by Emery, Lynn
Marcelle’s grandmother had a reputation for having ‘the gift.’ More than seeing the future, Monmon Perrine could look below the surface of present events and human behavior, advising others of what they should do. Rae tried to tame the creeping anxiety that Marcelle’s words brought on. She would not let old superstitions rule her.
*
Everything had been going just fine, until they played that song. The sound of the guitar wrapped around the room in a slow, bluesy strain. Now Rae found herself fighting a feeling she’d sworn would not overtake her. Simon’s cheek resting against hers made it so hard though.
From the moment he’d picked her up, Rae was comfortable. She resumed her confident demeanor, determined that she would set the pace for whatever developed between them. Dinner went well. They went to Pat’s, a large seafood restaurant right on the water near Henderson Swamp. The Creole dishes were spicy, and Rae added her cocky humor to the flavor of Tabasco.
Simon contrasted his conventional childhood to hers. He even seemed to enjoy her gentle teasing about his staid lifestyle; what’s more, he made a few jokes about himself. Rae felt on firm ground. Now this pounding in her heart that reached down to her hips, making her want to press closer to him, would not be reasoned away.
The singer stretched out the words to the old blues melody ‘I Need Your Love,’ as though he was alone with his lover. His voice had a clear, slinky smoothness, perfect for singing the blues.
After a time, Rae forgot to fight the feeling. The words to the song echoed a poignant note that found a responsive chord in her. For too long she’d been without a special someone. She not only thought this someone was not a necessity in her life, but something she did not want. In fact, Rae distrusted the head-over-heels kind of love. In her experience, that kind led to misery and betrayal. Now this blues singer was making her believe she’d been the one kidding herself.
“Rae, maybe we better sit down,” Simon murmured in her ear. He made no move to take his arms from around her. His body still swayed.
“Hum?” Rae’s eyes were closed, her face resting against his shoulder. “Why?” She was enjoying a weightless feeling of serenity.
Simon chuckled. “Because the band is taking a break.”
“Oh.” With great effort, Rae shook herself free of the spell. She looked around to find the other dancers going back to their seats. “Yeah, I knew that.”
“Sure.” Simon looked down at her with amusement. “Some song, eh?”
Rae was annoyed by the smug look on his face. “It was okay.” Her attempt at nonchalance missed the mark, even to her ears. Still she put on a strong front.
Simon ordered them two more drinks and waited until the waiter had gone before speaking. “So tell me about your band. You haven’t talked about your career much.”
“Let’s see… Three of us met in school. Jamal and Wes were in the music department with me at Southern University. We were all on scholarships.”
“Really? I thought…” Simon faltered. “I didn’t mean–”
“You thought I barely got out of high school, from the stories about what a crazy teenager I was, right?”
Simon looked abashed. “Gossip does get exaggerated. I should have known better.”
“It’s okay. In this case, most of the stories you probably heard had a lot of truth to them.” Rae wiggled her eyebrows at him comically.
Simon laughed. “Stop that. Now tell me about the band.”
“Not much to tell. Me and the guys hooked up about a year after graduation. We worked the club circuit and college concerts hard. It paid off.”
“You’ve got two great recordings and made a couple of national charts. I’d say you have reason to be proud.” Simon looked at her with genuine admiration in his sepia eyes.
Rae returned his gaze. “Thanks.” She looked away after a while, feeling awkward for the first time.
“And you’re going to give up the excitement of a successful career to settle back in Belle Rose?”
“Weird, huh? Like I missed the place.” Rae shook her head.
“Not at all. It just means you loved your father deeply. You have a sense of family.” Simon nodded when she looked at him. “So you’re goin’ to open the dance hall?”
“Hey, before you nominate me for sainthood, you need to know something.” Rae smiled at him. “I’m going to play my guitar every chance I get. So I’m not giving up my career.
“Sounds great.”
“Yeah, Wes and I even talked about setting up a recording studio of our own.” Rae sat forward.
“Even better.”
“Sure. We’ve got friends who would love to have a good place to make their own recordings. Wes even has some investors interested.”
