Chapter Nine
Georgie
I’d always loved the Garden District. I even had my favorite mansions. Then again, every born-and-bred New Orleans resident did. I'd rarely been inside one, though, so tonight I couldn't help but glance around in awe. This one was a Greek Revival style with majestic columns and a lot of marble on the facade.
Inside, though, it was even more impressive. I wasn't an art collector or connoisseur, but the paintings hanging on the walls had to be worth a fortune. There were fresh flowers in every corner of the room. It felt like a fairy tale.
"Let's drop off your coat." Julian pointed at an elderly gentleman dressed to the nines who was taking guests’ wraps.
I unbuttoned mine, and then Julian started to take it off. The second his fingers brushed my bare shoulders, I shuddered. My mind immediately went to the kiss we’d shared at his bar. It had been so hot that I could almost still feel it on my lips. The man had some serious kissing skills.
"Are you cold?"
"Huh?"
He pointed at my skin. Ah, of course my goose bumps were showing.
"It's just how I react when the fabric brushes my skin." What kind of a lie was that? No one would believe it.
But Julian didn't question me. Instead, he tilted closer. "Ready for showtime?"
That made me laugh. "Sure!”
He gave me his arm, and I gladly took it. Walking on heels would never be my strong suit even on a flat surface.
"So, what exactly happens at these things?" I asked.
"Eating, drinking, and rubbing elbows with"—he quoted with one hand—"‘the right people.’ I think I’ve closed more business deals at events like these than in the office."
"Really?" I asked.
"Yeah. People are more open to discussing business after a drink. And I think they assume if someone was invited here, it’s a sign that they’ve been vetted."
"Interesting," I murmured. "Your world is so different from mine."
"It's not very exciting, I assure you."
"Quite the contrary. I find this very exciting."
"Then why do you look like you're about to run away?" he asked in a teasing tone.
I stopped in the act of looking over my shoulder. "Is it that obvious?" I whispered.
"Yes."
"I'm sorry. I keep looking around for Kyle."
Julian stopped walking and turned around, staring straight at me. "Georgie, we can still leave."
I shook my head. "No, really. I want to make the best of this evening. It's a new experience for me. And you are excellent company."
"And why is that?"
"Hm, I can't explain it. It's just a feeling."
He grinned. "I'll take the compliment."
As we entered what I assumed was the main party area, I gasped almost audibly. "Goodness, this room."
It dripped with wealth. Everything was tasteful and grand. The crystal chandeliers, the golden ornaments along the walls, and the paintings were a dream.
There were multiple tables around the room, but not a lot of people were sitting down. Most were milling through the crowd.
"You said the Tableau family were your clients, right?" Julian asked.
"Yes. I've only ever met their employees, though. I don't know them."
"But I do. Let's go say hi."
My eyes widened. "Am I supposed to pitch them? God, I’m so far out of my comfort zone, it's not even funny.”
Julian frowned. "Why?"
"I don't really do things like this. I'm not used to sealing deals. I've been working with all the contracts my grandmother and then my mom put in place."
"But if you don't get your old clients back, you'll have to start pitching to new ones anyway."
"True. And I can’t really postpone it any longer."
"You're going to win them over."
"Any tips?" I asked.
"Be yourself. Actually, wait. Don't give them a hard time."
I started to laugh. "Funnily enough, I wasn't going to do that."
"So, I’m the only one who got to see that side of you? I’m honored.”
“Not sure what got into me. I think I was just riled up from writing back and forth, and you were the first one who pulled out of the deal."
"Which was a mistake. I’ll point that out to them. Now, let’s hurry. They're grabbing drinks. I bet if you wait too long, someone else will monopolize their attention."
I nodded. "You're right. Let’s go."
We headed toward a gorgeous couple who seemed to be in their fifties. The woman had dark brown hair styled in a sophisticated updo with pearls placed throughout it. Her husband looked very elegant in his tux. His beard was a mix of gray and white even though his hair was still dark.
"Bo, Calliope, so good to see you tonight," Julian said.
They looked at him with pleasant smiles.
"This is Georgie," he introduced us.
"Lovely to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Tableau," I said.
"Any friend of Julian's can call us by name," Calliope informed me.
"And it’s a very gorgeous name, Calliope."
"I keep telling her that"—Bo put an arm around her shoulders—"but she insists it's too old-fashioned."
"Oh, darling. It's not just old-fashioned. It's old. My mom always had a penchant for strange names. As you can see, I'm still not used to it even though I'm an old bird now." She smiled like this was a discussion they’d had plenty of times before. "So, Georgie, tell us a bit about yourself."
