by Emery, Lynn
Once they were gone, Simon turned to Rae. “Toya is not so bad, Rae. Really,” he said the look she gave him. I’ve known her all my life.”
Rae thought of the arrogant walk that Toya had mastered, even as a small girl. “If she was so wonderful, why aren’t you still married to her?”
“Just because our marriage was a mistake–”
“A disaster, from what I heard,” Rae snorted.
Simon squinted at her. “We both made mistakes. Gossip is rarely accurate. Something you should know.”
“Point taken. But I know first-hand what a witch she can be, so there.” Rae dared him to refute her personal experiences.
“Haven’t we talked about the injustice of holding the past against people?” Simon raised an eyebrow at her.
“Yeah, but….” Rae squirmed under his scrutiny. “Okay, I’ll be good. If she shows up, I’ll greet her with open arms.”
“Sure you will.”
“Hey, if Toya walks in, she’ll be overwhelmed by the hospitality.” Rae batted her eyelashes at him.
Simon’s lip lifted at one corner. “Really?”
“You betcha,” Rae tossed back. She leaned against the bar.
“Well, now is your chance.” Simon jerked a thumb towards the door. “Do your stuff.”
Rae’s mouth dropped at the sight of Toya strolling in on the arm of a handsome man. Darcy followed them in a few seconds later. “I don’t believe it.”
“Excuse me, Miss Hospitality, time is a-wastin’. Get over there and let your little light shine.” Simon put a hand over his mouth to hide his wide grin.
“Hello there.” Darcy walked right up to Rae and kissed her firmly on the cheek. “Congratulations. This place is fabulous, babe. Hi, Simon,” he added as an afterthought, without taking his eyes off Rae.
“Yes, it is very… unique.” Toya swept a hand around in the air, regally. “Of course, beer and boiled crawfish go over big with most people around here.” She sniffed, as though the offending smell of both hung heavy.
“Right, I love good food, good drink and jammin’ tunes. This place is hot.” Toya’s date said. He obviously didn’t share her view. He moved to the beat of a pop tune. Turning around, he cast an appreciative eye at a group of college girls in shorts and T-shirts.
“Colin, grow up,” Toya snapped.
He did not hear her. “Love that music. Hey, you forgot to introduce us. I’m Colin Dexter.” He nodded to Rae and Simon.
Toya lifted chin. “Colin Dexter, the Third, of the Dexters of Lafayette. Dexter Industries.”
Simon smiled at him. “Nice seeing you, Colin. How long has it been, man?”
“Last summer you beat me at the fishing rodeo. I’ll get you this time, brother.” Colin pointed a finger at him.
Simon laughed. “In your dreams.”
“You know each other?” Toya wore a look of chagrin.
“For a long time,” Colin put in before Simon could answer. “Best contractor in South Louisiana, black or white.”
The good-humored man slapped Simon on the back. “Thanks man.”
“Say, I was worried you would be mad about me dating Toya,” Colin said in a low voice to Simon. However, his comments were still audible to both women. Colin glanced at Rae. “But I guess not.”
“Let’s go.” Toya jerked him away.
“All right.” Colin, still having a good time, was not in the least disturbed by her behavior. “See you around, Simon. Nice meeting you, pretty woman,” he called back.
Toya’s mouth was turned down in a sour expression when she looked back at a grinning Rae. She whipped her head back around and stomped off.
“That went well,” Rae quipped. She could not suppress the cat-like smile of satisfaction spread on her face.
Simon gazed at her. “Now that you’re a hit, you can afford to be generous. Toya is not a happy person.”
“Oh my, and seeing my success makes it worse. I’m so sad about that.” Rae wore a fake forlorn expression.
Simon looked at his ex-wife. “Toya hasn’t had the perfect life she likes to pretend.”
Rae did not like his tone. “Why are you always making excuses for her? Anyone would think there was still something between you. Maybe her wish for reconciliation isn’t so one-sided?” She faced him.
“Now that is a paranoid delusion, sweetness. I may have sympathy for Toya, but our divorce is a happy one in my opinion.” Simon covered her mouth with his, brushing his tongue along her lips. Cat calls and whistles came from those nearby.
