Untrusting Hearts: A Contemporary New Orleans Romance (12 page)

Jade shook her head in disgust.
That man sure has a liking for himself.
She took both their glasses to the kitchen, rinsed them, and left them in the sink. Once in her room, she called Jeff and touched base with him. Everything was fine at home and they hung up directly. Jade allowed herself a soothing bath before bed. Tomorrow, she would clear her thoughts by spending a relaxing day with Maylene. She sank quickly into sleep on the luxurious mattress.

Chapter 8

“What do you think about going shopping today?” Jade asked as she poured a glass of juice at the breakfast table the next morning.

“Shopping? That sounds wonderful. Let me think, where can we go?”

“Ty suggested starting at Lacy’s. But if you have a better idea…”

“No, no! I love Lacy’s. There are wonderful stores in that area. You’re sure to find tons of clothes to take home.”

“Well, I don’t have enough money to buy tons of clothes, but I may pick up one or two items if they catch my eye.”

“Pshaw. You’ll find more than one or two items,” Maylene threw her words back at her, sure as only the rich can be that shopping always included buying.

“Mmm-hmm.” Jade made a noncommittal sound. “Anyway, Ty also said there are several delis in the area so I thought I’d treat you to lunch. You’ve done so much for me since I’ve been here.”

“Perfect, darling,” Maylene said as she ate the last bite of her omelet. “I think I’ll get ready now. Be sure to wear something easy to slip on and off.”

Jade smiled as her aunt moved elegantly away from the table and glided toward the staircase. She soon followed. She chose a bright yellow sundress and sandals. Blush and lipstick were all she wore as far as make-up. A spritz of flowery perfume and she was ready. She grabbed a straw bag and ran happily down the stairs.

It was only a short time later that Maylene appeared in an olive-colored shift with a lightweight beige jacket. Diamonds graced each ear and the scent of melon body spray floated in the air ahead of her. “You look lovely, Jade.”

“So do you. We’ll turn some heads today.” Jade giggled.

“Oh, I’m sure we will. Shall we?”

Maylene drove a Lexus. The sleek vehicle seemed to glide along the streets and before long they were parked and on the sidewalk outside Lacy’s. “Here we are.”

The windows displayed an array of vintage-styled chic clothing. Jade shuddered to think of the prices. As they entered the store the cool air-conditioning wrapped them in its embrace, causing both women to shiver slightly. But Jade soon forgot the temperature as Maylene handed her one outfit after another to try on.

“I can’t afford these so why bother?” Jade whispered as Maylene handed her yet another dress in another shop.

“You won’t be paying for them, silly. These will be my gifts.”

“Oh, no! I can’t let you buy me clothes. What would people think? That I’d come here to mooch off you, that’s what.”

“Pooey! Gage isn’t in charge of my money.

Blushing, Jade stammered, “Who said anything about Gage?”

“Jade, dear, I know Gage very well. Once a young woman came to visit, claiming to be a long-lost relative. I was pleased but wary. Gage sniffed out the truth about the girl in no time and sent her packing. You’d think he had a vested interest in my wealth. But he simply wants to protect me.”

“Yes, against me.”

“Oh, no, honey. Don’t talk that way. There’s a huge difference, don’t you see?”

“Is there? What is it?”

“The difference is that I know for a fact you are family and there’s nothing he can say that would make me think otherwise. And I
want
to buy you some pretty things. I never had children; I missed shopping with a daughter.”

Realizing she wouldn’t win this discussion, Jade grudgingly allowed Maylene to purchase a few things, ending up with seven dresses, three jackets, and a dozen pairs of shoes and purses. But if Maylene had had her way, there would have been ten times as much.

“The packages will all be delivered to the house,” Maylene explained when they left the first store empty-handed, even though they’d selected several items.

As the pair made their way to an old-fashioned deli for a late lunch, Jade complained, “This day was supposed to have been my treat. Now all I get to pay for is the meal. Something just seems wrong about the whole thing.”

“On the contrary. Everything seems just right. You’ve really made me happy being here.” She reached over and placed her hand over Jade’s for a second.

Jade felt tears well up and blinked rapidly to keep them back. “That’s so nice, Maylene. You make me happy too.”

After they’d eaten, the two women held hands as they walked down the street. Suddenly Maylene stopped. “Jade, look!”

“What?”

“Crystals!”

“I don’t understand.”

“This new store. They have crystals and whatnot. I just love this kind of stuff. It’s so relaxing. Let’s go inside; I want to get an ambient music CD.”

“A what?”

