Chapter 21
21
THANK YOU, LORD, that Saturday’s event didn’t end with a Cajun French grandma discharging her firearm. Monday morning found me in my office, praising God for the second day in a row. And also thanking Him for Julia. At the sight of Mrs. Adélaide and her gigantic purse, Julia had sprung into action. Being gun proficient, she’d carefully taken hold of Mrs. Adélaide’s bag. We’d then ushered the woman into my office.
Julia had removed a huge revolver but discovered no bullets in the chamber. Mrs. Adélaide explained she was going to wait until she’d had Cést Fou in her sights before loading the gun. Julia asked Mrs. Adélaide if she had a concealed-carry permit, and she’d proudly produced it. But upon review, Julia revealed the license had expired. Mrs. Adélaide had been shocked, and since she didn’t have a holster to open carry it safely, she’d asked Julia to drive her promptly home so she wouldn’t be breaking the law another minute. They’d left, and I’d come to the realization if Mrs. Adélaide was able to renew her permit, or get a holster, I’d have to be firm in telling her she couldn’t bring her gun here again. Between her, a vengeful parrot, and a renegade fryer, how much drama could one restaurant have?
Wendy, a newly hired waitress, knocked on my open door. “I’m pretty sure there’s a food critic here.”
“What?” I slipped my heels on and rounded my desk.
She nodded, her black curls bouncing. “He took a picture of the menu and ordered way more than he can eat. He’s taken pictures of his food too.”
Curiosity mixed with anticipation, and I motioned for Wendy to lead the way. I followed her slim frame, smoothing my indigo top and gray pencil skirt. It wouldn’t be the first time we’d had a food critic here, though it hadn’t happened in quite a while. I stifled a groan. Of all the days for Mayté to be off. Our sous chef ran the kitchen today.
“It looked like he was taking notes,” Wendy said. “At first I thought he was texting, but I snuck a peek over his shoulder, and it was definitely a notes app. He’s the only person in the sports room.”
“Thanks. I’ll take it from here.” I made my way through the main dining room, my lips pinching at only half of the tables being occupied. Sunlight poured in the front windows, the aroma of fried dough mixed with savory breakfast meats filling the air. Stopping at the sports room’s entrance, a fist of icy dread punched my core.
Ryan .
He just sat there, his head bending over his phone.
I couldn’t move. Couldn’t breathe. My mind raced, cataloging some of the partially eaten dishes covering every square inch of his table. Apple-smoked bacon beignets with a honey-pecan glaze, Bavarian cream–stuffed beignets, eggs Benedict beignets with a brown-sugar cream sauce. And then I considered Wendy’s observations of him taking pictures and notes. It didn’t make sense. He was planning to open an upscale dinner-service-only restaurant. Unless...
He glanced up and had the gall to appear amused. He lifted both hands in a playful gesture of being caught.
I fought the urge to grab the fork from the plate before him and stab that gleam right out of his eye.
He eased back in his seat, sliding his phone into his pocket. “I decided to go another route with my new restaurant. You pointing out the downfalls of changing the Vieux Carré Café’s ambiance got me thinking. You’ve done so well here with what you’re doing. And you obviously feel strongly about expanding to the French Quarter.”
Flashes sparked in my vision, and my hands trembled at my sides, anger building within. I was like a shaken can of coke, ready to explode. But I had patrons just behind me, and I couldn’t jeopardize my business by making a scene. I unclenched my aching jaw and endeavored to keep a tremor from my voice. “Why are you doing this? Being so ... so—”
“You think you’re the only one who had their well-planned future pulled out from under them?”
My breath whooshed out. “This is all some big revenge because I adopted Hayley?”
He snorted, shaking his head. “Everything’s always personal with you. That’s not the future I was talking about.”
My gaze drifted around the room, working through his words. His professional future? Was he referencing the times he’d disagreed with my and Claire’s plans for Mawmaw’s inheritance and the café? Pressure built within my head. Back then he’d never offered true help. Not until the café had successfully opened. And even then, he’d only wanted us to get a second location up and running for him to manage. I scoffed, and motioned to the food before him, stepping forward. “It makes perfect sense, you doing this. You’ve never had a unique idea in your entire life. Not in high school or college or when we were engaged. And certainly not now.”
His smirk remained. “Thanks to you, I’ve never needed to.”
Because I’d been so gullible and allowed him to use me. The cruel blow struck right to my heart.
He removed his credit card from the server’s billfold, stood, and ambled past me.
Distantly, I heard the bell on the front door jingle. I pulled in my first full breath since laying eyes on Ryan, and slunk into one of the chairs at his table.