“That would be good for the local economy. You could bring in jobs. But, just as important, more sales tax if visitors spend money while in town.” Simon rubbed his jaw in thought.
“Yeah, I hate that all the new jobs come from the petrochemical plants. We’re too dependent on them. Besides, most of the real poor folks don’t benefit. The way drugs have gotten to the kids, even around the bayou, just breaks my heart,” Rae said. “We need something better in our community.”
“Careful now, you’ll spoil that bad girl image you enjoy so much.” Simon wore a grin.
“Nah, not me.” Rae giggled.
“But won’t you miss the thrill of traveling?”
“Truth is being on the road all the time was getting old. When Daddy asked me to consider coming home four years ago, I thought he was nuts. But now I want more than just moving from one booking to the next, you know?”
“I see. You’d like to build something,” Simon said.
“Yeah, I guess so. I hadn’t thought of it like that. But not just for me.”
“For your father?”
“Daddy wanted me to make some kind of good legacy for his grandchildren – better than he’d done, he said.” Rae’s throat tightened. She wondered how long before the lump of grief would dissolve.
Simon put a hand on her arm. “He was a good person in his heart. That’s where it counts, Rae.”
“It took me a long time to appreciate it though; too long. I mean, he had a lot of faults, but he tried his best.”
“That’s all that anybody can do. I wish my father understood that. He’s always arguing with Papa Joe.” Simon pressed his lips together in an expression of disapproval.
“Really? I didn’t think you rich folks had any troubles,” Rae quipped. “To hear some talk, the Joves and St. Cyrs have it made.”
“Not by a long shot. Money doesn’t protect you from everything,” Simon said quickly.
“It sure helps a helluva lot.” Rae raised an eyebrow at him.
“Listen, I’m not going to say having money isn’t important. It’s just not the answer to all life’s problems.”
“Better not let Henry Jove hear you talking like that.” Rae decided to take a chance. “Or Toya.”
“Too late, we’ve all ready had our battles about what’s real,” Simon said with a grimace, “which brings us to a touchy subject. I’m sure you know by now that Toya and I were married.”
“I’d heard.” Rae did not say more, preferring to let him talk.
“Let’s just say we had different ideas about how we wanted to live.” Simon stared down into his glass. “And that was that.”
“It happens.” Rae doubted very much that Toya would agree that Simon was in her past. She wondered just how much feeling he still had for Toya.
They sat in silence for a while. The band was back, playing a quiet instrumental selection.
“Rae, I’ve really enjoyed being with you tonight. It was more than just another date.” Simon took a deep breath. “I know there’s some bad history between our families, but…”
“That’s an understatement. My father didn’t have one good word to say about the Joves or St. Cyrs all the time I was growing up. And I can guess what you’ve heard about the Dalcours.”
“The thing is I want to see more of you. I’m prepared for the flak.” Simon gazed at her. “I don’t care what anybody says.”
Rae felt a flutter in her chest. “Including your grandfather and Mr. Henry?”
“Yes. This isn’t some passing fancy either. I don’t just want to date. I want to be with you,” Simon said in a soft voice. He held her hands in his. “You understand what I’m saying?”
Rae could only nod. She understood only too well. Simon was pulling her head-long into a place that scared her. He was promising her heaven with those liquid brown eyes, making her want to lose herself in them. Then a tiny voice reminded her of the way she’d fallen for the sweet lies of another man with inviting eyes – Darcy. Not only that, but she’d met other men who were expert at deception. Discovering the ugly truth beneath the attractive surface of a lover was a pain she did not need again.
Still, Simon was not like any other man. There were no suave lines or moves to impress her. He seemed straightforward and down to earth; a refreshing change. Maybe her older brother was right. Perhaps she should forget the past.
Rae leaned closer to him. “Simon, I–”
“Well!” Toya stood over them, her lips twisted into a sour grimace. A handsome man stood behind her, looking dismayed.
“Hello to you, too, Toya,” Rae said. “Yes, it is a lovely evening.” She flashed a toothy smile.
