by Emery, Lynn
“Here we go. Hope you like com chips. My nephew ate everything else. This is the only kind he doesn’t like.” Gabriel put both plates down, then went back and got the glasses of soda.
“Hey, I’m eating for free. I won’t complain.” Erikka munched on a couple of chips.
Gabriel glanced at her with a shy smile. “Thanks again for everything, the advice and computer lessons.”
“You’re welcome. But you are paying me.”
“You went above and beyond. You earned way more in New Orleans for the same amount of advice.”
‘True. Until I screwed up, that is. So, I guess my crash and bum was God’s plan to send you help.” Erikka shrugged.
Gabriel laughed out loud. “The great cosmic plan.”
“Something like that,” Erikka said. “I don’t hate being here nearly as much as I thought I would.”
“Well, that’s nice,” he deadpanned.
“My friends back in New Orleans feel sorry for me. To them there is no meaningful existence in the rest of Louisiana.” Erikka laughed.
“What do you think now?” Gabriel propped an elbow on the table.
“I miss the city. I miss the music, all the places to go for a great time.” Erikka plucked at the comer of her paper napkin.
“Sounds exciting.” Gabriel gazed at her. He hadn’t touched his food.
“Yeah. Guess I had too much excitement for one woman. So, here I am.” Erikka had lost her appetite. She put down the chip she was about to eat. “Listen, I’d better get moving.”
“I’ll wrap up your lunch to go.” Gabriel stood and went to a wide pantry.
She watched him put the sandwich and chips in a plastic baggie. “Thanks. You must have worked at a fast-food place back in the day.”
‘Tasty Sandwich Shop. I was there every day after school and for three summers until I could buy my own motorcycle. My parents refused to pay for one.” Gabriel handed her a paper bag with the lunch in it.
“A determined man even then,” Erikka said.
“Not the spoiled frat boy you took me for, right?” Gabriel grinned.
“You’re very different all right,” Erikka replied. Then felt self-conscious. “Thanks again for lunch.” “You’re welcome.”
Erikka picked up her belongings. “See you later.”
‘Two weeks?” Gabriel folded his arms.
“Sure. I think you’ll survive without me for that long.”
“Crossing my fingers. You did say I couldn’t totally destroy all you set up, right?” Gabriel followed her to the door.
‘Trust me; I took good care of you.” Erikka faced him, and then blushed at her own words.
“Yes, you did.” He opened the door for her.
“Well, bye.” Erikka turned to leave.
“There is a lot more to do around here than you might think.”
“Thanks, but I’m not into rounding up chickens or slaughtering hogs,” Erikka said, with a grin.
“I like that city-girl sense of humor. I accept the challenge.”
“What challenge?” Erikka liked the way his mouth curved up and the gold in his brown eyes sparkled when he was amused.
‘To prove that you can have a good time in the swamp.” Gabriel spread out his arms.
“Yeah right. Name one thing.” Erikka waved a hand and started for the door.
“I’ll do better than that.” Gabriel followed her. He stopped her just as she was about to grab the doorknob. “I’m serious. What about this Saturday?”
Erikka turned around. She had to tilt her head back to look up at him. “Okay, what about this Saturday?”
“It’s a surprise. Good clean country fun. I promise.” Gabriel raised one palm.
“Nothing that involves farm animals, please.” Erikka pointed a forefinger at his nose.
“No problem,” Gabriel said, with a grin.
“I don’t know.” Erikka stared at the expanse of broad chest before her. She imagined the word temptation written across it.
The man had a lover stashed somewhere. Erikka was sure of it. Rumors of his past made her look like a rookie at bad behavior, and he seemed secretive. In other words he was just the kind of man she’d chosen before. The word no flashed in her head. She should find ways to be comfortable in her own skin, not jump into another soap opera scenario. As seconds ticked by, Gabriel’s smile slipped, and then stiffened.
“You just thought of an urgent appointment on that day. I understand. Goodbye.” He opened the door.
“You’re a client, and I’m not that great at choosing men. Not that I’m implying you’re no good. What I mean is—” Erikka groaned. “Hell, even I don’t know what I mean.”
