not really noticed. How they had missed the white and green trim canopy, Vivian wasn’t sure.
They walked in and the delectable scent of garlic and butter made Vivian’s mouth water. The décor made her glad they had the Getaway Girlz Trust Fund — chandeliers, dark wood, white bead board and green wallpaper with gold accents and white tablecloths. Waiters in tuxedos hustled about.
“I love it here already,” Lucy said, sitting down, smoothing the corner of the tablecloth.
Kate put her white cloth napkin in her lap. “Check out all the mirrors.”
The girls enjoyed sharing a delicious lunch of shrimp rémoulade, crabmeat maison, au gratin potatoes, a wedge salad, chicken Creole, lots and lots of water and a side of ibuprofen.
Vivian sucked down the last of her water and the waiter smoothly grabbed the decanter on the table and refilled the glass.
Wendy looked at her watch. “We have 25 minutes. We’d better go.”
“Do y’all mind horribly if we cab it?” Vivian asked. “I love my shoes, but I can’t fathom walking to Jackson Square right now.”
“Fine by me,” Lucy said, pushing back her plate. “I’m in my FMPs and I ate too much.”
Vivian looked over the bill and used their special account to pay for the pricey but fabulous meal. “Good thing we didn’t have any alcohol.”
Kate folded her napkin and put it on the table. “Where are we going on our next trip? I need something a little less city-ee. I miss the mountains.”
“Do we want to go back to Colorado?” Vivian asked.
“No, there are more mountains in the U.S. than the Rockies,” Lucy said. “And since I live there, I’d like to go somewhere else. Branch out. See the world, or at least the U.S.”
“What about the Smoky Mountains?” Wendy said. “They border North Carolina, and Jake says Asheville is a cool town.”
No one bit at that.
“What about the Adirondacks?” Kate said. “In upstate New York?”
“Oooh, that sounds interesting,” Lucy said.
Kate nodded her head. “We can go in the fall, see the leaves changing.”
“I would love that,” Vivian said, taking the check from the waiter and thanking him. “We don’t get fall colors in Texas. They go from green to brown, end of story.”
“Okay, I’ll start looking at it,” Wendy said, getting up. “Upstate New York about six months from now in the fall. Sounds great.”
“You sure your new husband won’t mind you running off to the wild, burnt-orange yonder?” Vivian asked.
Wendy smiled. “Nah, I don’t think he’d care.”
“Better run it past him, bride-to-be,” Lucy said.
“I wouldn’t be marrying him if he was a control freak, but I’ll have to get used to that whole checking-with-another-person thing before I make plans.”
“I bet he’ll be fine with it,” Kate said. “Shaun knows I need these trips.”
They grabbed a cab right outside the restaurant and took the short ride to Jackson Square. Al and Adrienne were already there, as were Antonio, Detective Leffall, Gary, Lea, all of the 12 Stones, Jason’s parents, Daisy’s parents, Al’s cousin, Gino and wife Michelle and three media trucks. Larry and Sonya from Louie’s Flowers were there and had given all the women a single red rose. The moms also had red rose corsages pinned to their dresses. Hairy Harry stood near a light post, away from the crowd. He looked sad, yet maybe a little happy, too.
Antonio walked over to Vivian and gave her a long, tight hug. “How are you?” he asked.
“I wasn’t stalked, growled at or eaten by a bear on my way up to my room, so I guess I made the right decision.”
He smiled. “Let me know next time you’re in town, okay?”
She nodded as Adrienne and Al walked up.
“Did Al do good or what?” Adrienne said.
Vivian looked around. Red rose petals floated in the fountain and were scattered on the ground, but other than that the park looked the same. “What’d you do?”
“Nothin’ really,” Al replied. “Made a phone call.”
Adrienne rubbed his back, obviously proud of him. “Whatever! It’s difficult to get a wedding booked here, but my sweetheart has a friend in the Parks and Parkways Department. He made it happen.”