“They’re tracks of mellow, tranquil music. So soothing.”

Feeling uncertain, Jade followed on Maylene’s heels as the older woman bustled into the building. Her senses were assailed by the strong aroma of incense wafting past her, their tantalizing fragrances carried on a breeze generated by a pedestal fan on the floor. Crystals and gemstones sparkled from trays lined up along one wall. Tinkling sounded from chimes. A rack displayed books on meditation, spirit guides, other dimensions, and astral travel. Tarot cards, amulets, vials of unknown solutions, magnetic bracelets, herbs, and scented oils cluttered the small space. Their music section included recordings of Gregorian chants, ocean waves, binaural tones, space music, and nature sounds.

“Wow! This is kind of overwhelming,” Jade muttered to Maylene who had selected a tranquil moods CD and was approaching the counter to pay.

Ruby-red satin drapery covered the doorway leading to the rear of the store. The curtain fluttered as a woman wearing a turban and long flowing gowns swept into the room. She was tall with a queenly bearing, prominent nose, and heavy-lidded eyes. Maylene drew in her breath and came to a dead stop. “Madam Zulerha! I didn’t realize you had opened a new shop.”

The woman’s head lifted slowly and her gaze met Maylene’s. She rushed forward and gathered her into an embrace. “Maylene Broussard Dubois! It has been far too long but I was expecting to see you, if not today, then soon. I had a premonition just last night. Oh my! Look at your aura. It is positively blazing! I’ve never seen anything like it. Something marvelous is in store for you, no doubt. But, that is not all. Oh no, indeed; the powers of darkness are never idle. Trouble is always brewing on the spiritual plane.” She snatched Maylene’s hand and turned her palm up, brushing it gently with the tips of her long fingers. “Yes, it is as I thought. You must come to the back for a reading, immediately. There is no time to waste. Remember, our vigilance is its own reward.”

Vigilance is its own reward?
Jade briefly puzzled over the words and decided they were nonsense. The woman began leading Maylene toward the covered door. Jade’s wits finally caught up with her and she remembered the problems Gage had mentioned about psychics and mediums. Leaping forward, she grabbed her aunt by the arm. “We need to leave, Maylene.”

“What? Oh, Jade. This won’t take long. You just wait here.”

“Maylene! I don’t feel well. I need to go. Please help me.” It was all the girl could think to say and it seemed to work.

“Jade. What is it, dear?” She pulled from the medium’s grasp and Jade saw her chance.

Taking the older woman by the arm, Jade led her hurriedly toward the outer door. “I feel faint.”

“Maylene! Jean Pierre awaits. He has important news for you. And not all of it is good,” Madam Zulerha wailed and Maylene stopped, obviously torn.

Jade knew it was time to up the game. She moaned and swooned against her aunt.

“Oh, my,” Maylene gasped. “I’ll come back, Madam Zulerha. I must help my niece.”

Once outside, Jade straightened slightly and rushed to the car. She noticed the blankness behind Maylene’s eyes and asked for the keys. Forgetting it was Jade who was supposed to feel bad, Maylene handed them over.

It took a little bit of coaxing, but the older woman managed to give Jade directions to the house. The entire way home she mumbled about Jean Pierre and wondered aloud what he might have said to her if she’d only been allowed to stay. She begged Jade to go back but Jade persisted. At the house, Jade called out to Ciana to help. Between them they got Maylene upstairs and into bed.

“Please stay with her while I call Mr. Pichot,” Jade requested of the maid.

Finding his number in her recent calls, Jade phoned Gage. “Maylene is having sort of an episode. She’s very distressed. I’m not sure what to do.”

“An episode?” he snapped. “Is she ill?”

“No, I don’t think so.” Jade’s voice trembled. “Just upset. When do you think you’ll be back?”

“Actually I finished my business early and I’m at the airport now; my plane just landed.” He was silent, obviously thinking. “Listen, Jade, I need you to try to keep her calm until I get there. Do you understand?”

“Of course.”

Without another word, he disconnected.

Jade sat with Maylene until Ciana informed her that Mr. Pichot had arrived. The maid took over while Jade went downstairs to explain what had happened. “We went shopping and to a deli to eat; everything was going fine. Then, as we were returning to the car, Maylene saw a shop with crystals and candles. She said she wanted to get an ambient music CD. Once we were inside a woman came from the back room. Maylene knew her. She called her Madam Zulhaha or something.”