Toya shot her a look full of poison. “Discussing business, no doubt?” She stared hard at Simon, who squirmed.
“Hello, Toya”. Simon pretended not to notice his ex’s displeasure. He decided to introduce the man to Rae since Toya obviously would not. “Adrian Wilson, this is Rae Dalcour. How’s it going, Adrian?”
“It’s going,” Adrian replied in a tone full of meaning. he was from a prominent family that lived in Petite Couteau, a small community twenty-five miles southeast of Belle Rose..
Toya either ignored or did not recognize the criticism of her manners. “With all these meetings, your negotiations must be going well.” Toya turned to Rae. “You’ll be back on the road soon, I’m sure.”
“Oh, I really like what I’ve heard so far.” Rae gazed at Simon for a moment, before looking back at Toya. “Even more reason to stay.”
“You didn’t fit in even when you lived here,” Toya said. “Belle Rose was always too boring for you. I can’t imagine that you’d be satisfied in this country town.”
“Oh, I can.” Rae inched toward Simon. “I can imagine being very satisfied,” she purred.
“Rae agrees to our plans for Bayou Latte. We went over the whole layout this morning.” Simon spoke in an even tone. “Remember how much you liked it?”
“You came up with a great idea, Simon. If only you can carry it out. Most of that property has not been available.” Toya’s tone implied that the Dalcours had blocked any progress for years.
“I think we can retain a good portion for private owners and even preserve it. Toya came up with a few of the ideas, Rae.” Simon wore a placating smile for his ex-wife. “Didn’t you?”
Toya loosened up a bit at the recognition of her contribution. “The visitors’ center is one.”
Rae felt her stomach tighten. She wanted to throw her now watered-down drink in Simon’s face. What a sickening sight. Simon went on to deflect Toya’s wrath with more chitchat that played to her ego. Look at them – the bourgeoisie mutual admiration society!
Watching Simon, Toya and Adrian brought back the wide gulf between them and the Dalcours. Rae realized that Simon would forever be part of their world of fancy cars, private schools and all the little luxuries money could buy. She’d been a fool to think he was different. Rae made a rude noise when they started talking about the latest news of their social set.
“Well, I guess we should be moving on.” Simon wore a weak smile for Rae. It faded at the scowl she gave him.
Toya appeared satisfied at being the source of Rae’s bad temper. “No, no. Don’t let us spoil your night. Bye, Simon.” She brushed her fingertips against his face in a gesture of intimacy before flouncing off. Adrian followed in her wake.
“Why hasn’t anyone declawed that woman before now?” Rae asked. She hated how Toya wore her expensive cotton dress, a simple red shift, with such style. Rae looked down at her floral, wrap skirt with discontent.
“Toya can be hard to take, but she’s had a lot of rough times,” Simon said.
“Yeah, getting your way all the time can be really taxing on the spirit.”
“Mr. Henry does indulge her a lot. But Toya has an insecurity that makes her so demanding.”
“Poor misunderstood Toya. My heart bleeds.” Rae sipped her drink and grimaced.
“Let me get you another one.” Simon waved for a waiter.
“Don’t bother. Look, it’s late. I’ve got things to do tomorrow, so let’s go.” Rae did not wait for him to reply. She stood up and headed for the nearest exit. Within minutes they were sitting in his Explorer outside her house.
Simon cut the engine. “Did I do or say something wrong?”
Rae stared straight ahead. “Everything’s cool.”
“Down right freezing is more accurate.” Simon waited for a few moments. “Just because Toya and I are divorced doesn’t mean I hate her. Actually, I understand her better than I did ten years ago.”
“Isn’t that so twenty-first century cool? Congratulations, I now pronounce you man and witch.” Rae sat stiff, not looking at him.
Simon reached out to touch her, but pulled back when Rae moved away. “I wasn’t putting on some act before Toya showed, if that’s what you’re thinking. I don’t operate like that.”
“Oh, yeah? Just how do you operate?” Rae wisecracked.
She did not want to feel so much anger. It meant that she cared too much. Simon had almost succeeded in making her forget the old rules. Those rules said she was not part of the ‘right’ family. Damn him for touching a secret place she thought was well protected.
