by Robin Caroll
“Nice?” Tracey giggled. “I’m not sure Beau would appreciated his kiss being referred to as nice.”
Adelaide giggled herself. “I mean, I enjoyed it. More than I thought I ever could.” She’d felt connected to him. “But it was Beau, so it was familiar. I trust him.”
Tracey smiled. “That’s really good, Ads. I mean it. I was so worried that you would never let a man get close to you.”
“Gee, thanks for the vote of confidence.”
“Don’t misunderstand, I wouldn’t blame you if you felt that way. Some women who go through assaults like yours never get over the physical connection to their experience. It’s totally logical.”
Adelaide shrugged. “I get that, but you know what? Now that I’ve told people about what happened to me, hard as it was, I feel as if I’ve been set free. I don’t want to give that piece of trash even a sliver of power over me anymore. I refuse to let what he did to me define who I am.”
Tracey leaned over and hugged her. “I’m so proud of you. And I love you, my bestie.”
“As I love you. I don’t know if I ever thanked you for being there for me and forcing me to go to therapy, but you saved my life.”
“I got you, girl.” Tracey gave her a final squeeze, then pulled the throw pillow into her lap. “So where did you leave it with Beau?”
“He got a phone call and I said I needed to go, so I left.”
“Ran away?”
Adelaide grinned. “No, I walked out the front door, but man, my heart raced like I was running.”
Tracey chuckled. “You should be glad he just had surgery or he’d have followed you.”
“Don’t I know it. I just need a little time to assimilate my emotions. They’re swarming.”
“I can’t believe he hasn’t called you.”
Adelaide pulled her phone out of her purse and showed her welcome screen to Tracey.
“Eight missed calls? You need to call him back and put him out of his misery. He’s probably terrified he’s upset you and that you’re angry or traumatized.”
“I did. I called him back and told him I was okay, but that I just needed a little time to think. He said he understood.”
“Good. I’d hate for him to think you were upset. That man’s waited on you for years.”
“Mmm-hmm.”
Tracey narrowed her eyes. “What aren’t you telling me, Ads?”
“Well, Dimitri asked me out today.”
“What? And you’re just now telling me?”
“This day’s been really crazy.”
“Sounds like it. How did Dimitri ask you out? I’ve always thought he was so handsome.”
Adelaide smiled. “He is handsome. Very.”
Tracey flashed her a cheesy grin and winked.
“He confessed the reason he’d originally told his father he’d give up his dream of being a chef was so his father wouldn’t fire me.”
“What?” Tracey shook her head.
“Claude had threatened to fire me if Dimitri didn’t agree to give up being a chef and give in to his father’s wishes to become CEO.”
“Wow, that man’s a piece of work. First-rate jerk. How can you stand to work for him?”
“You know that I love my job. It’s what I always wanted to do with my life. And the Darkwater Inn is in my blood, strange as that sounds.”
“I know, but still. Claude Pampalon is a jerk.”
Adelaide laughed. “You’ll get no argument from me on that, but he won’t be hovering for much longer.”
“Do tell.”
“According to what Dimitri told me, after proving to Claude that Lissette Bastien is his daughter with a DNA test, Claude agreed to let Dimitri stay in the kitchen and train Lissette to take over as CEO.”
“Hold up. You’re telling me that they come up with DNA results and Claude Pampalon just rolls over and agrees to what they propose?” Tracey shook her head. “That doesn’t fit. Claude Pampalon, by all accounts, is accustomed to getting his way. And a control freak.”
“I know, but Dimitri assures me that it’s all settled.”
Tracey kept shaking her head. “I don’t know. I know you want to believe that—heck, I do too, for you, but really? Do you honestly believe Claude’s going to let this go?”
Adelaide let out a low breath. “No.” She shocked herself to admit it. “And I have to confess, I’m really uneasy about Lissette’s involvement in voodoo. I know Dimitri doesn’t believe in that because of his faith, but it concerns me that she had been putting binding curses on him.”
