Untrusting Hearts: A Contemporary New Orleans Romance (6 page)

Ty recovered quickly. He reached out and gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “I’m just a phone call away if you need anything, anytime. In fact, speaking of that, what’s your number?” He pulled his cell phone from a pocket. After Jade gave him her information he grinned and winked. “Thanks, got it. You know, you haven’t done New Orleans until you hang out on Bourbon Street and listen to the bands. It’s something you don’t want to miss. Possibly you’d go with me to the French Quarter one evening this week.”

“It’s hard to say right now,” she responded, her voice unsure. “Maylene might have other plans for me. She’s so sweet and she seems determined to keep me entertained.”

“You’re not scared to spend time alone with me, are you?” he challenged.

“Well, I don’t know you from Adam. Are you dangerous?”

“Not that I know of.”

“I didn’t think so, not really.”

“Wonderful! And in case you haven’t heard, rumor has it that I’m very charming. Handsome, thoughtful, gracious…”

“Vain?”

“You caught me. I may have a touch of narcissism. I hate to be rebuffed, especially by someone as beautiful as yourself.”

She didn’t know if he was sincere, but his flattery verged on endearing. Light laughter slipped out unbidden and she thought,
another time I’d love to go out with you,
Ty. But now is not that time.
She was surprised how easily the men here flirted with her and she wasn’t quite sure how to respond.

“Can I plan on Bourbon Street, then?” he persevered.

She hesitantly agreed. “Yes, I suppose. Now you
must
excuse me.” Jade ran lightly up the stairs and down the hall to her bedroom, leaving Ty to see himself out.

After a quick shower she wrapped a towel around herself and stood in front of the bathroom mirror with her blow dryer. She let her hair fall around her shoulders, swept it all to the left, and finally decided to wear it up on one side, fastening it with a plain clip.

It had been easy to select a dress; she’d only brought two of full-length and the maid-of-honor gown was the only one elegant enough for a night like tonight. She skipped nylons since the dress was floor length, and stepped into a pair of white strapped heels.

“Jade?” Maylene entered her bedroom after a soft knock. “I forgot…oh, never mind, I see you have a dress. I wasn’t sure.”

Standing before the mirror, Jade nodded. “Will this be okay?” The deep scarlet of the silk gown enhanced her green eyes. Her bare shoulders shimmered with a dusting of powder.

“Dear, it’s beautiful. Now, I need to finish getting ready. Please stop by my room in about fifteen minutes.” She breezed through the door, trailing a light lavender scent, reminding Jade to apply a spritz of Wild Jasmine.

After checking her makeup, Jade picked up a small white purse and made her way down the hall to Maylene’s room. Knocking, Jade waited for permission to enter. Maylene was resplendent in a floor length, midnight-blue gown that fell freely from the shoulders. The three-quarter length sleeves and high neckline were graceful and stylish. She’d donned a pair of coordinating heels and had laid a matching bag out on the dressing table. Pearl earrings complimented the outfit.

“You look fantastic,” Jade gushed.

Maylene spun to face her. “As do you, sweetheart. But something is missing.”

Frowning, Jade glanced down at her attire.

“Here, let me show you.”

Maylene led Jade into her gigantic walk-in closet. She pressed a button and a cedar shelf of sweaters slid to the side, revealing a built-in cabinet of mahogany with several long narrow drawers. After thumbing a roller combination, she opened the top drawer and lifted a gorgeous necklace from its bed of plush velvet. Four small diamonds graced each side of an enormous ruby. All were set in white gold and gleamed in the subdued lighting of the closet.

Jade gasped. She waved her hands and backed away. “Oh, no! I couldn’t possibly wear that. It must be worth a fortune.”

“You will wear it, and the matching earrings.” She indicated a pair of long dangling chains with five diamonds hanging from elongated ruby encrusted posts. “These will look marvelous with the sparkling embellishments of your bodice. And what good is having jewelry if it’s never worn?”

“Oh, Maylene. They’re absolutely gorgeous,” she said, when she found her voice. “But I must decline; what if I lost them?”