“Way to go, Al!” Vivian gave him a high-five. “And it couldn’t be a prettier day.” A cool breeze blew off the river and big, white, puffy clouds floated across the sky.
Detective Leffall motioned to Antonio, who excused himself. Vivian watched as Leffall showed him something on his phone and Antonio smiled.
Kate moved next to her. “Think that means Sonofabitch is going down?”
Wendy leaned over. “Hell yeah!”
Jason walked to the Square from the cathedral, and cameras started clicking. He had on a modern-cut, black tuxedo, white shirt, silver vest and bowtie. A silver ribbon embraced a gorgeous white rose pinned to his lapel.
The news broadcasters had their lenses focused on him.
He stepped up to the fountain and hugged Daisy’s mother tightly for several moments, whispering in her ear. She nodded and kissed him on the cheek. Then he turned to his own mom and hugged her. He shook hands with both dads before taking his place next to his best man, Paul, who wore a sleek, black suit and red tie. Eric, from the band, began playing an acoustic guitar and singing “Unchained Melody.”
Daisy appeared in the doorway of the cathedral wearing a floor-length, form-fitting white wedding dress that had skin showing from the lace going down both sides. The bruises on her back weren’t visible, and a silver and white beaded belt hugged her tiny waist. Her still-black hair was pulled into a loose up-do. A thin, white ribbon swirled here and there in her hair. Curled wisps gently hung around her face and fell in the back. The last few inches transitioned from black to bright red. She looked fantastic…and happy.
Daisy locked eyes with Jason and never wavered during her walk to the fountain. She carried a gorgeous bouquet of white roses accented with silver metallic swirls of ribbon.
She reached Jason and hugged him. He kissed her on the cheek, wiped a tear from his eye and took her hand.
A female magistrate officiated as they said their vows.
Jason took Daisy’s hand. “Daisy, you are my warmth in winter, my cool breeze in summer. I love how you’re full of surprises, joy and laughter. You make me want to be a better man. I’m honored you chose me to be by your side and I look forward to our future. I can’t imagine my life without you. I love you beyond what I ever thought possible and if you will join me on this path, I promise to always protect you, inspire you and support you.”
Daisy was crying. Jason reached into his tuxedo pocket and pulled out two tissues, handing her one and using the other.
She took a moment to compose herself, then gently reached for his hand. She took a deep breath and looked into his eyes. “Jason, the past few days have only strengthened and reinforced the love I feel for you, and only you. You never gave up, and neither will I. I vow that I will be faithful, forgiving, your best friend and, of course, feisty. I love the man you are now and forever.”
Their words pounded at the wall of bricks Vivian had piled around her injured heart since her divorce. This makes me believe in love again. She looked to her left at Kate, who smiled dreamily. She’s so in love. Vivian took Kate’s hand and squeezed it gently. She turned to her right and looked at Wendy, who had tears running down her face.
Chapter 52
Oh my gosh, Vivian thought. Wendy must be bubbling over at everything that has happened. So not like her to lose it, especially at a wedding.
A few wedding watchers turned and looked at Wendy, who sniffled loudly despite trying to smile through her tears. Her outpour made Vivian start crying, and pretty soon almost everyone was crying. Wendy dug tissues out of her purse and handed one to Vivian, then blew her nose.
Vivian reached over and hugged her. “You okay?”
“They just look so happy,” Wendy said and blew her nose again.
Vivian looked to her right and saw the Romanian gypsy woman standing next to a tree. They made eye contact. The lady nodded, gave a small smile, then turned and walked away.
Vivian took a deep breath and accepted the fact that the gypsy had been right — both times.
“By the power vested in me by the state of Louisiana, you are now husband and wife. Jason, you may kiss your beautiful bride.”
Jason wrapped his hands around Daisy’s face and kissed her.
The crowd erupted, cameras clicked, and the news reporters went live. Eric, on acoustic guitar, started jamming to “Every Little Thing She Does is Magic” by The Police.