“Cut that out,” Rae said. She put up a half-hearted struggle to break free.
Simon held onto her in a solid grip. “I crave you day and night. You’re in my heart, mind and body. Any more questions?”
“That covers it,” Rae whispered. She shook herself from the clutches of a romantic haze that was fast taking over. “I’ve got to get back to work. It’s going to be a long day.”
“I’ll be with you until the end.” Simon winked at her.
The weather was perfect; sunny with a slight breeze blowing off the bayou. Just as Rae and Garrett had expected, the customers enjoyed the choice between indoor and outdoor festivities. Andrew was having a great time playing host, so Rae could mingle with what she hoped would be a substantial repeat crowd.
As Jamal brought a fast-paced song to an end with a flourish of his bass guitar, the crowd applauded and yelled in appreciation.
“Y’all look like you’re having a fine time. I’d say our hostess is doing a real good job of making everybody happy. Let’s hear it for Rae!” Wes said into the microphone. A loud drum roll ended in the clash of cymbals.
“There you go!” Marcelle yelled out, grinning.
Numerous voices echoed their approval.
“Now, Rae’s been playing the role of businesswoman well, but we know something she plays even better. Don’t y’all wanna hear one of the best blues musicians around?” Wes waved his arms to whip up enthusiasm and was rewarded with loud shouts.
“Come on up here!” Wes beckoned.
“No, I’ve got other things to do,” Rae protested, even as Simon and Marcelle propelled her towards the stage. Her mother and brothers only laughed when she begged to be rescued.
“Come on now, play my song, so I can show these kids how to really party,” Tante Ina shouted. She and Uncle David did a two-step and then she turned to Rae. “You know what I wanna hear.”
Urged on by the crowd, Rae gave in. “This is one special love song, just for my sweet Tante Ina and Uncle David. And for everyone who has been lucky enough to find a one-of-a-kind love.” She looked at Simon who was standing near the stage. He wore a secret smile with a message that went straight to her heart.
The crowd became quiet. Rae thrummed the electric guitar. She brought cheers from the crowd when she launched into her version of the Fats Domino hit, ‘Ain’t That a Shame.’ She and Jamal sang a duo, taking turns to sing lead. Couples paired up to dance.
Rockin’ Good Times had opened with a bang. The day went on without any major problems. When the bands took a break, the jukebox provided background music. The employees pitched in and took turns to rest for short periods.
Rae had tears in her eyes from time to time, thinking of how wonderful the entire weekend had been. If only Lucien could see it. She was sat on the edge of the porch, enjoying the late evening shade after a hectic day, when her mother sat next to her.
“Things been just beautiful today, cher.” Aletha hugged her shoulders. “Andrew say it’s been jumpin’ since you opened Friday night.”
“Yeah, Mama, I never expected it, to tell you the truth.” Rae gazed around. “I thought folks would stay away. But look at this crowd.” There was awe in her voice.
“You did some hard work gettin’ publicity, darlin’. This ain’t no accident. Besides, down here we’re always lookin’ for an excuse to party.” Aletha laughed.
“This is a dream come true, Mama.” Rae leaned against her. “Lucien’s dream�
�”
“You’ve done your daddy’s memory proud,” Aletha said in a soft voice.
“You think I made up for all those times I said bad things to him,” Rae whispered. She sounded like a little girl. “When we talked last year, he claimed he didn’t even remember half of what I’d said. But I…” Her voice broke.
“You ain’t never had to apologize to Lucien, Raenette. There wasn’t nothin’ you coulda said or done that would stop him from lovin’ you. Nothin’.” Aletha dabbed at Rae’s eyes with a cocktail napkin. “Shucks, he used to tell jokes about his saucy baby girl.”
“Oh come on.” Rae sniffed a few times.
“I’m not lyin’. His favorite story was that time you snuck out to the dance down at Bayou Boogie. Remember?”
“Do I? Daddy stormed into the high-school gym and embarrassed me something terrible.” Rae laughed out loud at the memory of how furious she was at the time.