Holy shit, that was fast. I figured we'd make some more small talk first.
"I have a shop in the French Quarter. Books & Beads."
I looked at them intently, but neither seemed familiar with it. Fortunately, Julian caught my discomfort and stepped right in.
"Georgie is in charge of making all the decorations and costumes for the float my family is sponsoring." His voice was somehow even more seductive than usual even though it was all business. It simply dripped with authority. "Actually, I remember that she was also doing yours."
Calliope and Bo exchanged a glance before focusing on me.
"That might be possible. I'm sorry. We don't really handle such details," Bo said gently.
My heart kind of collapsed in on itself at the word detail .
It felt strange that my life’s work was a detail to others. But I remembered what Julian said earlier about the guests being more relaxed when they were in this environment. Here goes nothing.
“Yes, I did the Tableau floats until this year.”
“Oh? What happened this year?” Calliope asked.
I was shocked by how concerned she seemed. “There was a flood, and some of the items I’d already prepared were unusable.” I chose my next words carefully so I wouldn’t offend them. “I contacted your team to let them know I could still deliver everything, but they decided to be on the safe side and switch suppliers.”
“Oh my goodness,” Calliope gasped. “I’m so sorry. Bo?” She looked at her husband with sincere distress in her eyes.
“How long have you been doing the floats for us?” Bo asked. He was also frowning.
“My grandmother started the business sixty years ago. Your family was with her from the beginning.”
“This is an outrage,” Bo said rather loudly.
“Honey, we must fix this,” Calliope urged. “We don’t do things like that. We believe in traditions, and our float has always looked perfect.”
“Georgie, I take it my team has your contact information,” Bo went on.
“They do.” My heart was beating erratically. Could it really be this easy?
“They will contact you on Monday, and our business relationship will be reinstated. And I will have a word with them about making such a change. It’s probably too late for this year, and I’m terribly sorry for that. Our float is set to be in a parade in two days, but we’ll absolutely be back on track next year.”
“Why, thank you, that would be wonderful.” I was so ecstatic that I could hug the two of them. However, I tried to remain calm and unassuming, because I didn’t want them to know I was here for this very reason. “I didn’t expect this. It’s very kind of you.”
“Of course. Don’t even give it another thought, my dear,” Calliope said. “Please forgive us. We don’t deal with these things directly.”
“Oh, that’s perfectly fine, really. Things happen, and, uh..." Was I stammering? Goodness, I didn’t want to embarrass myself in front of Julian.
Thankfully, he cut in and said, "Don't beat yourself up, Calliope. I made the very same mistake. But I've rectified it, and Georgie will be in charge of our float again next year."
"As you should," Bo said. “Traditions are in place for a reason. There’s no need to change something that's been working for decades. That’s just madness. It's what I tell people at the office too. They drive me crazy with their need for change. Always innovating, always looking for the shiny new thing."
"Not all change is bad, Bo,” Julian countered.
"I wouldn't expect anything else from a youngster like you." He patted Julian's shoulder with a chuckle, then asked, "How are your grandmothers?"
"They’re great."
“I talked to Isabeau a few weeks ago," Calliope said. "She promised to be at the lunch at the Boudreaux house in two weeks. I can't wait to catch up with her. Hopefully she'll convince Celine, too, and your grandfathers, of course."
When she started waving at someone behind us, Julian said, "It was nice catching up with the two of you."
"And you," Calliope said. "It was great meeting you, Georgie."
"And you also." I shook hands with both of them.
Once they were out of earshot, I turned to Julian. He had a triumphant look in his eyes.
"Did that just happen?" I whispered.
"Yes, it did."
"It was so easy. I didn't even have to sell myself."
"I had an inkling that they probably had no clue what was going on either. I think most of your clients don't. And I know these old families. They like traditions, nostalgia, and they’re loyal to those who are to them. Let’s celebrate. Want a drink?”
"Sazerac?" I asked him.
"Maybe later on. Everyone starts with champagne.” He leaned in closer, whispering conspiratorially directly into my ear, "Not my favorite, but it's important to keep up with appearances. And I know I’ve already said it, but you look fucking fantastic.”
Feeling his hot breath on my skin sent me into yet another tailspin. Then he put a hand on the small of my back and I nearly whimpered.
How could his touch make me react like this? It wasn't even inappropriate. Julian was just being... well, a flirt, but I was starting to think that was simply the way he was with all women.
But I wanted him to only flirt with me.