“I really do understand.” Gabriel wore a composed, empathetic expression.
“Right. On that happy note I’ll leave,” Erikka replied, with a weak smile.
“See you next time,” he said.
She went out the door and to her car. After she got in Erikka sat there for about five minutes. Gabriel waved to her, and Erikka waved back. She put the key in the ignition, started the car. More minutes went by as she drummed her acrylic fingernails on the steering wheel. Gabriel left the door but returned a few seconds later and stared at her. Erikka turned off the engine, got out of the car, and marched back to the door.
“You want to have fun with me or what?” Erikka stared at him as he swung the door open wider.
“Yes, I want to have fun with you,” Gabriel said in a solemn tone.
“Damn, that didn’t come out right,” Erikka blurted, then laughed until her side ached.
Gabriel stepped outside laughing just as hard. “Come over Saturday around two.”
Erikka hoped her makeup hadn’t smudged as she patted moisture from her face. “In the afternoon? Look, I refuse to go square dancing at the local Moose lodge.”
“We don’t square dance. Now a good Zydeco throw down, mais yeah,” Gabriel replied.
“See you Saturday.” Erikka walked backward away from him. “Jeans and a T-shirt okay?”
“Whatever.”
“Ah come on. Give me a hint.” She stopped.
“Casual dress is fine.” • Gabriel’s eyes flashed with mischief.
Erikka liked his playful side. His reserved manner softened quite nicely, she mused. “Intriguing. Come to think of it, I prefer being pleasantly surprised.”
His sideways grin stirred the heat inside her more. Erikka forced herself not to spoil things by strolling right back to him and planting a searing kiss on his cinnamon lips. She was supposed to change her ways after all. As she drove off, Gabriel appeared in her rearview mirror. He waved, and Erikka waved back. Tall and rangy, Gabriel looked more inviting than any man in blue jeans had a right to. The sight made her anticipate an afternoon of country-style entertainment.
Chapter 10
Dinner at the Cormier house had shaped up to be just as tense an affair as Gabriel had feared it would be. His mother made a spirited attempt to carry on as though all was well. His older brother heaved his third heavy sigh as he nibbled on a yeast roll. Vincent made it clear that he wasn’t in the mood for social conversation. Rachel shot her husband a warning look the three times he started to say something to him. Gabriel was about to announce his exit when she smiled at him.
“How is Elise these days?” His mother seemed desperate to find a lighter topic.
Gabriel cursed himself for not escaping sooner. “Fine I guess.”
“You haven’t seen her lately?” Rachel carefully sliced into the tender roast beef on her plate.
“No, but you already know I haven’t,” Gabriel said, hoping his tone conveyed she should drop the subject.
“I think it’s wonderful that your business is so successful, baby. Don’t forget you need a personal life, too,” Mrs. Cormier replied, without looking at him.
“You’re right, Mother.” Gabriel took the napkin out of his lap and pushed his chair back. Now was a good time to get away.
“Elise is
so sweet. She called me today to ask how I was feeling. Such an attentive girl.”
“Rachel, take a hint. The boy doesn’t want to talk about the fact that he dumped the girl,” his father said.
Rachel dropped her fork. “Gabriel did what?”
“Damn. Sorry, son,” Charles mumbled from behind his linen dinner napkin.
Vincent seemed to perk up for the first time. He looked at Gabriel with a sly expression. “I think Pop said Gabriel dumped Elise.”
“Dumped isn’t exactly how I’d describe it.” Gabriel gave his father a cold look. Charles shrugged a second apology.
Rachel’s tight expression eased, and her smile returned. “I was sure your father had made a mistake. You two are perfectly matched.”
“Oh, yes, perfectly,” Vincent said in a deceptively mild tone. “Let’s book the church and pick out silverware for the happy couple.”
“We decided to take a break,” Gabriel said. He ignored his brother’s sarcasm.
“What does that mean?” Rachel gazed at him. Her red lips were set into a frozen line.