“Casting binding spells.” Tracey automatically corrected her wording.
“Whatever. I’m just not comfortable with it all.”
“I don’t blame you. From what I learned, she’s not just a dabbler but is very active in the practice.”
“Dimitri won’t tolerate that.”
Tracey shrugged. “It’s not something you just stop.”
“Yeah, it makes me uneasy.”
“You just be careful, girl. Watch your back.”
Adelaide nodded. “I will.”
“And Dimitri asked you out.”
“He asked me to dinner sometime. I asked for clarification, as in a date, and he confirmed.” Adelaide bit her bottom lip. “It made my heart skip a beat.”
“What did you tell him?”
“That I’d see.”
“Let me get this straight. In one day, the handsome guy you’ve become friends with over the last several years asks you out. Then the sweetheart of a guy who’s been sweet on you since high school decides to kiss you. On the same day?”
“I know, right?” Adelaide couldn’t stop the smile from spreading nor the warmth that reached her toes.
“It’s like somebody cast an attraction spell on you.”
“That’s not even funny.”
“Sorry.” Tracey nudged her. “But that’s really something, you know?”
“Yeah.” Was it a fluke?
“What are you thinking?”
“I don’t know. That’s just it. It’s been an emotional week. I’ve had to process a lot. I just don’t know what I think. What I feel. Or what I should.” Adelaide looked at Tracey. “What does that say about me?”
“That you’re a normal person who survived a traumatic experience and are dealing with a lot of emotional crap at the moment.” Tracey put her arm around Adelaide and hugged her. “Want my advice?”
“Of course.”
“Take it easy on yourself, Ads. Give yourself space. Take it day by day, and don’t let anybody rush you. Do what you want. Go out with Dimitri and Beau. Nobody says you have to jump into a relationship. Or don’t go out with either of them. Go out with whoever interests you.” She hugged her harder. “Do what’s best for you.”
If only it was that easy. “How do I know what that is?”
“Only you can decide that, sweetie, but there’s no rush. You take your time and do what you want, when you want.”
If only she knew what that was.
Dimitri
“Are you okay?” Dimitri stood as Adelaide stepped into the hall.
She smiled. “I’m fine. Mr. Kidel said he’d take us to see Geoff in a few minutes.” She sat in the chair beside Dimitri.
He reached for her hand and squeezed it. “Everything okay?”
She nodded. “I gave my statement of what Kevin Muller did to me, how he lied about his name and everything.”
His heart stood still. “Are you sure you’re okay?” He’d only given a statement of Geoff’s character and outstanding employment history, but Adelaide . . . she had agreed to give a statement of the vileness of Kevin Muller.
She let go of his hand. “I am. It was actually quite liberating to do something useful with what happened to me.” She smiled slowly, her face brightening. “To be honest, I felt empowered. At first, I was very apprehensive, but as Mr. Kidel asked me questions and led me to tell the details, I felt . . . I don’t know, it just felt like every time I tell my story, a weigh
t lifts off me.”
Before Dimitri could say something stupid like a stammering schoolboy and embarrass himself, Mr. Kidel opened the door and joined them in the hallway. “It’s all set. Let’s go see Geoff.”
They followed him as he led the way. “I’m sorry we had to meet in this place, but it’s convenient when visiting someone in the jail. I do, however, appreciate you both coming and giving statements.”
“Of course, anything for Geoff.” She hugged herself as she followed Mr. Kidel. “How’s he holding up?”
“He’s doing well, considering.”
“Do you think the plea offer will come like you thought?” Dimitri hoped so.
Mr. Kidel nodded. “I do, with all the evidence against Muller. Especially with both of your statements. I’ll meet with the ADA this afternoon and see what they’re open to.”
He led them through the process of checking in to visit at the jail, and they were led to a room. “Since I’m his attorney, we get to use the room instead of the common visiting area. It affords us more privacy.”
“We certainly appreciate it, Mr. Kidel.” Dimitri pulled out the chair for Adelaide before sitting beside her at the table.
