CHAPTER 33
One week later
Maisie woke up with India lying beside her and smiled.
India was wearing an old T-shirt of Maisie’s because she had stayed over for the third night in a row and had run out of her clothes.
Maisie didn’t have a washer or dryer, but there was a laundry room downstairs in her building.
India had refused to use it and insisted on wearing Maisie’s clothes to sleep in, and they had agreed to go to India’s place that night.
With the city council meeting being today, though, Maisie needed to practice her presentation some more, and she wanted to be in the comfort of her own home to do it.
India had been a bit of a distraction because she’d essentially been walking around in a T-shirt and panties whenever she was there, but they’d managed to balance having sex with Maisie’s need to prepare.
“It’s okay. I’m awake. You can say it,” India said, barely opening her eyes.
“It’s timed,” Maisie said.
“I know. You’ve practiced so many times, babe. You’ve got this. Also, good morning.” India leaned over and kissed Maisie good morning. “I’m going to take a shower now. Or, do you need an orgasm for good luck this morning?” India winked at her.
“I could use one to relieve the tension, yes,” she replied. “But I know you need to get to work.”
“Yes, but I will leave early.” India climbed on top of her. “I’ll pick you up at the shop, and we’ll head there together, okay?”
“Yeah. I’m just nervous,” she said. “It feels like my last shot. I know that’s not exactly true because I can get on the agenda again, but there’s something that feels so important about tonight.”
“It matters,” India said. “And you’re going to do great. If I have to kick my brother in the balls after the meeting, that’s really just an added bonus for me.”
Maisie laughed and said, “Thank you for helping me. I know it’s kind of a weird way to start a relationship. I never want to leave this bed, but–”
“I know,” India interjected and kissed her again. “Hop in the shower with me. I’ll relieve some of that tension for you, and we’ll celebrate later at my place. I’ll even have my housekeeper pick up that beer you like so that the fridge is properly stocked.”
“She shops for you, too?” Maisie asked.
“Yes. She cooks for me, Maisie. She buys all the ingredients.”
“I bet if she asked you to pick something out, you’d get it wrong,” she teased.
“Probably,” India said.
“Can I take you to a grocery store tomorrow? I’ll tell you to find something and watch you try to search for it. It’ll be a lot of fun for me.”
“I know how a grocery store works, Maisie. Now, do you want that orgasm or not?”
“I want. But can we be serious for a second?”
India kissed her forehead and said, “Yes.”
“Um… Well, Christmas is coming up. Since Grams died, I usually go to Lainey’s thing, whatever that is, but I was wondering if maybe you’d want to spend it together. We didn’t really do anything for Thanksgiving.”
“I guess we didn’t,” India said. “But I’ve never been a big fan of that holiday. What did you have in mind?”
“Lainey is going to propose to Paige. Initially, she said she wanted to do it after Christmas, but she’s not anymore. She can’t wait. She’ll ask her that day, and they’re going on a little trip, so I’m not going to join them and third-wheel their proposal.”
“Do you like to ski?” India asked.
“I’ve never been skiing. I’m from New Orleans.”
India laughed and said, “So am I.”
“But you’re rich and went to college in New England. I’ve always wanted to give it a try, though.”
She ran her hands through India’s hair.
“Your ass would look really cute in some–”
“Are you trying to ask me to go skiing with you?”
“If you want,” India replied. “I was planning on going alone because I thought you’d be busy.”
“You’re not spending the day with your family?”
“With Colter, the asshole? My mother, his enabler? His father, who applies the pressure for Colter to be perfect? My own father, who’s on a yacht somewhere?
No. I’ve done the family thing for years, and I’m not interested in it this time.
I would’ve considered my sister’s place, but she’s taking the kids and the husband and going to Cabo. ”
“Will there be a sexy ski instructor who can show me the ropes?” Maisie asked, running her hands over India’s back under her shirt.
“I think so,” India said. “But only if she can dress you in a cute ski outfit.”