“Yeah, and your so-called boyfriend tried to hide out in the restroom. Lord, have mercy.” Aletha slapped her thigh.
“Poor Keith. He was scared out of his mind that my crazy daddy and older brothers were going to kill him.” Rae sat up straight. “Thank you, Mama. You always know just what I need.”
“That’s what Mama is here for, cher. Don’t care how old you get.” Aletha kissed her forehead. “Now go find that good-lookin’ man and dance.”
Rae kissed her cheek and went in search of Simon. She found him chatting with Andrew and Baylor near the bar.
“May I have this dance?” she asked.
“I thought you’d never ask,” Simon replied with a gleam in his brown eyes. He led her onto the dance floor.
“This is one heckuva party. Congratulations, baby,” Simon murmured close to her ear.
“It’s all so fantastic. I’m scared it’s too good to last.” Rae looked up at him.
“Every business has bumps along the way. Some are little and some big. Just be ready for them.”
“No, I mean for most of my life nothing good like this ever seemed to happen for my family. Or if it did then something bad took it all away.” Rae glanced around with a tinge of anxiety.
“You sound a bit superstitious. Not at all like the tough lady I know.”
“Sometimes it seemed my family was cursed. Even my uncles and aunts used to say so.”
“Don’t let old memories spoil a fabulous new day.” Simon put a finger under her chin. “You’re a smash hit, a talented musician and one heck of a kisser. A renaissance woman.”
Rae let herself get lost in his brown eyes, sparkling with the reflected lights strung around the walls of the dance hall. “You’re right. Now I have it all.” She rested her head against his solid chest.
Across the dance floor, Toya was watching with and Marius, who had recently arrived with a tall, stunning college student. Darcy was sitting at a table with several old friends, but his gaze was on Simon and Rae.
“Look at her, clawing at Simon like a cat in heat,” Toya said in a voice hard with animosity. “Slut.”
“At this rate, she’ll be an economic force in no time.” Marius gestured with the drink in his hand. “This place is almost as good as striking oil. With the college kids and tourists, she’ll be a wealthy woman within three years.”
“Not if I can help it.” Toya faced him. “You’ve got a stake in this, too.”
“Unlike you and Darcy, hormones don’t drive my business actions. But you’re right. We need her land.” Marius looked relaxed. “Don’t worry. Soon Ms. Dalcour will be glad to sell.”
“Why? She won’t need the money.” Toya tapped a long fingernail on the side of her glass of daiquiri.
“She will.” Marius wore a nasty grin. “Trust me, she will.”
Chapter 12
“Mr. Henry, how are you?”
Simon shook hands with his former grandfather-in-law. Despite his divorce from Toya, he and Henry had always been on good terms. Still, he was puzzled at the reason for this visit.
“Sit down. Nola, could you get Mr. Henry some coffee please?”
Simon was thrown off by Henry’s sudden appearance or he would never have assumed that Nola would fetch coffee. She was firm in what she would and would not do. Yet she wanted to linger because she was just as curious to learn more.
“Certainly. How’s Miz Cecile?” Nola beamed at the older man as she prepared two cups for them from the pot on Simon’s credenza. “You tell her I said hello.” She hovered near the door after handing them both a mug of fresh dark-roast coffee.
“I sure will,” Henry replied. He dipped his head to her in a slight bow.
Nola walked back into the room. “Sure y’all don’t need anything else?”
Simon eyed her. “No thank you.” He gave a silent signal to leave.
Nola’s mouth turned down with disappointment. “All right.” The door closed softly behind her.
“So, how have you been?” Simon sat in the chair beside Henry rather than behind his desk.
“Good. Can’t complain. And you?”
“Very well, thank you.” Simon felt a rush of contentment. Things were perfect in his view, in fact.
Henry studied him for a few moments. “Son, what I’m about to say might make you throw me out of here.”
Simon smiled. “I can’t think of any reason why I’d do that, Mr. Henry. Even when I was married to Toya, we got along pretty well.”