“You won’t lose them, dear, they’re quite well-made and you would break my heart if you deny me the pleasure of seeing them on you.” Maylene moved behind her and draped the necklace around her neck, securing it in the back. “Now, just put these earrings on.” She clasped her hands together with pleasure after Jade donned the earrings. “You look like a movie star; all you need is your leading man.”

Speechless, Jade’s fingers moved between her ears and neck, fondling the jewelry. She turned to view herself in the mirror. Was that truly her? “But, Maylene…”

“No buts,” Maylene stated firmly. Taking the younger woman’s arm, Maylene guided her to the stairway. “You’ve made me very happy by agreeing to wear my diamonds.”

Agreeing
? Jade nearly laughed. This demure woman at her side was anything but. She knew what she wanted and maneuvered a person until she got her way.

Arriving at the bottom of the stairs, Jade took a deep breath and decided to be gracious and not mention the jewelry again. She couldn’t imagine an instance where the necklace or earrings could fall off without her being aware anyway.

Around the corner from the stairway, in the entrance hall, the women could hear Gage berating Ty. There was no way to avoid noticing their disagreement. Gage’s voice rose slightly. “I thought you’d be in Florida arranging the opening of the new restaurant but here you are.”

“You have no right to dictate my whereabouts,” Ty snapped. “I’m not under your thumb.”

“You’re letting your title go to your head and I’m fed up with it.”

“You keep forgetting my last name is Dubois. This is a
family
business, after all. My family, not yours.”

“Lucky for you,” Gage shot back. “You certainly wouldn’t have gotten the job on merit.”

“That’s low, even coming from you,” Ty growled. “You know what? Maylene invited me and I believe I will go along tonight after all.”

“Oh, that’s good news,” Gage said sarcastically.

Maylene cleared her throat, whispering in an aside to Jade just before they turned the corner, “Boys will be boys.”

But Jade could tell she was furious that the men were arguing when there was a guest present. Maylene released Jade’s arm and marched around the corner. “Ty. Gage. How are my two favorite men tonight?” Her voice was collected but Jade caught the warning flash she sent both men. “I’m so glad you decided to join us this evening, Ty.”

“Yes, I had a change of heart,” Ty muttered in a distracted fashion as his attention was drawn to Jade. He silently appraised her.

Jade’s heart fluttered when Gage reacted with pleasure at his first glimpse of her. Their eyes locked for a long moment. His were warm instead of cold, as she had expected. He smiled a slow sexy smile. Jade was reminded of the burning desire she’d felt when he’d kissed her earlier.

Before she could react to Gage’s charisma, Ty stepped forward. “Jade. You look lovely.” He brushed her hand with soft lips and then turned to his aunt, complimenting her as well. Nodding toward Jade, Ty enquired, “Aren’t those the jewels Uncle gave you for your twenty-fifth wedding anniversary, Aunt Maylene?”

“Why, yes, Ty. I’m amazed you recognized them.”

“I’ve noticed you wearing them in a number of pictures, but this is the first time I’ve actually seen them. They’re stunning.”

When Jade looked back at Gage she was surprised to see the light had vanished from his eyes. “You’re sure you want to
loan
out such a prized possession, Maylene?”

“Now Gage.” Maylene waved his comment aside. “Jewelry is supposed to be admired and no one can admire it when it is locked away. Besides, Jade had told me the story about her Grandma losing her precious earrings. I thought maybe these gems might help her feel the loss a little less, at least for one night.”

“Ah, yes! The story.” Gage added stress to the word. “So very touching.”

Ty’s head swiveled back and forth. “Am I missing something?”

Jade finally found her tongue. “No, Ty, nothing that matters now.” She tried to unclasp the necklace but couldn’t figure out how to work the catch. “Maylene! I had no idea these were a gift from Jean Pierre. You should wear them, not me.”

“No, dear. I insist you wear them. Jean Pierre would approve, especially if it makes me happy. And it does make me happy.” She took Jade’s hands in her own. “Now, I’ll hear no more. We need to leave or we’ll be late for dinner.”

Ty helped his aunt drape a sweater over her shoulders while Gage forced his face into the semblance of the well-mannered man he usually was. But his eyes were hard as stone, his smile strained.