The bride and groom kissed again, then they turned to their family and all embraced. The moms were crying and the dads were misty-eyed. Jason and Daisy faced the crowd and everyone clapped again. They made a point to talk to everybody, and there were lots of handshakes, hugs and more tears.
Jason and Daisy walked up to Vivian and the girls. “We’re so glad you’re okay,” Vivian said to Daisy as she squeezed her tight. “And we’re super happy for you guys.”
“I don’t know what to say.” Daisy pushed a black and red curl from her face. “Thank you is not enough.”
“It is enough,” Vivian responded and clasped her hand. “It is.”
Daisy smiled at her through teary eyes. After a moment Jason asked, “Are you going to join us for the reception?”
“Wouldn’t miss it,” Vivian answered.
They led the crowd away from the fountain, into the square where a brass band waited to walk the group, second-line style, to Flanagan’s. A band named Crawfish Bones was belting out tunes when they walked in.
“Love it already,” Wendy said, nodding toward the small stage. “They sound smooth.”
The girls picked a large table strategically placed between the band and the bar.
“Who wants something?” Vivian clapped, then rubbed her hands together.
“Just a glass of celebratory champagne for me,” Kate said. Lucy seconded that.
“I don’t know what I want,” Wendy said, and followed Vivian to the bar.
“Two glasses of champagne, Dos Equis and a…” Vivian turned to Wendy.
“Black and Tan.”
“Damn, hitting the hard stuff,” Vivian teased.
“Guinness is yummy and it’ll help settle my nerves.”
“Give her two!” Vivian called to the bartender.
Wendy laughed. “I’m more emotional than usual today. I guess because of the crazy week and the fact that in one short month, I’ll be married.”
The bartender set Vivian’s beer on the bar. She squeezed the lime in and toasted the air. “And it’s going to be great.” She took a long sip.
Wendy’s dark, thick beer was served and she took a sip without flinching. “It was a great bachelorette party despite the kidnappings, but I’m ready to get home.”
“Me too, and I’m ready to see my kiddos!”
The glasses of champagne were delivered and they carried them to the table. Al, Adrienne, Antonio and Detective Leffall had joined Kate and Lucy. Vivian sat next to Antonio.
He leaned over to whisper in her ear. The warmth of his breath tingled her neck. “Thought you had a plane to catch.”
She leaned back a little to look at him. “I do, but we have an hour or so to kill before we have to get our bags.”
He raised his eyebrows. “My place isn’t far. I could have you back in an hour.” He looked hot in his faded jeans and black polo. The narrow shirt band pulled tight around his biceps and accentuated his tan, muscular arms.
Oh, soooo tempting. Vivian tapped her fingers on the green beer bottle. “If we’re gonna do it, I don’t want to rush.”
He nuzzled her neck. “Desperate times call for…”
She started laughing. “You don’t seem the desperate type to me.”
He sat back in his chair. “You’d be surprised. I work too much.”
She nodded, then grinned. “I’m not going to sexpadite things, sorry.”
“Hey, I had to ask. You look fantastic.”
She fluffed her curls. “Thanks, the humidity is cooperating today.”
Between songs, the lead singer talked about how long he’d known several members of 12 Stones. The rest of the crew — trumpet, trombone, clarinet, bass and drummer — all nodded during the story. “We’re honored to be playing at Jason and Daisy’s reception, and without any further ado, we’d like to have them come to the dance floor.”
Hand in hand, the newlyweds walked out.
“I know this isn’t our usual type of tune, but it was one of my parents’ favorites and it’s still one of mine. I hope you love it.”
The trombone started up with a clear, smooth tone and the rest of the band soon joined. They played “It Had to be You,” and the couple danced, kissed and laughed their way around the dance floor.
I’m so happy for them, Vivian thought.
After their dance, the music went back to rockin’ the place. Everyone danced, including Detective Leffall, which Antonio said was a miracle as he tried to snap a picture but Leffall grabbed his phone.
Al, of course, had bought several bottles of champagne for the table. Everyone partook except for Antonio and Leffall, who had to work later that afternoon. They had details of Daisy’s case to sort out and wrap up.