I contemplated each of the delectable creations before me. It would be a double blow. Ryan attempting to copy Mawmaw’s and Claire’s lovingly crafted recipes and peddling them from the place that had been Claire’s dream.
No. Not today, Ryan Comeaux. Not ever.
Muscles tightening in readiness, I pushed to my feet. With determined steps, I made my way back to my office. I’d call the Small Business Administration to once again check the status of my loan application. Then I’d formulate a backup plan. Because there was no way on God’s green earth Ryan was going to win.
The next evening, Hayley, me, and Precious met Micah at Lucy’s, a restaurant at the corner of Tchoupitoulas and Girod. To Hayley’s delight, Micah had suggested the eatery in the Warehouse District as the perfect spot to discuss the next library event because of the outdoor seating that welcomed dogs. I wasn’t complaining. It was the perfect distraction from waiting for the SBA to return my call.
We now occupied a sky-blue picnic bench on the sidewalk, laminated menus in hand. The second-floor balcony provided the ideal amount of shade from the evening sun. Thankfully, no one had yelled rat at the sight of Precious. Not yet, anyway. The bald puppy sat on Hayley’s lap, trembling at every vehicle that drove past. Hayley soothed the dog as she studied her menu. Precious wasn’t the only one feeling apprehensive. Micah and I hadn’t seen each other since Saturday, or had the chance to talk about that knee-weakening kiss we’d had.
But despite that powerful kiss, I wouldn’t foolishly risk my heart again. The sucker punch of Ryan’s visit yesterday still ached. Deeply. No, I’d think rationally. Gather the answer to the final question lingering in my brain about him: his breakup with Sydney Dupré. Julia had labeled my rebound worry an excuse. But I couldn’t help the need to clarify. The why of their relationship ending had been like a gnat, my mere swats allowing it to circle back and keep biting. I was ready to squash it. But with Hayley here, the task was impossible.
I slid my sunglasses to rest atop my head. “How’s your dad doing?”
From the other side of the table, Micah’s gaze rose to mine. “Much better, thank you. He’s out of the wheelchair and graduated to a cane.”
“That’s great.” I reached for one of the waters the waitress had dropped off when we’d taken our seats. “Have y’all gotten the results from his test?” The ice in my glass clinked as I moved it in front of me.
He nodded, his expression dimming. “It’s what the doctor suspected, advanced osteoporosis.”
I pressed my lips together with a wince. “I’m sorry to hear that. From what you said before, the goal is to be preventative, right?”
“Right. He’s started two prescriptions and physical therapy. These next few weeks, they’re teaching him exercises he can do at home to strengthen his muscles and balance.”
“Sounds like a solid plan.”
He glanced at Hayley, who sat beside me, completely absorbed by texting on her phone. His attention shifted back to me. “The doctor warned us how brittle his bones are. Even something as minor as bending over wrong or coughing could cause a fracture. And with his ankle weakened...” A muscle twitched in his jaw. “With this condition, a fall at his age doesn’t have the best odds of recovery.”
My heart clenched. “What’s your sister think of all this?”
“She wants to cover my dad in Bubble Wrap and move him to a retirement center with 24/7 care.” The humor in his voice fell flat.
“How do you feel about that?”
“I just want what’s best for him. Physically, mentally. And right now, he’s not speaking to Renee since she made that suggestion, so I’m going along with what he wants. The last thing we need is him getting injured and not telling anyone.”
“I believe your dad has a little stubbornness in him. Just like my grandma.”
He sighed. “Yeah.”
“If there’s anything I can do to help—”
“There isn’t.”
I straightened, meeting his stare straight on. “But if there is, I hope you’ll tell me.”
He gave a noncommittal nod.
I hoped his declining my help didn’t stem from when I’d shared about Mawmaw. My gut twinged with guilt over how raw I’d been in that moment. “I know the things I said before about my grandma, but...” I worked against the pressure crowding my throat. “This is a completely different situation.” God, please let it be different.
A bittersweet smile whispered across his features.
Cheers erupted from inside the restaurant, and Precious released a mournful wail, snapping Hayley’s attention from her device. Through the windows lining the side of the building, I spied all of the TVs tuned in to the Pelicans’ first NBA playoff game of the season.
Hayley set her phone on the table. “We should make our courtyard dog friendly for customers. It’s an untapped market.”
I gawked at her. “An untapped market?” Who was this child?
“I think it’s a cool idea,” Micah said, his countenance lightening at the change in topic.
“Of course you would,” I mumbled.