Gage slammed his briefcase onto the sofa. “Now isn’t that just great? After all I told you, you took her straight to Madam Zulerha, the biggest shark of them all. I thought you understood the depression Maylene faced after Jean Pierre’s death. I thought I made it clear the seriousness of the situation and that I believe she is still fragile. Yet you allowed this to happen. I never saw you as a wicked woman, Jade Broussard. But I was wrong.” Saying no more, he turned and went up the stairs two steps at a time.

Tears welled in her eyes but she remained where she was, steeped in misery.

A bit later, Gage entered the living room where Jade waited. Running his hands through his hair, he eventually met her eyes. “I apologize. Maylene assured me she had no idea a medium was present in the shop, much less one of the vultures that used to torture her. I overreacted and I’m sorry. Please forgive me, Jade.”

Hurt and angry, Jade started to deny his wish, but she relented. “Of course. I know you were just worried about your friend.”

“Madam Zulerha used to work in a different location. After Maylene’s episodes with the seers, I had the police poke into their businesses. Zulerha and several others were closed down. Seems as if at least one of the scum has resurfaced. I’ll check the place out tomorrow, but I’ll bet the old hag has already disappeared. And if not, she soon will.” He shook his head. “Shame of it is, she could probably be very successful if she would stick to legitimate business. But she can’t resist the urge to bilk lonely or grieving people.”

“It’s horrible. I wish I had known.”

“There was no way you could have.” Gage draped his jacket over his arm and Jade couldn’t help but feast her eyes on his broad chest. She longed to be pressed against it again. But that wasn’t what Gage had in mind. “Since Maylene seems fairly settled, I’m going to run to the office and take care of some business. She’s had a glass of sherry and will probably nap until evening. I’ll be back later to look in on her.”

“I’ll see you then,” Jade said softly.

He paused and studied her, as if he wanted to say something. Instead, he picked up his briefcase and jacket and left. Jade remained in the living room, awash in undeserved embarrassment. Gage seemed always ready to believe the worst of her.

Chapter 9

Nursing her bruised feelings, Jade figured it would be best if she got out of the house for awhile. A quick peek into Maylene’s room confirmed her aunt was resting easily. Faithful Ciana kept watch from a chair at her bedside.

Thus reassured, Jade returned downstairs and prepared to leave. She had just gathered her purse and camera when Ty entered the front door. “Where are you off to?”

“Going for a walk,” she said tersely, pulling her sunglasses from her bag. “Why are you here?”

“Ciana has instructions to call me if anything happens to Maylene,” he said smoothly. “But it looks like it was unnecessary this time. I spoke to Gage on my way in and he explained everything. So, all’s well?”

“No thanks to you.” Jade slid her glasses on top of her head and turned to face him.

“Me? What do you mean?” He leaned against the wall and crossed his arms.

“You’re the one that told me to take her to that neighborhood.” Even as the words left her mouth, Jade knew she was being unreasonable.

“I told you about the boutiques and the deli. I had no idea Zulerha had set up shop nearby. How
could
I know? I don’t make a habit of shopping in women’s stores.”

“Well,
I
certainly couldn’t have known. I’m not even
from
this city.” Tears threatened but she blinked them back.

“Who’s blaming you?” He looked at her thoughtfully. “Ah, I think I know what’s got you so worked up. Gage lit into you, didn’t he?”

“Would you care if he did?”

“Of course. I’ve been on the receiving end of his sanctimonious lectures before. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. Especially you.” His light brown eyes were full of empathy.

His apparent sincerity drained her of her anger and she decided to let the subject go. Though his recommendation had led to this fiasco, it probably hadn’t been a set-up like she first suspected. He was most likely as innocent as she was.

“Alright,” she said. “Let’s just forget about it.” Nothing good could come of arguing with him.

“Friends again?” He gave her a brilliant smile.

“Sure.” She hung the camera around her neck, shouldered her purse strap, and slid on her sunglasses.

“Then let me come with you.”

“It wouldn’t be very entertaining for you. I’m just going to wander the old neighborhoods and take pictures.”

“But I know where the most picturesque areas are. I could show you palatial homes, estates that would take your breath away, even some gothic buildings off the beaten path.”

“Look, Ty, don’t take this the wrong way, but I’m not in the mood for company. After all the shopping and then the scene with the medium and getting Maylene home...”

“And Gage chewing you out, don’t forget that,” he interjected cheerfully.

“Right, and the
discussion
with Gage...it’s all been pretty hard on my spirit. So, if you don’t mind, I’ll see myself around.”

She set out walking, shoulders back, head high. Behind her, she heard footsteps. Turning quickly, she saw Ty tailing her. However, when he caught her watching him, he stopped, whistled an off-key tune, and feigned an interest in the sky.