Wendy tapped on her watch and said to the girls, “We gotta hit it. I don’t want to miss our flight.”
She and Kate were on the same plane headed to Houston. Lucy’s left about 20 minutes before them, going to Denver, and Vivian was scheduled a few minutes after, going to Dallas Love Field.
Everyone said their goodbyes, including Jason and Daisy, who were inseparable.
Vivian hugged Jason’s neck. “So on to Las Vegas, huh?”
Jason looked at Daisy. “Yeah, she still wants to go. No more stops, though. She’s taking a break from everything, for a while at least.”
“It’ll be a fun honeymoon, and best, best, best of luck!”
The girls grabbed a cab to their hotel for the sake of time, got their bags from the bellman and hopped back into the same cab. They talked about their crazy adventures on the way to the airport. The cabbie was captivated the entire 20-minute drive.
Once at the airport, they said goodbye to Lucy, who had to go to a different terminal.
“It was a wild one,” Vivian said and gave her a hug.
“You know, they always are,” Lucy said. “But that’s okay, I’ve come to expect it, and I might be bored if they weren’t.” She hugged Wendy. “I’ll see you in a few weeks on your big day.”
“Safe travels,” Wendy said.
Lucy’s phone chimed and she checked it, smiling. “It’s Jonathon telling me to have a safe flight home.”
“Are you going to keep talking to him?” Vivian asked.
“Nah, he was just a distraction. A really cute, young, energetic distraction, but I’ve decided enough is enough. I’m going to seriously look into getting a divorce. Things just aren’t working.”
Kate gave her a squeeze. “We’re here for you. Call us any time, day or night. It’ll work out one way or another.”
Vivian and Wendy dove in for a big, group hug, then Lucy walked away, giving a last wave.
Vivian, Wendy and Kate checked their bags and got gate assignments. They breezed through security and walked to where Kate and Wendy would be flying out since Vivian�
��s flight was a little later.
“I’m going to run to the bathroom,” Kate said.
“Buddy system,” Vivian chimed.
“I think, surely, we’re okay now.” Kate laughed and headed off in the direction of the facilities.
Vivian and Wendy found a spot facing the runways and sat down.
Vivian checked her phone for the time. “So I guess I’ll be seeing you in one short month for the big day. I can’t believe you’re getting married!”
“I know. I can hardly believe it myself.” Wendy smiled and sat back in her seat, looking out at the planes. “Our engagement has flown by.”
Vivian started to ask her about RSVPs but was interrupted by Wendy’s phone ringing.
Wendy answered and as she listened, the smile faded from her face and tears formed in her eyes. She slowly lowered the phone and Vivian could hear someone saying, “Hello, hello. Ms. Schreiber,” on the other end.
Vivian gently pulled the phone out of Wendy’s hand. “This is Wendy’s friend, Vivian Taylor. Is everything okay?”
“This is Officer Sue Garrett with the Las Vegas Police Department. I’m afraid there has been an accident.”
Appendix
Watch out New Orleans! The Girlz are in town!
Johnell in action with “the whistle.”
Blue Ball shots at Tropical Isle – yum!
“Bleeeehhhhhh!” Johnell fake puking on Decatur Street in New Orleans.
Foam Hat guy, he really did exist and he really tried to kiss every girl in sight!
Watch out for those syringe Jell-O shots!
The original Girlz and Joan Rylen’s namesake, though we’re not in order – Johnell, Angela, Robbyn and Lea.
This pretty much sums us up. Johnell’s always doing something crazy and Robbyn’s always wondering what it is!
Acknowledgments
We’d like to thank our favorite Getaway Girlz, Lea Bass Rogers (cover design, story input, fellow traveler), whose uncanny ability to make us look fantastic (front and back) continues to keep us in awe. And Angela Wenk (story input and personal stylist!), without whom Lucy would be a bore. You girlz mean the world to us! Now let’s go on vacation!