“Most people love their dogs.” Hayley shot me a look. “And they like to have a place to take them. Remember all those dogs at PetSmart?”
“Yes, I do. And I clearly remember one of those dogs lifting a hind leg and peeing on one of their employees. There would be dog business on my brick pavers.”
Hayley shrugged. “There’s already bird poop.”
“Not helping,” I scoffed.
“We could have one of those dog poop stations and ensure the owners pick their poop up. And have special treats for the dogs.”
“I don’t know.” Micah set his menu aside, a teasing expression forming. “That’s just giving them more ammunition for pooping.”
A couple walking by turned their heads our way. I leaned forward, my ribs pressing against the wood, and reduced my voice. “Will y’all please stop mentioning poop at a restaurant?”
“Gourmet dog biscuits,” Hayley said, undeterred. “People would pay for treats like that.”
I sighed. “I’m not asking Mayté to make dog food. Plus, I don’t want people in my backyard at all hours, where we come and go from our home.”
“Oh.” Hayley’s brows pulled together.
Micah rested his elbows on the table. “What if you treated it like a special event and opened the courtyard to dogs once a month?”
I nailed him with a glare.
“Or once a week!” Hayley’s tone pitched. “Like every Saturday.”
I swung my attention to her. “Most of my special events are on Saturdays.” I struck the end of my straw against the table, pushing the paper down.
“Then Friday evenings,” she huffed, and snuggled Precious to her chest. “And I’ll help the entire time.”
“Ha!” I pulled my straw free and shoved it into my drink. “You mean you’ll play with the dogs the entire time.”
“I’ll clean up after them, supply water.” She kissed Precious’s forehead, right above the creature’s tennis ball–sized eyes. It was a wonder the dog didn’t tip forward all the time from the weight.
I wadded the paper wrapper from my straw, squeezing it between my fingers. “We’re supposed to be talking about the next library event.”
A motorcycle flew by, earning a honk from the vehicle it illegally passed. Precious whined, clawing up Hayley’s neck in an attempt to hide in her auburn hair.
“We could do a dog-themed party.” Hayley’s mouth gave an impish curve as she readjusted her hold on the animal. “There’s lots of dogs in fiction. And everyone could bring their pets.”
“Great.” I’d said the word as though replying to my gynecologist’s suggestion of scheduling my first routine mammogram.
Another round of whoops and cheers burst from the inside customers.
Hayley maneuvered from the bench and stood, handing me Precious, ensuring the dog’s leash looped around my wrist. “I’ll be right back.” She headed inside, either to use the bathroom or to pick the restaurant manager’s brain about Beignets & Books’ untapped market. Holding the trembling lump of skin, I exhaled a sigh, my gaze catching on Micah. His attention already rested on me, a knowing glint in his eyes. I licked my dry lips and fidgeted with Precious’s leash. Now would be the perfect time to scratch off the last item on my Micah list.
“Do you want me to hold her?” He inclined his chin to Precious.
“Thank you, but no.”
He reached across the table, petting the dog, his fingers purposefully grazing mine. The sneaky cuddler.
My nerve endings stirred, heat tingling beneath my skin. Nope . I would not be a public handsie hussie a second time. I shifted away from him, and he retreated with a chuckle, grasping his drink. The tendons in his forearm flexed, and I followed the movement up to his bicep. Precious had calmed under his affection, while my heartbeat had kicked up a level. Against my will, I sensed my attention pulling to his face. I braced for that flirtatious twinkle in his eye, but when I met his gaze, I observed something else instead. What could only be characterized as ... earnestness.
Hoo boy . I scanned the sidewalk for our waitress. It turned out I wasn’t quite ready to remove that last barricade from my heart easing on down the relationship road. My pulse quickened, and I found myself grateful for Precious to shield my chest. I had no doubt my pounding heart visibly beat right through my top.
Lips parting, his brows rose with a soft, questioning gaze. “Kate.” His tone wrapped my name in tenderness.
The playful, roguish side to Micah, I could handle. It felt safe, heart-wise. But when he cast that serious stare on me, one that spoke of promises. Promises that could be broken when you least expected it. Well ... unlike my face, my heart didn’t have a mask. Which validated why I’d only thought with my brain since Ryan. Maybe if I didn’t go all in with my entire heart, I’d be okay. I took in his olive-hued eyes. My leg jittered beneath the table, my heel lightly tapping against the concrete. Maybe I could bear giving him twenty percent of my heart.
“How much longer are we going to dance around this?” He motioned back and forth between us.
