Chapter Seven
Georgie
"This has been the most incredible sales day," Zelda said as we balanced the books. She looked at the ledger as if she couldn't believe it herself.
"I told you everything would work out." We'd sold a record number of beads today, and our handmade masks were such a hit that I'd actually asked the team to make a few more.
She laughed. "No one has your energy, Georgie. I swear you keep this place alive all on your own."
"If not me, then who?"
"You think we'll have more customers this evening too?”
It was already five o'clock in the afternoon. Most tourists were pretty spent after running around all day, but at this time of year, things worked differently.
"I'm pretty sure we will," I said.
“I can go buy us a po’boy."
My stomach instantly started to rumble. "Oh, yes, please. Extra mayo for me. And pickles."
"One of these days, Ms. Judy will forsake us as clients. She always tells me, 'You're the only one who wants mayo and pickles.'"
"I can't eat it without them." It was the way my nana used to make po’boys. It was her own special recipe.
"All right, then. I'm going right now. I'm starving too."
"Ask the girls if they want something. And here, let me give you some money." I grabbed my bag, digging out my credit card and giving it to Zelda, “I’ll buy for everyone. We’ve all worked so hard today.”
She looked at me strangely. "Georgie, you don’t have to, but thank you. Oh, and most of the team has already left. You told them to, remember?"
I smacked my forehead. ”I’m so hungry that I forgot.”
“All the reason for me to hurry with that po’boy." Zelda winked and then darted out the front door.
I didn't know what I would do without her. She was truly a godsend.
Since I had a spare moment, I checked my phone. It had beeped a while ago, but I'd had my hands full with customers. I always tried to work with each person, asking them what parade it was for or if they were buying it for another occasion and if they already had an outfit so I could match it for them. I enjoyed advising every single client.
My stomach somersaulted when I noticed a message from Julian.
Julian: Hey Georgie, I've had an idea about how I could make up for you losing some business this year. Give me a ring when you have time to talk.
What is he talking about? Why would he even have to make up for it? He’d already reinstated his contract, after all.
And why was I smiling from ear to ear? Maybe because that afternoon on the balcony had been one of the best days of my life. It held a special place in my heart. Not only because it was a first for me to watch a parade that way, but also because Julian was my hero for standing up to my ex.
And the kiss! Holy smokes!
I’d worn the beads he caught for me every single day since. Yep, I was a bit loony, but I totally embraced it. Most customers thought it was part of my costume for the shop. Zelda had side-eyed them a few times, probably wondering why I was wearing beads we didn’t make, but she didn't ask anything.
Since I had a bit of time, I decided to call him.
"Hi, Georgie."
Mmmm... that deep, rumbly voice was delicious on the phone. It coursed through me, making me shiver.
"Hi! I just saw your message."
"I figured you’ve been busy. So, I've been thinking about what happened with your other customers. Can you tell me some of their names?"
"Sure." I rattled off the six key ones from the top of my head.
"I know four of those, and some will be at the events I'm attending throughout Carnival season."
I licked my lips. "Okay, I'm listening."
"I’d be honored if you’d join me.”
“Where?” He couldn’t be suggesting what I thought he was...
"To the events.”
My eyes nearly popped out of my skull. “You can bring just anyone?”
“I'm always welcome to bring a plus-one."
My heart was beating fast. Was he feeling sorry for me? That seemed unlike Julian. He'd practically told me that he didn't have time to second-guess his decisions or ask for details when he said his assistant was the one who dropped us. But the fact that he was thinking about me and my problems and then came up with a solution... well, that seemed like the exact opposite.
"What's in it for you?" I decided to play it coy and tease him.
"You’d relieve me of a lot of guilt."
"Why exactly do you feel guilty? You reinstated our contract."
"I can't explain it. But I often act out of instinct and don’t question it.”
Wait, his instinct told him to help me? I needed to know more, but it sounded like he didn't have the answers either.
"So, where are we going first?" I asked him.
"A party in the Garden District. I‘ll send you all the details."
I bit the inside of my cheek as reality dawned on me. These events were very elegant and sophisticated, and I didn't have many fancy clothes—something Kyle had always pointed out. God, why didn’t I break up with him ? He never treated me very nicely. He’d make those comments sporadically and always laughed. Initially, I honestly thought he was just teasing... until I knew better.