“Yes, but I know my granddaughter’s ability to stretch the patience of a saint.” Henry fixed him with his well-known sober stare. “I’m talking about all this business with the Dalcour girl.”
Simon tensed. “I don’t know what you mean.”
“Son, it’s your father and grandfather’s place to give you advice on your personal life. But I have to say getting involved with that Dalcour girl is–”
“Stop right there, Mr. Henry. My personal life is not open for discussion,” Simon said, cutting him off.
A few seconds of heavy silence followed.
“Fine, I didn’t mean to offend. But I’ve known that family longer than you, son. They’ve got some serious problems. Maybe it’s not her fault who her grandfather was, or her father.” Henry waved a hand.
“I don’t think I want to hear it.” Simon put down his coffee mug. Suddenly his taste for anything was gone.
“I’ve never known you to be this closed-minded, son. Before you judge me, listen to what I have to say.” Henry leaned forward.
“I have a closed mind? You sit here, condemning a young woman, based on fifty-year-old events. You don’t even know Rae or her family.” Simon tried to contain his temper.
“Oh, I know enough, believe me. You do know she was… involved with Darcy at one time. There was always talk about her back in those days.” Henry wore a grimace. “Her grandfather was the same way.”
“Don’t say any more, Mr. Henry.” Simon could feel the pressure building. In a few moments he might say something very ugly to this man he’d known all his life. “Is there any other reason for this visit?” He stood up.
Henry rose to face him. “I thought we knew each other well enough that you would listen to reason. But at least consider the business aspects for our families. That property is important to both our companies, Simon. To sacrifice real economic development for a juke joint is crazy. Think of our community.”
“The Dalcours have a right to decide whether to sell their property.”
“She’s being stubborn out of spite.” Henry put a hand on Simon’s arm. “Since you’re close to the girl, talk to her. Maybe there is some advantage to your being on good terms with them. I want that property.”
Simon moved away from him. “I’m not going to use my relationship with Rae to change her mind.”
“I was young once, Simon. I know how it is to be single and carefree. After your fling is over, that property will still be vital.” Henry persisted in pressing home his logic.
“You’ve made one too many assumptions. What happens between Rae
and I is private.” Simon spoke louder as he went on.
“Don’t be a fool!” Henry shot back in a taut voice. “You’re from one of the oldest families in this parish. The Dalcours are descended from field hands. You have a duty to the St. Cyrs and, yes, to the Jove family.”
“That’s nineteenth-century nonsense.” Simon lowered his voice when a cautious knock sounded on the office door. “No wonder Toya thinks the way she does. This obsession with family background is disgusting.”
Nola opened the door just enough to stick her head in. She peered from Simon to Henry. “Everything all right?”
Simon turned around and went to stand behind his desk. He started gathering up a stack of blueprints. “Goodbye, Mr. Henry.”
“We’ll discuss this again, Simon.” The older man held himself stiff, his face etched with deep lines.
Simon returned Henry’s fierce gaze with one of equal resolution. “No, we won’t.”
Henry stalked out of the office without returning Nola’s goodbye. She flinched when the outer door slammed.
“Oo-wee, things got loud in here. Mr. Henry not too happy about something.” Nola looked at Simon expectantly.
Simon threw down his ink pen. “Pompous bag of wind!”
“Yeah, who does he think he is?” Nola threw a glare in the direction Henry had gone. “Think their you-know-what don’t stink.”
“The man is caught up in the past.” Simon wanted to do more than throw something. The veiled insults to Rae made him furious.
“Uh-huh. Just cause his slutty first wife took off. Course he was jealous and mean.” Nola spoke in a confidential manner, even though they were alone. “But then she liked to roam, as the old folks say.”
“Now is that nice?” Simon scolded. Still, he could not help but be amused.
“I’m reporting facts.” Nola shrugged. “Anyway, don’t let him get you upset. Most of the town loves how Rae’s bringing folks in to spend money.”
“The dance hall is a big success.”
Simon had to agree. There had been an increase in the number of people strolling around downtown during the past weekend. He was sure more than a few were either headed for Rockin’ Good Times or on their way out. The few shop owners that opened did a brisk business.