“We agreed not to see each other for a while. We need time to examine our feelings and figure out what we both want in a relationship. That’s about it.” Gabriel fiddled with the steak knife that lay across his empty plate. “Delicious meal.”
“Thank you. Elise—” Rachel leaned forward.
“Rachel, please. Leave the boy alone,” Charles cut in.
“Sure, let’s not get in Gabe’s business. Meanwhile, my life is always up for discussion,” Vincent put in, with bitterness oozing from every word.
“You weren’t so eager to be left alone when you needed me to help pay off your debts,” Charles said.
“I was beginning to think you’d let one day pass without throwing something in my face. At least you’re consistent, Pop.” Vincent drained the red wine from his glass.
“Leave Vincent alone, Charles,” Rachel commanded. Her husband grunted but said nothing. “Gabriel, I’d like to discuss this situation.”
Gabriel stood. “Listen, Mama, I know how you feel about Elise—”
“She a lovely, accomplished woman, a doctor. Any man can see she’s a real prize,” Rachel jumped in, like a saleswoman pushing a product.
“I agree with you. I’m not saying she isn’t a good person.” Gabriel sighed.
“What he means is just because Elise is from the right family with money and is light-skinned doesn’t mean she’s Miss Right,” Vincent said. “Wish I’d had that same kind of sense twenty years ago.”
“Your ex-wife is a saint if you ask me,” Charles growled.
“You’ve made that plain for years. I’m going to have my wine in peace.” Vince grabbed his glass and left.
Gabriel gave his father a hard look. “Get off his back, Dad.”
“Humph. I’m going to watch the game.” Charles dropped his napkin on the table and walked out of the dining room.
Rachel rubbed the bridge of her nose. “I feel a headache building at the base of my neck.”
“I’ll load the dishwasher. You go lie down.” Gabriel stacked the plates. When he reached for Rachel’s, she put a hand on his arm.
“I had so hoped that at least one of my children would find happiness.”
“I am happy,” Gabriel said.
“I meant a happy, fulfilling marriage. You don’t seem to understand the value of companionship. You learn to compromise and accept each other’s foibles.” Rachel gazed up at him. “I wish I could make all my children see that.”
“You shouldn’t worry about us so much. Maybe we don’t always make the smartest choices, but we’ll be okay,” Gabriel said to reassure her.
“Your sister is intent on letting the company be her substitute for a family of her own,” Rachel continued. “Vincent seems to have completely lost his footing. He’s adrift. Nothing brings him joy these days. And now.” Rachel shook her head slowly.
‘Toni loves her work, and Vince has a great job with Exxon-Mobil. He likes what he’s doing.”
“He likes making your father see red.”
Gabriel silently agreed but couldn’t help sticking up for his older brother. “They’re more alike than either one of them will ever admit. Dad could be more understanding.” “I’m working on it.” Rachel lifted her chin and looked down her nose at him. “One day you’ll wake up and realize you’re all alone.”
‘Toni will find a good man and have children, but on her own timetable.”
His mother gazed at him. “And you?”
“Matchmaking should be outlawed.” Gabriel shook a finger at her, pretending to scold.
“You find fault with some of the most attractive, charming—” Rachel’s voice trailed away as Gabriel’s expression soured. “You’ll be sorry you let Elise get away. That’s my final word on the subject.”
“Let’s hope so. And don’t fish around for a replacement,” Gabriel added quickly.
“Insolent rascal,” Rachel said crisply. Her expression softened, and she gave his cheek a gentle pinch. “As long as you’re not alone because of the past. Don’t do penance for the rest of your life.”
“I’m not punishing myself for what happened fifteen years ago.” Gabriel kissed her cheek and stood.
“You’re going to date women, I hope.” Rachel’s arched eyebrows pulled together as she looked up at him.
“I’m not gay.” Gabriel bent down and kissed her cheek. “I never implied such a thing, Gabriel Alexander.” “The topic of Dr. Tim’s last show was parents dealing with their gay offspring.” He laughed when she huffed with irritation.
“Well, what do you expect me to think? Unless you’re secretly studying for the priesthood.” Rachel’s worried expression returned.