"When is it?"
"This Thursday evening. I’ll forward you the invitation.”
My heart was beating so fast now that I could barely hear him.
“I'd be happy to join you. And thanks a lot, Julian." I caressed the beads I was wearing, smiling like a fool.
"Perfect. And when I see you, we'll chat a bit more about the rest of the events."
"What's the dress code?"
"Elegant."
My heart sank. Just as I’d thought. I had to come up with something because no way in hell was I going to embarrass him.
"Great." My voice was tight. “I'm just thinking about what to wear.”
“If you want, you can send me pictures of outfits, and I can give my opinion.”
For some reason, I imagined him wiggling his eyebrows as he said that. Hmmm... is he flirting with me? The idea didn’t sound bad. The problem was that I didn't have more than one outfit.
“Won’t be necessary, but thank you for the offer.”
“Georgie, don't fret it. You're so damn beautiful that it doesn't even matter what you wear.”
Oh, this truly was flirting.
I cleared my throat. “Can you send me the details?”
“Sure, I'll do that right away.”
He sent me a message as soon as we hung up. He’d copied over the text of the invitation.
Julian:
Dear Mr. LeBlanc,
We’re honored to invite you again to our annual Mardi Gras Ball. As you know, past events have been a hit.
I read the rest quickly, then googled the address and the event name and saw a few pictures from previous years. It was even more elegant than I’d assumed. It wasn’t simply a party but truly a ball, complete with floor-length gowns and tuxes. I had absolutely nothing to wear, and I couldn't afford to splurge on a dress right now.
An idea percolated in my mind. Mom had been to a few balls when she was younger, and she had a dress I'd always loved. I’d worn it to a friend's wedding a few years ago, and it had been a hit.
I called her right away, since business was still pretty slow. There was usually a break like this between four and six o'clock, which was why I stayed at the store as late as possible during this season.
Mom answered after a few rings. "Hey, Georgie. Done with the day, sweetheart?"
"No, just having a lull."
"Right. I nearly forgot it's Carnival season."
I laughed. "Mom, how can you say that? There are plenty of celebrations around you."
"The animals keep me so busy that I forget what day it is half the time.” I smiled at the happiness in her voice. I was glad that she was so at peace. "Need me to come over to help out?"
"No, no. That's not why I'm calling. Listen, could I borrow your red satin dress again?"
"Sure. What do you need it for?"
"Funny thing, I'm attending a ball in the Garden District."
Mom whistled. "That's so exciting. I'm happy for you. It's going to be an experience, for sure."
"I think so too."
"Who sent you the invitation?"
"Oh, nobody. I'm just a plus-one."
There was a pause before Mom added, "You got back with Kyle Deveraux?"
"God, no,” I exclaimed. “Why would you think that?"
"Sorry. Forget I asked."
"It’s fine. Remember we had those issues a while ago with the warehouse being flooded?"
"Yes."
"Well, I lost some clients because of it. I convinced one of them to work with us again next year, and he offered to put me in contact with some of the other clients."
"There was no other way for you to reach them?" Her voice was a bit strict.
"I contacted them, but I didn’t get anywhere."
"So, who exactly is this client?"
"The LeBlanc family."
"Oh, I met the grandmothers years ago," Mom said. "They're good people."
"Why don't I remember them?"
"You were a toddler perched on my hip. Your nana was always very fond of them. She used to say that if it weren't for them, she wouldn't even have a business at all. So, when do you need the dress?"
"Thursday."
"Goodness. When can you drop by? Actually, you know what? I’ll come into the city."
"That would be a lot of help." It took a while to drive out to her house and back, and I didn't like to leave the store for so long during this time.
"It would do me good to walk around the Quarter at this time of the year, see if I miss any of it."
I started to laugh. "You know you don't."
"Well, no, I don't." Mom absolutely loved her quiet life with her animals.
I was happy that she’d gotten exactly what she wanted. She lived in a very secluded area of the bayou that people weren't fond of, but she could afford to buy much bigger property, living there.
"All right, darling. I'll see you then."
***
Mom arrived at four o'clock on the dot on Thursday. I'd been giddy the whole day, thinking about this afternoon, but the second she entered the shop, I was even more so.