Jade could see beyond a doubt that Gage believed she’d used the sob story of the lost jewelry in order to wheedle Maylene into offering her the valuable earrings and necklace. The thought made it hard for her to breathe. Her cheeks burned with rage. She’d had no idea Maylene even owned such priceless jewels when she told her about Grandma losing her earrings. And besides, these priceless gems weren’t hers to keep. She decided to voice this last thought. “As soon as we get home Maylene will put these back under lock and key. You can be sure I will protect them all night. I’d rather die than lose them.”

“Don’t worry so, dear.” Maylene gave Jade a reassuring smile. “I don’t know why we’re still discussing the matter. It’s settled.”

“Be that as it may, we need to go.” Gage held the door open for Maylene and offered her his arm. Jade followed as Ty set the alarm and shut the door behind them.

“We’ll meet you there,” Ty said as he led Jade to his vehicle.

Gage stopped short. “If you must. But Jade will be riding with Maylene and me. Get in, Jade.”

With a shrug, Ty handed Jade into Gage’s car. The two women made small talk and Jade calmed down a little. She dreaded the evening ahead if Gage planned on remaining surly all night. Hopefully, Ty would be more entertaining.

As they pulled up to the curb, Jade got her first look at Maylene’s restaurant. Her eyes widened at the sight of the two story building lit by the thousands of small golden lights surrounding an oval sign that read JP’s Oyster Bar in large faux-gold lettering. Wide double doors stood open, allowing easy access to the inside.

Gage got out of the car and went around to help Maylene and Jade from the vehicle as a young man in a sharp uniform hurried from his post out front, took the keys from Gage, and drove his car away; Jade assumed he was parking the vehicle and not stealing it. The maître d’ bowed slightly to Maylene as she swept through the doors. “The Pearl room is ready, Madam.”

“Thank you, Raimond.” Maylene touched his arm gently before she led the way through the dining room. Here and there patrons waved and called out. Maylene smiled but didn’t go to greet them, although Jade suspected on another occasion she would have done so.

Following close to her aunt’s heels, Jade took in the fabulous interior. A large oval shaped bar stood near the front entrance. Glasses hung suspended from racks overhead and beer taps circled the inner ring. Domed ceilings done in gold panels covered three eating areas filled with tables draped with white linen cloths. Tile walkways wove through the tables which sat on gold-flecked black carpet. Virtually every seat was full.

Gage hurried to open the door of a private dining room. He gestured Maylene and Jade through.
Always the gentleman. At least in public,
Jade thought ruefully. But then her attention was drawn to the candlelit table under another domed ceiling. The crystal glass glittered like fireflies.

“Oh, Maylene!” Jade stood with mouth agape. “It’s beautiful, simply beautiful.”

“Thank you dear, but I can’t take credit. JP’s was all Jean Pierre’s dream. He built it from the ground up.”

“Well, he did a fantastic job.”

Maylene beamed.

They were still seating themselves when Ty joined them. “Shall I order wine?” he asked.

“Please do,” Maylene said as Gage snorted softly.

A light white wine was served as Jade scanned the menu. Ty looked at a menu also though Jade assumed he knew it as well as Maylene and Gage. He wanted her to feel comfortable.

Maylene ordered six of each: Oysters Bordelaise, Rockefeller Bienville Fonseca, and Louisiana Oysters on the Half-shell for the table.

Jade scanned the menu, nervous. She’d never eaten most of the items offered but she didn’t want to seem finicky. At last, she chose catfish pecan served with sautéed shrimp, popcorn rice, Creole meuniere, and seasonal vegetables. Maylene had the paneed veal & Crab with mashed Yukon potatoes, asparagus, lemon butter and jumbo lump crabmeat. Gage ordered the gulf fish Iberville with artichoke hearts, mushrooms, shrimp, and lemon beurre blanc. Ty chose the twelve-ounce rib eye with pommes frites and andouille sausage, which earned him a scathing glance from Gage. Evidently he expected Ty to order seafood and was not happy when he chose differently, which was probably exactly why Ty did so. With a surge of annoyance, Jade wondered if Gage thought he needed to control everyone’s choices.