“We can’t visit but a moment, but I know you both are Geoff’s friends. It’ll do him a world of good to see y’all and know you stood up for him.”
“Of course.” Adelaide nodded.
A few minutes later, a uniformed police officer led in Geoff.
Adelaide stood and hugged him. “How are you doing?” she asked.
“I’m good. You didn’t have to come visit me. A jail is no place for a lady like yourself.”
“Oh, please.” She let him go.
As soon as she did, Dimitri shook Geoff’s hand. “Do you need anything?”
“I’m good, Mr. Pampalon.”
“They can only stay a few minutes, Geoff,” Mr. Kidel said, reminding them.
He nodded. “I can’t tell you how much it means for you both to come here and to give statements on my behalf. I’m grateful.”
“Of course. And as I told Mr. Kidel, I’m happy to testify in court if you need it.” Adelaide’s warmth projected from her smile.
“I appreciate that. I really do.”
The officer opened the door. “It’s time.”
Mr. Kidel nodded. “Sorry, but y’all will have to leave now.”
Adelaide stole another quick hug. “Stay strong. We’re here for you.”
Geoff smiled and nodded.
Dimitri shook his hand and gave him a side hug before taking Adelaide’s elbow and leading her out.
“He looked good.” Dimitri led her the way Mr. Kidel had shown them the way to exit.
“He did. I’m glad we got to see him for a minute, at least.”
Dimitri opened the door and let her precede him. A blast of cold air cloaked them as they made their way to his car. He settled Adelaide into the passenger’s side before sliding behind the wheel. “It’s gotten colder.”
“Weather said there was supposed to be a cold front pushing through. Guess it made it.”
He started the engine and turned the heat on. The silence fell between them like a rock. Had asking her out caused such confliction? He needed to find out and make a course correction, if possible. He didn’t want to risk their friendship. “Adelaide, I hope my asking you out hasn’t made things awkward between us. I’m in no way rushing you, of course. I just wanted you to know my intent, but only if and when you’re ready.”
She twisted in the front seat to face him. “I appreciate that, and when I’m ready, I’ll let you know.” She smiled. “But I do need to talk to you about something important.”
“All right.”
“I don’t want to offend you, but you know how much I care about you, so I only bring this to your attention because of that.”
“Okay.” His gut tightened in anticipation. Or dread. He wasn’t sure which.
“I know Lissette is your half sister, but Dimitri, she practices voodoo. I know that goes against your faith.”
He let out the breath he’d been holding. “It does, but Lissette assures me that she’s finished with that.”
Adelaide pressed her lips together.
“What?”
“She’s apparently been very active in the practice, and it’s not something you just quit.” She leaned over and took his hand. “I just want you to be careful, Dimitri.”
He squeezed her hand. “I am. You’ll see. Lissette’s turning over a new leaf. She’s even coming to church with me on Sunday. She and Elise both.” He released her hand and grinned. “Want to come as well?”
She laughed. “Need a gaggle of ladies on your arm, Mr. Pampalon?”
“I wouldn’t mind.”
Adelaide sobered. “I’m not quite ready. I’m starting to talk to God again and listen, but it’s personal for now.”
His heart nearly burst out of his chest. Thank You, Jesus! He contained his delight. “Of course. I understand.”
“One other thing.”
“Yes?” he asked.
“Your father. Do you think he really is going to step aside and let Lissette take the CEO role? Seriously?”
She’d voiced what had kept him up a lot last night. “I’d like to think he would, I pray he does, but like you, I’m realistic. I’ve taken every precaution I can think of to ensure that’s what happens, but I’m also being watchful.”
“Good. I didn’t want you to be unaware. I don’t trust your father to just let it go. It’s not in his nature.”
He shook his head. “No, it’s not. But I can’t live in fear of what he might do. All I can do is move forward, doing the best that I can, and handle whatever he comes up with to throw my way.”
“Well, I’ll be here to help you with whatever he does.”