“Are you following me? Seriously?” she asked, incredulous.

“Who me?” He touched his chest with both hands and looked at her in mock surprise. “No, I’m just out for a stroll on this fine day. Can I help it if we’re both going the same direction?”

She shook her head but couldn’t help giggling. “Okay, fine. We may as well walk together.”

With a quick grin, he hurried to catch up with her. Apparently Ty couldn’t recognize a rejection or just refused to accept one, she mused, as they traipsed up one street and down another. Or maybe some secret part of her wanted to make Gage pay for his treatment of her by spending time with another man, especially when the other man was Ty. In any case, she whiled away the late afternoon hours with Ty at her side.

She wondered if he liked her as much as he seemed to or if his affability was phony. Maybe he was just as conflicted about her presence as Gage was, only better at hiding his true feelings. She might not be able to trust Ty entirely, but everything should be fine as long as she was careful. At least she could see more of New Orleans and get some interesting shots for her scrapbook.

Ty didn’t appear rushed and they wandered at leisure. As they walked, she found out more about Maylene, things that helped explain her delight at meeting Jade. Fate had not been kind to the Broussards. The family tree had been cruelly pruned over the years.

“Learning she had a great-niece, no matter how distant, put a new spark in her life. Since you came along, she’s been revitalized,” Ty said. “One thing has astounded me, though, and that’s Pichot’s reaction to you.”

Jade stopped and put a hand on his arm. “What do you mean?”

“Can I speak openly with you?”

“Yes, please do.” She removed her sunglasses and searched his eyes.

“Well, he seems to spend a lot of time with you. I expect underneath it all he’s pretty pissed off about the situation.”

“Why’s that?”

“It goes way back. Jean Pierre took a shine to him when he was young, saw potential in him or something. It wasn’t long before Maylene followed suit. He may as well have been their own blood, the way they treated him. Took him in, gave him a home, paid for his education. Good old Gage really wormed his way into their hearts. They felt paternal toward him. How else does a complete nobody, without any social standing whatsoever, start out as a busboy and end up running the company? How else could he zoom up the ladder like he has? Jean Pierre’s fondness for him was the key. The golden key to his success. I’ll bet your arrival has really screwed things up for him, messed with his aspirations.”

“Aspirations?”

“Yes. To gain control over the family wealth. And just maybe by doing so, to get back at his former fiancée. It’d be a real poke in the eye to her if he inherits now that their marriage is off. Has he told you about her?”

“No. The subject never came up.”
Fiancée? Gage?
She slipped her glasses over her eyes once again and began walking. Ty moved along smoothly beside her.

For some reason, the news shocked her, though it shouldn’t. Why did the knowledge rattle her so? At his age, it was normal to have had a past relationship. She’d had them herself. But it still vexed her. Perhaps it was because of the conversations where they’d shared so many personal details with each other. Yet he’d failed to tell her about a woman he’d cared enough about, at least at one time, to propose marriage to? It was a significant life event, but he’d chosen not to mention it.

“The engagement fell through,” Ty continued, unaware of her stunned response. “Liv is an heiress, way out of his league. And a social climber. She’s high-class, high-maintenance, and high-intensity. As driven as she is gorgeous. I always thought she latched onto Pichot thinking he’d rise to her level. But he didn’t fall into line with her plans. It infuriated her that he had hooked up with the Dubois family but wouldn’t take advantage of their largesse and fortune to elevate his own status. She has no concept of working your way to the top. She couldn’t see the sense in waiting until Maylene and Jean Pierre kicked the bucket before enjoying the fruits of their generosity. But Gage plays the game differently; he bides his time.”

It seemed so manipulative and scheming. Surely Gage’s devotion to Maylene was genuine; he seemed sincere in his protectiveness of her. “I don’t see what any of that has to do with me.”

“I’m sure it’s nothing personal. It’s just the competition you pose, the share you’ll snag of the inheritance he’s had his eye on for so long.”

“I’m not after Maylene’s wealth.” Her reply was curt.

“Perhaps, but how could Gage know that? You are a blood relative; a true Broussard, a rare entity indeed. You are a genuine heir.”

“I’m nothing of the sort. I don’t intend to inherit anything. It’s the furthest thing from my mind.”

“Well, if you think you can stay out of Maylene’s will just because you don’t want to be there, you don’t know Maylene. If she wants to bequeath to you, bequeath she will. It’s your legacy.”

