Chapter 9 #2
When he walked away, I leaned over the table. “You’re the manager here. That’s amazing.”
Her shrug was noncommittal. “Actually, I’m one of the owners.”
“What? You’re kidding.”
“My family owns Indulgence, although my brothers have little to do with anywhere inside this building except for the private club upstairs. The other businesses keep them busy elsewhere.”
“I had no idea. I thought you wanted to move to Paris and become a designer.”
“I did,” Emmeline admitted. “However, duty within the Prince family called. How have you been?”
When she glanced once again at the bruise, I did what I could to keep from reacting. “I needed a change from New York. I was never going to be a principal dancer. Now, I am.”
“How was the special performance last night?”
Her smile was smug. “How did you know about that?”
She laughed, rolling her eyes. “Believe it or not, I’m one of the benefactors.”
“I didn’t see you last night.”
“I couldn’t come. Now, I wish I had. Did you enjoy the evening?”
The last thing I wanted to do was to admit to sleeping with a stranger. “I danced. I left. Parties and crowds aren’t my thing.”
“I’ll give you a hint. Mine either. Where are you going to stay? Do you have an apartment lined up?”
“Hopefully I can find something cheap close to the theater.”
“Cheap, I doubt. Close, maybe.” She narrowed her eyes, tapping her fingers on the table. “I have an idea.”
“What?”
Brian appeared out of nowhere, plunking down coffee and juice. The scent of the steaming hot java alone was incredible. I’d lived on stale coffee on the train.
“I have this beautiful house not too far away from here. Since you don’t have a car, it’s right on the bus line.”
“Oh, I couldn’t intrude. I just need a room and a bathroom.”
“With what furniture? You arrived on the train. Unless a moving van is heading in this direction, my guess is you have nothing but a couple bags to your name. The life of a dancer like you always told me. Right?” For a girl exactly my age, she had a motherly attitude.
There’d been times even years ago I wished I’d confided in her.
“I never really put down roots in New York.” The conversation was more awkward than I thought it would be.
“Maybe you will in New Orleans. In the meantime, I have a huge house, so you’ll stay in my guest room while we ready up the apartment downstairs.”
“That’s too generous.”
“Oh, don’t worry. You’ll pay rent. Eventually.” Laughing, she winked. So carefree. Just like I wished I could be.
I shook my head. “I was taught never to take charity.”
“This isn’t charity. This is being a friend. Besides,” Emmeline said as she narrowed her eyes, “I thought you were an orphan.”
“I am. I mean… You know what I mean. I might not have much, but I still have my pride.” Her frown indicated I’d said the wrong thing. Again.
“What happened? You can trust me.”
While I’d learned a long time before to keep my life private, it wasn’t about trusting Emme.
She’d never been anything but honest and straightforward with me.
What I didn’t want was for her to be hurt.
If the bastards found me again, it could place her life squarely in danger.
“I’m just dealing with some personal issues that refuse to allow me to enjoy my life. Nothing I can’t handle.”
She squeezed my hand. “I don’t know what’s going on, Anna, and I won’t ask questions although I’m here if you want to talk, but I do know you need a break.
I happen to live all alone in a huge house.
Having someone around to chat with from time to time would be good for both of us.
I’m not taking no for an answer so that’s it.
” She grabbed her napkin, yanking it off the table, her actions exaggerated as she dragged it into her lap.
What I remembered most about her, other than that she could drink us all under the table, was when she’d put her mind to something, that was it. She almost always got what she wanted.
“Okay, fine. But only for a couple months.”
She held out her hand, lifting her eyebrows again. With the sly smile on her face, I was slowly beginning to lose some of the heavy anxiety.
“Deal.”
“Deal.”
When I shook her hand, her smile returned. “After we eat, we’ll head over there when we’re finished and I’ll grab a set of keys.”
“Sounds perfect and I really appreciate what you’re doing. I have what promises to be a long rehearsal, so I’ll move in tomorrow if that’s okay.”
“Perfectly fine with me. It’ll give me a little time to prepare for your stay. And don’t worry. Nothing fancy.”
Emmeline was a breath of fresh air, exactly what I needed.
The appearance of warm beignets at the table dragged me away from all negative thoughts.
“You have an incredible business.” Unable to help myself, I grabbed a fresh pastry, inhaling the scent of vanilla and cinnamon, the baked item a true luxury in my little world.
She looked around. “I love it. Just being able to control my piece of the pie means everything to me. I’ve taken a small bake shop and turned it into this in three years.
I’m proud of myself but don’t mention that to my brothers.
They’ll tell you the success is all about them.
When is your first dance? I want to try to be there. ”
“Three days. Fortunately, it’s close to the dance I performed in New York, just with a new partner, new scenario. A lot of work. But…”
“But…”
“Since you’re in such a generous mood, you wouldn’t know of any part-time job opportunities so I could pay my friend back for her amazing generosity?”
Emmeline laughed. “I think we can arrange something between the club and the restaurant. That is if you’ve ever waited tables before.”
“Ha. I can razzle-dazzle you with how many plates I can carry at one time and I make the best Manhattan and Electric Lemonade out there.”
“That clinches it. I’ll show you the upper floors when we’re finished. Your timely arrival just might be a godsend. We’re always looking for decent help.”
As the tension began to ease, I finally believed I’d made the right decision and I’d fight to keep my freedom no matter the odds or what I needed to do.
At that moment, I saw him.
He was standing with two other men just outside the establishment in a conversation that commanded his full concentration. While his face was emotionless, his stance was sharp, and even from where I was sitting, I could tell he was scanning the area around him.
His movements were calculated, a predator providing orders to soldiers prepared for an attack. In those seconds of observation, all light and sound ceased to exist.
He was a quiet force of nature, masterful in his actions, securing the full attention of his men, who stood unmoving as he preached gospel.
From my vantage point I was allowed to enjoy the moment instead of shying away from it. His suit was extraordinarily well tailored, hand-stitched shoulders and material that knew exactly how to fall across his broad shoulders and sculpted chest.
Sunlight reflected off his slim watch, the ebony face having already captured my earlier attention. Everything about him was manicured perfection, including the cuffs of his shirt hitting exactly at the correct location on his hand.
Desire stirred from deep within, completely unsettling.
Every aspect of his being screamed peril, yet I found myself drawn to him more than before.
But as I’d done when conversing with him on the sidewalk, I forced myself to look away.
I told myself I wouldn’t look again.
Yet I did.
To find him watching me.