Her smile did crazy things to his heart. He’d better get them going before he really stumbled over himself.
Thirty
Adelaide
“This is going to look fabulous on you.” Tracey laid the dress over Adelaide’s bed. “It’s perfect for you.”
Adelaide stared at the dress she knew she would never buy for herself. The tag alone, Mardi Gras Couture House, screamed of money and position in society that Adelaide had never belonged in. Yet here she was, staring at the most beautiful dress she’d ever seen.
The off-the-shoulder Mikado trumpet gown was deep crimson with contrasting black embroidery and heat-set stones, a deep plunging neckline with an illusion modesty panel, a keyhole back, princess seams, and contrasting hem. Tracey was right: it was a perfect dress.
“And look at the mask I found. It matches as if it were made to go with the dress, yes?” Tracey laid out the elaborate Mardi Gras masquerade mask and set it on the bed beside the dress. It was a Venetian Carnival–style mask. The gold half-face was bordered with red finely tatted lace and ornate with swirls that hosted a dozen ruby insets. The black and red feathers extended at least six to eight inches from the mask itself.
“Oh mercy,” Adelaide breathed. “I love them.”
Tracey laughed. “I figured you would. Come on, let me do your hair and makeup. I’ve been looking forward to tonight for forever.”
Adelaide giggled and let her best friend lead her into her dressing area. Despite everything, all the upheaval of the last couple of weeks, Adelaide looked forward to dressing up and attending the Mardi Gras ball with Tracey.
“I decided your hair should be half up, half down.” Tracey played with Adelaide’s hair. “What do you think?”
“I don’t care. Do whatever you think will look best.”
“Yes!” Tracey grabbed the brush and bobby pins. “You know, you could join our krewe, and I bet you’d be queen in a year or so.”
“No, thank you. I enjoy the balls, but I remember all the work you had to put in when you were queen. I don’t have time.”
Tracey laughed. “Yeah, but it was fun.” She kept brushing, then braiding. “So, did you talk with Dimi
tri about his sister?”
“I did.” Adelaide didn’t really want to discuss anything very heavy. Tonight was going to be fun. “He said he’ll watch out for any signs. Apparently, she’s turning over a new leaf. Even going to church with Dimitri.”
“That girl’s got a serious crush on him. He should watch her too. I wouldn’t be surprised if she put a binding on him to make him fall for her.”
Adelaide snorted. “Like that would ever happen.”
“I wouldn’t be surprised. Look down so I can get this line straight.”
Bending her head, Adelaide considered how she felt about someone having a crush on Dimitri. Did she mind?
Strangely enough, she found that she did. The thought that he would like someone else too really bothered her. Did that mean she was ready to date him?
No, just because another woman—girl, really—found him attractive wasn’t a reason to start dating someone if she wasn’t sure she was ready to move into a romantic relationship. It wouldn’t be fair to Dimitri.
Or Beau.
“Okay, look straight.”
She automatically obeyed Tracey’s instructions. Her friend grabbed the curling rod and went to town on the length left hanging down her back. “What about you and Chuck, Trace?”
“What about us?”
“Are y’all getting serious?”
Tracey smiled as she curled more hair. “I think so. He definitely does.”
“Do you think you’ll marry him?”
“Marry?” Tracey laughed, full and throaty. “I guess. One day.”
“But not soon?”
“No. I’m still too young, at least to my way of thinking. So is he, although he likes to think he’s older and more mature.” Tracey wound another section of hair around the rod. “Why do you ask?”
Adelaide shrugged. “You seem happy with him, but you’re still your own person. Like tonight, you’re going out to a ball without him.”
Tracey laughed again. “Yeah, but he’s working. It’s hard that he got promoted to captain, which means he’s at the fire station a lot more than I’d like, especially during the carnival season, but overall, yeah. I get what you’re saying. A lot of women seem to lose themselves when they get serious with a guy. I’m not one of those women.” She stared into Adelaide’s face. “And neither are you, Ads. Don’t you forget that.”