Or fifteen percent. I fidgeted with the tags on Precious’s collar.
“Kate?” His voice was a whisper.
“Why did you and Sydney break up?”
He straightened, his forehead furrowing.
I swallowed past the lump in my throat. “I don’t want to be a rebound.”
Our waitress appeared. “Sorry it took so long. Things are super busy inside with the game. Are y’all ready to order?”
Where were you five seconds ago, missy?
Micah turned to her. “Can you give us another minute?”
“Sure.” She retreated, leaving us alone.
He scratched the back of his neck. “Is rebounding even still a thing?”
“Isn’t it?” I lowered Precious to my lap, and she curled into a wrinkly ball. “Of course, what do I know?” I mumbled to my silverware roll. “I haven’t dated in a decade.”
“You haven’t dated anyone since Ryan?” Undeniable surprise coated his tone.
My spine stiffened. “I’ve been busy. You know, single parent, running a business.”
One side of his mouth quirked. “And yet you have time for me.”
Which would dwindle with opening another location. Something I’d need to talk to him about. Precious shifted to stand on my lap, her paws digging into my thighs with surprisingly pointy force, as though she walked on chopstick stilts.
“ I broke it off with Sydney.” He clasped his hands over his menu. “I realized at that first disastrous library function my attraction to you was more than physical. My childhood crush had returned with a vengeance.”
He’d only spoken three sentences, and yet it was a monumental amount of information to process. His words pinged through my mind like the little metal ball in a pinball machine.
“I broke it off with Sydney.” Ding!
“Childhood crush.” Boing!
I lightly touched my forehead.
“When I brought Sydney home that afternoon after the event, I told her I thought we were better as friends. The next time I saw you, nine days later, when you put on my shirt at the library during the tornado, I knew.”
My head tilted, my mouth slowly opening. “Knew what?”
He rubbed his hands down his thighs, his cheeks reddening the teeniest, tiniest little bit. “Not to sound like some cheesy romance, but ... I knew I was going to pursue you.”
Swoon.
He lifted a muscular shoulder. “Taking care of you only solidified that.”
My stomach fluttered while my mind raced, trying to make sense of his declaration and failing. “But ... you watched me puke. In your Jeep. You know about my horrendous periods. And Bat Boy. I’m cardigan sweaters and spreadsheets and routines. You’re...” I motioned to the flamingos he wore. “Goofy shirts and lame jokes and unpredictable.”
“We’re more than those things.” His voice had softened, adopting a longing tone.
My belly flipped. I shifted Precious and her pointy paws to the bench, then crossed my arms and tried to conjure the Landry Mask. Maybe if I only offered him half of my heart, that would be okay. But only half. “I’m planning to open another café in the very near future. That’s going to soak up all my extra time.”
“I’ll take whatever you can give.”
Have mercy. “I’m serious about how busy I’ll be. For a long time. A long, long time.”
His brows rose in challenge. “I’ll take whatever you can give.”
My leg jittered again. “I’m not going to wear bookish T-shirts and throw glitter parties.”
A rascal smile spread across his face. “Haven’t you heard opposites attract?”
I scoffed. “We’re not a Paula Abdul song. I’m too stuffy for you.”
“I kind of think you’re just right for me.” He crossed his arms, mimicking me. Except his motion only highlighted his biceps.
Goodness . I averted my stare.
Micah continued. “You forget I’ve had a front-row seat at how caring you were growing up. With your grandma, Claire, even Ryan back in the day. And now Hayley.” He uncrossed his arms, leaning forward. “You don’t let a lot of people in, but the ones who you do ... That’s where I want to be.”
My breath caught in my chest, my heartbeats slowing. The problem was, I wasn’t sure I could ever let him in like that.
The next morning, I returned from bringing Hayley and Emma to school and found a surprise waiting. Propped against the back doors to the café was a single pink carnation wrapped in tissue paper. I neared, taking in the flower, noting the deep crimson edges of the petals. My lips parted in recognition. It was the exact coloring of the carnations I’d anonymously received every year in high school through the Valentine’s Day fundraiser. A gift Ryan had always taken credit for.
Oh, Micah . Wonder swept through me, tingles surging from my brain, carving a path straight to my heart and taking a chisel to the walls there. He’d been serious about having that childhood crush. All those years, it’d been him. I couldn’t remember him dating anyone seriously back then. And he’d never shown interest in me, other than our kiss in seventh grade. Unless he had, and I hadn’t picked up on it because I’d been with Ryan. Slowly shaking my head, I lifted the flower and found the gas card taped to the back of the tissue paper.