“You’ve got to be kidding.” Gabriel irritated her again by laughing harder.
“Fine. I was teasing you anyway.” Rachel let out a sigh of obvious relief.
“Sure you were. I have a healthy interest in women. That’s all I’m willing to discuss with my mother.” Gabriel put an arm around her shoulders.
“Anyone in particular? Don’t give me that look again. I’m going to mind my own business.” Rachel smiled up at him.
“You’ll be the first to know when I find her.”
“No, you’ll be the very first to know. I hope you meet a woman who makes you laugh. You need more of that, baby.” Rachel kissed his hand.
Gabriel thought about Erikka, and the way her topaz gaze charged up his senses. He tried to think of a time in the last fifteen years when he’d felt that way about anything and couldn’t. Not even about Elise.
“Maybe you’re right. I’ll get back to you on that one.” He winked at his mother and strolled off, smiling at her expression of shock.
***
“Get outta here,” Erikka murmured. She took another turn around the wide round table and touched its cool marble top. “Your relatives built this mansion?”
“Shh.” Gabriel touched a forefinger to his lips. He glanced around and smiled at a curious group of tourists. Suddenly they were more interested in Erikka’s comment than what the tour guide was saying.
“This way is the formal sitting room where guests were entertained. Notice that the draperies are extra long,” the guide went on, and pointed to fabric trailing the floor. “This was a display of wealth. Monsieur and Madame Le Moyne showed the world they could afford the extra cloth, and expense was no concern.”
Gabriel nodded to Erikka, and they went upstairs to explore on their own. Numbers clicked through Erikka’s head as she passed more antiques. She paused to admire a set of pottery. Delicate white flowers were painted on a lapis blue background.
“We don’t exactly advertise that the original owner was my mother’s great-great-great-grandfather. His family still owns the house.” Gabriel stood looking at ease in the opulent setting.
“This place is worth a fortune. Why the house alone is over a million. When you add up the art and the rest.” Erikka turn
ed around in a circle. She gasped when she looked up.
“Beautiful chandelier. The crystal came from Austria. My ancestor went a bit over the top. Still runs in the family I’m afraid,” Gabriel said dryly, a glint of amusement in his brown eyes.
“Yeah, the chandelier is nice. My Lord! I think that’s a Metier medallion in the ceiling. I’ve seen two of them in Garden District mansions.” Erikka wished she had a ladder and could get up there. She held her breath for a second as she examined the exquisite details of the carving.
“You know your stuff. Yes, Monsieur Le Moyne got it from a member of the French royal family. Seems they needed money once the French Revolution began.” Gabriel stared up.
Erikka looked at him. “How did you know I have a passion for history and antiques?”
“I met you wandering through antiques at the Deep South Flea Market, remember?”
“A man who pays attention,” Erikka said, with a grin.
He wore a pleased smile. “You like the family home?”
“I adore this place.” Erikka stepped closer and lowered her voice. “Sorry I blurted out the family secret down there.”
“Actually it’s not all that secret around here. We just don’t discuss it openly. Our families have honored a sort of gentleman’s agreement for almost two hundred years.” Gabriel nodded for her to go first.
Erikka entered a lovely room decorated in ivory lace, lavender and mint green fabrics. She was careful not to touch the period furniture. “Really?”
“Hmm. The two elder sons of his wife and Creole mistress were very much into old-world manners. Le Moyne provided very well for both his families.” Gabriel talked as he led her down the hallway. The bedrooms were roped off. They could only look in through the open doors.
“Which is how your family ended up with so much land.” Erikka drank in the history that seemed to seep from the walls.
“His generosity was only the beginning. Let’s go see the garden.”
“Sure.”
Erikka followed him down the stairs and out the front door. Both put on sunglasses against the glare of sunshine as they left the house. They went along a curved brick path in front of the house. Rosebushes were arranged around sculptures. In the center of one landscaped comer stood a fountain that splashed water into a pool. Stone benches sat in comers to give a view or offer privacy. Gabriel led her to one under an oak tree. The sound of the water and birds singing made for an oasis of calm.