by Emery, Lynn
“Really?” her friends said in unison. Three sets of professionally waxed eyebrows arched.
“Real as it gets in this cold, cruel world. Believe that,” Erikka replied, with a broad smile.
***
That weekend Erikka held on tight to Gabriel’s hand as they strolled through Jackson Square. The early-evening air in New Orleans was still heavy with summer humidity. A breeze from the Mississippi River helped. Horse-drawn carriages filled with tourists went by. The clip-clop of hooves mixed with strains of New Orleans jazz from a club. Gabriel looked just as at ease in the heart of this restless city as he did on the bayou. He wore a mint green cotton Henley T-shirt with all four buttons undone. Just a hint of the hair on his chest could be seen. Enough of a glimpse to attract female attention. The scent of the river seemed to draw him. Erikka was content to follow his lead.
They climbed the stairs leading to the paved walkway along the levee. At the top a street musician blew his heart out on a tenor sax. Without stopping, they added a few dollars to the open case at his feet. The man nodded his thanks and kept on playing a snappy version of a Louis Armstrong classic. Erikka hummed along, and then sang a few snatches of the lyrics to “Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans?” Gabriel swung her around suddenly, and they danced. The sax player decided to join in. Smiling his approval, the man seemed to dedicate his performance to them.
“What do you think you’re doing?” Erikka laughed.
“I’m romancing my lady. Enjoy the ride,” Gabriel said.
“Go, man,” a teenager called out.
“That is so sweet. C’mon, Ernest.” A short plump woman in a bright floral short set yanked at her husband.
“Not me. It’s too hot out here,” Ernest grumbled. He walked off, fanning his face with the Panama hat he held.
“That’s what they’re like after a few years,” she said to Erikka, with a grimace. Then she walked after her husband, complaining.
Gabriel shook his head with a grin and gazed down at Erikka. “Never. I’m going to buy you flowers, fix your dinner, and dance with you on river levees for a long time.”
“Is that right? Maybe I’d better get that in writing,” Erikka teased, and put her head on his shoulder.
The sky deepened to layers of fiery orange, pink grapefruit, and deep blue. Two tugboats drifted by, going in opposite directions, each pushing flat barges. They seemed to have stepped into a postcard. A guitarist joined the sax player. They started a street party as more couples danced. The music slowed to a soulful rendition of “At Last.”
“Seems like we started something,” Gabriel said, with a wave of one hand.
Erikka looked around them, and then gazed into his eyes. She brushed a finger through his dark hair. “Yes, we did.”
Gabriel must have heard something in her voice. He glanced at her. “How will it end?”
“Like any great romance, happily ever after.” Erikka breathed in the spicy sandalwood cologne on his skin. She kissed his cheek. His salty-sweet flavor only heightened her appetite.
He stopped dancing. Gabriel seemed to hold his breath for a second. “You live in New Orleans, and I live in the swamp. One of us has to move sooner or later.”
“Mm-hmm.” Erikka kissed him again. Her lips lingered against the smooth-shaven cheek. She pressed her mouth against his neck.
“Not that I just have to live so far away from you.” Gabriel breathed faster each time she kissed him.
Erikka wrapped both arms around his body and pushed against him as another tune started. They danced as they looked into each other’s eyes. “I love the view from your deck though,” she said finally.
“I don’t want you to give up your career when it’s taking off. You always wanted just what your bosses are offering.” Gabriel led her in a slow two-step to a Zydeco ballad.
“What I thought I wanted. I’ve got a plan. Tell me what you think,” Erikka whispered in his ear, as though drawing him into a delightful conspiracy.
Gabriel pulled her away from the small crowd that had gathered. Strains of the song being played faded into background music. They stood wrapped in each other’s arms, alone in their own world.
“I can’t wait to hear it.” Gabriel planted gentle kisses along the bridge of her nose.
“I’ll work at the firm another year, make lots of money, then work for myself. I’ll have an office in New Orleans for a while. Then, once I’m established, I’ll have a home office in Loreauville.”
“Won’t your clients mind you being so far away?” Gabriel asked.
“Between the e-mail, fax machines, and tablets, they won’t know the difference. Look, if folks can hire accountants in India to do their taxes, they can sure as hell hire me in Loreauville.”
“I like that plan. You said ‘home office.’ ” Gabriel studied her as though looking for a very important answer.
“Yeah. One with a view of the bayou.”
Gabriel cupped her chin with one large hand. He kissed her for a long time. Their bodies pressed together as the last light of day faded. Erikka felt as though she might float away. Gabriel let out a long sigh.
“Our home. I like the sound of that,” he said softly.