The place was bustling with customers, so I couldn't get to her right away. I was too busy explaining to an elderly lady which beads and mask would go best with her costume, and she seemed to like all of my ideas.
"I'll take the lot," she ended up saying.
"Excellent."
"It’s the first time I’ve come down to New Orleans from DC. I plan to make the most of it as long as these old bones can keep me walking in the parade."
Oh, I liked her. She was feisty.
I smiled. "You’ll have a lot of fun. Zelda will cash you out at the counter."
After she left, I went to Mom and briefly hugged her. "Thanks so much for coming over."
"Sure, no problem." She was holding the dress in a garment bag. "I've steamed it, and it's ready to wear."
"I still have to take care of a few customers."
"We've got plenty of time. Unless you want me to do your hair too?"
I nodded. "I brought my curling iron, and I'm going to need your help with it."
"Then chop, chop. We should've started half an hour ago. I'll relax a bit in the back, okay? I can catch up with whoever’s there now and see how things are going."
My stomach somersaulted. This was why Mom offered to come here—she wanted to check up on how the business was doing.
Serves me right for downplaying the effect of the flood instead of telling her exactly what was going on.
My phone vibrated, and I immediately checked it.
Julian: Still up for being picked up at five?
Georgie: Yes. Mom is here helping me get ready.
Julian: I can't wait to see you.
My heart skipped a beat.
No pressure.
After Mom slipped into the back, I saw to the four other customers in the shop before joining her. She was chatting with Danielle and Eva, who were working on the masks.
Mom and I went to a separate room, where there were a few chairs and a mirror along the wall between boxes upon boxes of supplies.
“You’ve got everything you need here?” she asked.
“Yeah, I do."
"Then I'll do your hair first, and you can tell me all about this Julian LeBlanc."
"Okay?" I felt my face go red, and I laughed nervously as I sat down. I'd already plugged in the curling iron by the outlet near the mirror. "There's not much to say, really. I met him recently, and he simply offered to..."
"Take you to a ball? That's unusual."
"He is a bit unusual. But in the best way."
"Just be careful, okay?"
She started by applying my makeup. Mom was really good at this. She'd done my hair and makeup forever, starting with prom. I'd always loved how she brought out my best features.
"You had a rough time with Kyle,” she continued. “I wouldn't like to see you jump into something else if you're not ready."
"Mom, it's nothing like that, I promise you."
"Well, all right, then. I don't want to spoil your fun. Just let me work my magic."
Forty minutes later, my makeup was perfect, as was my hair. My mom truly was a whiz. She'd pulled it into a very elegant half updo, my blonde curls very natural around my shoulders.
She took the dress out of the plastic cover and held it for me while I carefully slipped it on. It felt almost like water on my skin.
"This fabric is amazing. I can't believe it’s lasted all these years."
"It looks much better on you than it used to on me."
I scoffed. "Mom, we have the same body type." It was why I could even wear it in the first place.
"But you wear it better, my girl. You're so beautiful.” She tilted her head at me with a small smile.
"Thanks, Mom. I need to hurry. Julian should be here in a few minutes, and I still need to put on my shoes.”
"I'll check if he's here."
Before I could stop her, she darted out the door.
I pulled the shoes out of the box and put them on, then took a few steps around the room to get accustomed to them. I didn't wear heels very often, and I would have to be extra careful outside in the Quarter—cobblestone and heels did not go together.
When I felt confident that I wouldn't fall flat on my face, I hurried to the front of the store. Sure enough, Mom and Julian were conversing behind the counter near my favorite armchair. Zelda was chatting with two customers but kept throwing glances at Mom and Julian. She sighed in relief when she noticed me. I winked at her to let her know I totally had this.
But when I approached Mom and Julian, I realized I totally didn't.
"So, if you've got any thoughts about my girl, know that I will keep an eye on you."
"Mom!" Jesus, I felt like I was going to go up in flames any second now. "Oh my God, you've been harassing Julian all this time?"
He turned, giving me a brilliant smile. "Yes, she has. And don't worry, I can take it."
I opened my mouth but didn't manage to get any words out. The man was wearing a tux, and my hormones went straight into overdrive.
Hello, dirty thoughts. We’ve got a long evening ahead of us.