“Don’t do this. Please.” Simon rested a hand on her upper arm, his skin pressed against hers. “I never took you for the jealous type.”
“Jealous?” Rae sputtered. Now she was truly outraged. “I barely know you and you think I’m jealous. What an ego.”
“Stop it!” Simon’s usually mild voice rang with annoyance. “What you think matters to me.” He ran a hand through his dark, short hair. “It matters to me very much.”
Rae fought an internal war. Half of her wanted to relent, but the other half did not trust him at all. Rae came to a quick compromise. “Sorry for acting so silly,” she mumbled in a muted apology. “Guess I let Toya get to me. She’s been able to grate on my nerves in a special way since we were six years old.”
“It’s time to let go of all that history.” Simon leaned toward her. “Can we call a truce?”
After a few seconds, Rae smiled at him. “Sure. As a gesture of peace, I’ll offer you the hospitality of my humble home. It’s not like the big fine houses you’re used to–”
“The family estate is much smaller than you think.” Simon chuckled. He followed her to the door of her home.
“Voila.” Rae swept a hand around the living room.
“This I like,” Simon said, gazing around.
“Thanks.” Rae could hear the openness in his voice. She’d never thought of the house as capable of impressing anyone. It was a simple, modified Acadian-style building. But there was a touch of ‘African hut’ to the way their grandfather had made the sloping roof.
The house was constructed of cypress wood with four large bedrooms in addition to a kitchen, dining room and living room. One bathroom had been added when Lucien was a boy. Inside, decorations consisted mostly of simple carvings and mud paintings done by local craftsmen; mostly Lucien’s friends who had created them as a hobby.
Simon picked up a small figurine of a brown pelican. “This one is my favorite.”
“You should have seen it in here before I cleaned up. Daddy was no hous
ekeeper,” Rae said. “Luckily, cypress lasts forever. He didn’t spend much time on repairs either. The plumbing is a mess.”
“He was kind of sick toward the end.” Simon gazed at the scattering of family pictures on a table.
“That didn’t help. But, trust me, Lucien was never into cleaning up, even when he was in good health.” Rae chuckled with affection for her father.
“You were a cute kid.” Simon held up a picture of Rae standing between her brothers. “What were you then – about ten?”
Rae peered at the photo. “Yeah. Man, look at those knobby knees. Wait, don’t look at that one.” She reached for a gold-framed picture too late. Simon snatched it out of reach.
Simon grinned at her. “Oh, this is lovely.” He gazed at the picture of Rae, aged four, in a bathing suit.
“That is so embarrassing.”
“You look quite fetching. Is that a little yellow rubber duckie you’re holding? The infamous Rae Dalcour had a yellow duckie?” Simon threw back his head and laughed.
“Give me that.” Rae took the picture, giving him a light swat on the shoulder. “Go on. Have fun.”
“Goodness, there is so much about you I have to learn. Now tell me, where are your bunny slippers.” He followed her into the kitchen.
“Keep talking and you’ll be wearing one up your nose.” Rae pulled out a can of dark roast coffee. “I don’t have instant, so it’s going to take a few minutes. Sure you want to wait?”
“Sure you want me to?” Simon walked up to her, his face inches from hers.
“Simon, about us…” Rae tried to shout down the half of her that was saying give in.
“You feel it, too. There is something about you that makes me…” Simon curled a tendril of her hair around his forefinger. “Your smile, the way your hair moves in a breeze; even the sparks you throw off when you get angry,” he said in a soft voice. His lips brushed hers in a tentative, almost cautious way.
“We should both have our heads examined.” In contradiction to her words, Rae placed both hands on his face and kissed him. Her tongue touched the tip of his.
For a long time they stood wrapped tight, exploring the sensations of touch and taste. Rae wanted to devour his sweetness. His lips were warm and full. A hunger, a deep sexual hunger, shot through her, and the force of desire shook Rae down to her toes. She pulled back, on the verge of guiding his hands to her pelvis. She had, indeed, lost her mind!