“Legacies, wills,” Jade spat. For anyone to inherit, Maylene would have to die. The thought upset her. “And what about you, Ty? Aren’t you going to get a piece of the pie? You’re related by blood to Jean Pierre and Maylene loved and respected him enough to keep you on the payroll; I’m sure you’ll get a cut, a generous one.”

“Oh, absolutely. I’ll get something. Unless Gage gets his hands on it first.”

“It all sounds so cold, unfeeling. So mercenary. How about love? Commitment? Caring? Don’t they matter?”

“Sure they matter. But, realistically, they’re only part of the equation.” At the incredulous look on Jade’s face, he continued, “I probably should’ve kept my mouth shut.”

“No. It’s good you told me. It makes some things a lot clearer.” For example, Gage’s watchfulness over Maylene’s money. She understood that he had a responsibility to the woman, but Jade was tired of him projecting his materialism onto her. Whose money was he really watching, Maylene’s or his own future jackpot? She was suddenly weary and insisted that Ty call for a taxi.

“Hey, do you like karaoke?” he asked as they drew near Maylene’s. “It’s too early to go home yet; the night is young. Come with me to this joint I know of. They have the biggest selection of songs, something for everyone. It’s great fun.”

“Not tonight, Ty. I’m worn out.” Jade dug in her purse and paid the cabbie as Ty jumped out and ran around to open her door for her.

“That’s fine. But don’t forget you’ve promised to let me take you to Bourbon Street.” He flung his sun-streaked hair back with a toss of his head and graced her with a hopeful smile.

“I remember,” she said, only half-listening. Her thoughts were focused on the present, not some shadowy date in the future. Still, if Maylene knew they were going out, maybe she’d stop throwing Jade and Gage together. Her back stiffened as they passed Gage’s car. She’d hoped he wouldn’t be back yet.

Once inside, Jade ran lightly up the stairs, put her bag and camera away, and freshened up before returning to the main floor. Passing through the dining room, she intercepted Ciana, whose arms were laden with a large tray, to ask about Maylene.

“She’s in the sitting room awaiting dinner, Miss.”

“Thank you.” Jade gave the girl a warm smile.

Ty, who had waited for Jade, took her elbow and escorted her down the hallway. Before they reached the doorway, Jade heard Gage’s voice and tension tightened her shoulders. Angry as she was at the things Ty had told her, she wasn’t sure she wanted to face him now. But there was no choice. As Ty led her into the room, Gage’s expression darkened into a scowl.

Maylene, looking a bit flushed, wore an ivory-colored silk dress with a royal blue oversized scarf draped casually around her neck. Sapphires dangled from her earlobes. “Ty, you’re here. Join us for dinner. I’ll have Ciana set another place.”

With a gloating look in Gage’s direction, Ty said, “Don’t mind if I do.” Maylene stood as they all entered the dining room together. Maylene quietly instructed Ciana to add a place setting. Ty pulled a chair out for Jade then flopped into the seat next to her.

Maylene seemed no worse for her experience. She kept up a lively patter during the meal, mostly praising Gage’s business acumen and his masterful handling of the time-sensitive situation.

“You’re simply a wizard, dear.” Maylene turned her beaming smile on Gage. “Jean Pierre would have been so proud.”

“I had it under control,” Ty said defensively. “You have to let a little tension rise before you close the deal. Believe me; I know how to handle these matters.”

“You almost handled us right out of a lucrative franchise.” Gage’s voice was cool and hard, revealing the level of his disgust better than any amount of bluster.

“Look, I’m the one who initiated this transaction. I should have been the one to conclude it.”

“Then why didn’t you?”

“I would have, when the time was right. Bowing down to deadlines just makes us look desperate.”

“That’s one of the stupidest things I’ve ever heard.” Gage’s face was stony.

“Maybe I’m too
stupid
to handle the Charleston matter, then. Maybe I ought to let you deal with it like you always do.”

“Maybe, but then who would coordinate the Alabama expansion?”

Maylene clapped her hands sharply. “No more talk of business. Let’s retire to the living room to enjoy our brandies.” Shooting Jade a conspiratorial grin, she took both men by the hand and tugged them down the hall, not unlike a nanny with recalcitrant children, shaming them into an uneasy peace.

Gage obviously wanted to leave, but seemed compelled to indulge Maylene. Ty probably was relieved to be included after the error in judgment that had required Gage to clean up his mess. Both men seemed wary and ready to butt heads again at the first opportunity.

“You will be pleased to know that all of my invitations to the masquerade ball have been accepted.” Maylene settled onto the sof
a
once they'd gotten their drinks, and gestured for the others to get comfortable as well.