“I love the sound of it.” Erikka rested her head on his chest.
Epilogue
Two Months Later
Monique circled Erikka for the third time, making sure her dress draped perfectly. “Girl, you look fantastic. That dress is off the hook.”
“Makes me nervous just thinking about saying ‘I do,’ ” Terri said. She tugged at the top of her ruby red bridesmaid’s dress. The spaghetti straps fell again, and she muttered an oath.
They were in a small room near the entrance of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Loreauville. Erikka’s grandmother had insisted that the family church be the site of her wedding. Gabriel’s mother had huffed, but said nothing more. Even through the thick walls they could hear the strains of organ music playing.
“Watch your language,” Karin fussed.
“Sorry.” Terri yanked at the dress. “Don’t blame me if this thing slips off. I’m kinda small up top. Anybody got padding?”
“Here. Don’t make Erikka nervous,” Karin said, and handed her wads of tissues.
“I’m cool. Nothing, not even an all-out war could spoil this day.” Erikka smiled at them all.
“You look radiant.” Terri grinned at her.
Hope came in and shut the door behind her. “I almost wish I wasn’t in the wedding. We’re missing all the fun,” she said to Terri and Karin.
“What are you talking about?” Erikka smoothed down the soft white satin bodice of her wedding gown.
“I think your mother is gonna slap your daddy’s new girlfriend. And Craig looks like he wants to kick Hakeem—”
“Don’t you dare say it up in God’s house,” Karin cut her off.
“Down the church steps,” Hope finished, and giggled again.
“Hey, y’all, we need happy vibes to surround the bride. So stuff it,” Monique commanded. She turned to Erikka as she adjusted the veil. “You just concentrate on your special day, sweetie.”
“No problem. Besides, they’ll be back together in a few weeks. Six months tops.” Erikka gazed at her reflection in the full-length mirror. She touched her face with the tips of her fingers.
“I don’t know. They’re looking like they could happily strangle each other.” Hope grinned as though she looked forward to the fight. “I put my money on Roz. She’s tough.”
Jaci stuck her head in the door. “Everybody get set. Erikka, when I can tear Daddy away from frowning at Mama’s boy-toy he’ll be ready.”
“Relax, Jaci. Everything is going to turn out just fine.” Erikka wore a serene expression as she made one last turn in front of the mirror. She loved the swish of silk and organza. Everything about this day seemed magical.
Darlene, her matron of honor, came in. “I’d like my turn talking to the bride,” she said.
“Sure.” Jaci shooed everyone out and continued to issue orders.
“Gotta hand it to Roz. She was right about the dress.” Darlene nodded.
“Shh, we can’t let her hear that.” Erikka laughed.
“Agreed.” Darlene wore a wistful smile.
“Are you okay?” Erikka hooked her arm around Darlene’s elbow.
“Yes, I have been since I dumped Kelvin. I’m too good for him.” Darlene breathed in deeply and let out a long sigh.
“You are so right,” Erikka agreed.
“But this is your day. I came in here full of advice about not repeating my mistakes. Or your mother’s either.” Darlene’s smile brightened as she took a step back. “But on second thought, I think you’ve got this one.
“Thanks, Darlene. I’m going to be marching down the aisle in front of you one of these days.” Erikka hugged her.
“Baby, please.” Darlene laughed. Then she lifted her head. “You just might be right.”
“There you go.” Erikka laughed with her.
“Everything all right in here?” Roz came in. “You are working that wedding gown, girl. Wait, you didn’t put on enough of your Miracle Concealer. Here let me.”
Erikka gazed in the mirror again. She liked the woman looking back at her for a lot of reasons. “No, I didn’t.”
“Sweetie, I don’t think—” When Erikka faced her, Roz gazed at her in silence for a few seconds. “You look perfectly lovely.”
Erikka forgot everyone else when she left the anteroom and took her stepfather’s arm. The double doors swung open, and she walked down the center aisle. Flower petals on the floor stirred around the hem of her gown. Gabriel waited for her with one hand outstretched. The blues would be taking a very long holiday.
About the Author
Mix knowledge of voodoo, Louisiana politics and forensic social work with the dedication to write fiction while working each day as a clinical social worker, and you get a snapshot of author Lynn Emery. Lynn has been a contributing consultant to the magazine Today’s Black Womanfor three articles about contemporary relationships between black men and women. For more information visit:
www.lynnemery.com
Read the other three Louisiana Love Series: City Girls novels
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Tell Me Something Good
Soulful Strut
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Gotta Get Next To You
More Novels by Lynn Emery
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Night Magic
A Darker Shade of Midnight
Between Dusk and Dawn
After All
A Time To Love
One Love