Maisie laughed and said, “I think that’s a deal, then.”
◆◆◆
Maisie was more than nervous now. There had to be a word above that to describe what she was feeling because her palms were sweaty and her throat was so dry, she had to take a long gulp from the water bottle she had brought with her.
As she turned around, she saw India, Lainey, Paige, and even Dana sitting in the front row.
Then, the back doors opened, and several more women walked in. Maisie recognized a few of them.
“I brought in some reinforcements. I hope you don’t mind,” India said, approaching her. “You know Logan and Rory. That’s Candace and her fiancé, Keith.” India pointed. “You remember Sophie. She’s here with her girlfriend, Bryce. Melinda is over there.”
Melinda walked in holding hands with a woman who was probably her fiancée, Kyle, Maisie guessed.
“That’s Bridgette and Monica,” India continued.
“Jill and Willa. There’s Asher and Linden.
Myra and Elisa are with Gwen and Juliet.
Finley and Molly are here, too. Oh, and that’s Enid and Caroline, but you know Caroline now.
I think that’s everyone. Ava couldn’t be here because she’s with Stephania, but she told me to tell you good luck. ”
“You asked them all to come here?” Maisie asked.
“I wanted you to have people in your corner,” India replied with a smile.
“Thank you,” Maisie said.
India kissed her and said, “You’re going to kill it. I’ll see you after.”
Maisie took a deep breath before turning back around. Soon, the meeting was called to order, and all the councilors took their respective seats. Maisie cleared her throat when they told her that she could begin with the first item on the agenda.
“Good evening,” she began and looked down at her notes.
“Chapter & Verse is the oldest independently owned bookstore in the country. It was built before Louisiana was even part of the US. This shop has withstood the test of time. It has weathered every storm Mother Nature has thrown at this great city, and it continues to attract visitors to this day. I could list the names of all historical figures and important people who have visited the shop or who have been photographed in and outside of it, but that would take me longer than the time I’ve got with you tonight.
This shop was here before the Louisiana Purchase, and there’s a record in the archives describing conversations about part of that significant event happening in the very building.
I’ve provided more information on it in the accompanying application.
I know I’ve been here before, telling you all of this, but I want to talk to you about what we’re doing to address the present and the future while still paying respect to the past, which, I believe, is something New Orleans has always done well and needs to continue to do well to survive.
” She stopped to take her first breath and turned the page on the podium.
“Recently, I have partnered with NOLA Guides, New Orleans’ number one tour company.
They’re responsible for directing thousands of tourists a year through our city.
They will be directing at least six tours a week to Chapter & Verse, where we’ll offer discounts on historical books about New Orleans, among other things.
We’ll also be offering book readings, signings, and performances for some of the most well-known authors today, with an emphasis on Louisiana authors, poets, and musicians.
On top of this, we’ve also partnered with Southern Roastery, a homegrown coffee company that happens to have its corporate office right next door.
We’ll be connecting the shop to Southern, and they’ll be opening their café up to our customers.
That’s where the performances and readings will take place, but we’ll also be showing local artists and their work, including an artist who is actually in this room right now.
” She turned and saw Caroline wave a little.
“Melinda Andrews, the owner of NOLA Guides, is here as well. She can confirm what I’ve said about her company if need be.
That’s just the beginning. I know we have more to offer, and I plan to make it all happen.
We will preserve the historical significance of the building and the events that occurred there, while also celebrating what New Orleans has become.
I hope you can see why Chapter & Verse deserves the honor and protections of historical landmark status, as well as what it can and will continue to bring to this community. Thank you.”
Maisie’s eyes widened when she heard loud applause coming from behind her. She turned to see everyone in the audience, mostly her friends or India’s, cheering her on. She sighed in relief that at least this part was over.
“Miss Lincoln, you’ve been denied this status twice. Yet, you’re here for a third time. Why do you believe we should grant you this status now?” one of the councilors asked her.