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Chapter 11

New Orleans – Day 2

Sookie POV

"It's time," Ella says, as I hear her set another timer for 30 minutes.

I stretch and smile as I leisurely roll onto my back, being careful to stay on my sand-free beach towel. I close my eyes reflexively, attempting to keep the blinding sun from them. I hear nothing but the calming waves of the ocean as they crash on shore, and the incessant screeching of the seagulls flying overhead. I inhale deeply, as I allow the sun to slowly warm this now exposed side of my body. I can smell the saltiness in the air, and it reminds me briefly of the scent I have always associated with Eric.

Ella had suggested we drive to Gulfport Beach, while we were eating breakfast this morning. The day was going to be sunny and warm, and the drive would take only an hour or so. I agreed immediately. As I lay here now, I am thankful I made the right decision. I haven't felt this peaceful in a long time. It's as if the sun itself is warming not only my skin, but my soul as well. Besides, the dress I plan on wearing to the Gala in a few days will look even better with my skin a little tanner than before.

I'm distracted from my thoughts as I here Ella making a disgusted sound. "What is it?" I ask immediately, concerned I have somehow upset her with one of my own errant thoughts. Having a daughter that can read your mind, can be a disadvantage at times. Sensing my concern, she replies, "It's not you. It's one of those stupid boys over there." She nods her head in the direction of a group of college students, who have been here playing and drinking all day. One of the boys is leering in our direction, with the encouragement of his friends, he starts to make his way over to us.

I had my shields up entirely, and hadn't been "listening" to anyone. Ella informs me that he is thinking that we are both "HOT!" and imagines he has some chance of talking us into a three-way with him. "Eww," Ella adds, as I watch her shiver despite the heat of the day. I laugh to myself, forgetting she has so little experience with the random thoughts and fantasies of men.

The young man, who upon further inspection is actually quite good-looking, walks up to us and extends his hand towards Ella as he introduces himself. He proceeds to invite us both to join he and his friends, after apologizing for his intrusion. His thoughts may be nasty, but he maintains a polite outward demeanor. The damage already done, Ella flatly turns the man down. He returns to his friends among laughter and ribbing.

"How did you ever do it," she questions. "How did you put up with men, or even Daddy, when they think such nasty thoughts all the time?"

"Oh honey, it's not just the men, you know that," I chuckled at her. "I just got used to blocking out what I could, and having a vampire or were around every now and then helps too."

"Is that why you had so many supernatural boyfriends before daddy?"

"Yeah, maybe. I never really thought about it. I didn't start out trying to date supernaturals, it just sorta happened. Well, except for Bill…he came after me, but you get the point."

"What about Eric?" I think I can see where this is going. "Do you think you'll get involved with him again? He is so obviously into you."

"Would it bother you if I did?" It's a question that I had been meaning to ask her, so I'm glad she brought this up.

She takes a moment to think before answering, "I don't think so. I mean yeah, will it be weird seeing you with someone other than daddy? Yes. But he's gone, and you and I both know that we may live for another hundred years or more…that's an awful long time to be alone. A vampire like Eric can be with you, no matter how long."

The truth of her words sank in. I admit I hadn't given it much thought. I'd only known about my extended lifespan since Ella was born.

We are interrupted by the timer that Ella set earlier, signaling that it is time to pack up and head back to New Orleans.

On the car ride back, I pick up the earlier conversation. "Don't you think it's a bit soon, for me to be thinking about getting into a relationship? Your daddy's only been gone a little over 6 months. I don't know if I'm ready for all that."

Ella sits a bit straighter in the passenger seat, and I can see she is switching from daughter to psychologist as she responds, "First of all, there is no specific amount of time a person needs to grieve…you and I both know that. If you feel you need more time, then that's it…take more time. But secondly, I think you're well past the "thinking about" a new relationship, you're kinda already in one."

I open my mouth to say something, but find I'm at a loss for words.

Ella's phone chirps with an incoming text, and she laughs saying, "Just to prove my point, Eric just texted, he's paid for you and me to have a Spa Day together, on the day of the Gala. The whole works!"

"He didn't have to do that," I answer. In truth, it was a very generous thing for him to do for us. Gran would be very upset with me if I wasn't gracious about it. Come to think of it, outside of the beach trip today, it's been a long time since I have given myself any kind of special treatment.

Her cell phone chirps again, and she tells me that Eric has made dinner reservations for us in the French Quarter at a Cajun restaurant. He'll pick us up at 8:00 o'clock sharp.

The look she gives me speaks volumes, but she adds, "See what I mean?"

"I'm beginning to," I think to myself, and wonder if that's such a bad thing.

New Orleans, Night 2

Eric POV

I rise with a smile on my face…something rare, but not unwelcome. The faintest memory of Sookie's kiss still clinging to my lips. Chaste, though it was, the mere fact that she initiated the brief moment of intimacy gives me hope. It is a testament to the monumental progress she has made over these past few months.

Perhaps that is why Ella's mention of Sookie's depression is so concerning. I remind myself, once again, that this is normal human behavior. To be alone in her family's home, with no one to share the day and nights with, and surrounded by memories of lost loved ones…it isn't hard to see how easy it would be to succumb to feelings of despair. Lafayette's assessment of Sookie's need to leave the house, appears to be spot on. Sookie needs to forget about Bon Temps, her house, her business and her loss, even if it's only for a few days.

If I had any hesitation in enlisting Ella's help before, it has all but disappeared. I am making it my mission to show Sookie all that life still has to offer. Moving on is more than just finding someone to love and spend time with. Sookie needs to remember what it means to live…to reconnect to the things that once brought her joy. I refuse to lose someone else I love because they can no longer find the joy in their existence. I can't lose her like I lost Godric.

The girl I once knew enjoyed good food, music, books, and though she rarely was able, a good pampering. That thought has me pulling out my cell phone and calling an upscale Spa that Pam has patronized over the years. I make appointments for both Sookie and her daughter, for an all-day spa treatment on the day of the Gala. I spare no expense. The ladies will receive body wraps, facials, massages, manicures, pedicures and Sookie will have her hair and makeup done. I hang up and immediately text Ella the details. My phone vibrates in my hand as I read Ella's one-word response, "AMAZING!".

My next call is to a local restaurant in the French Quarter, famous for their Cajun cuisine. I make dinner reservations for the three of us for this evening. Unlike many other vampires, I don't mind being around human food. The thought of the enjoyment Sookie will experience from her meal, is all the encouragement I need to attend. Remembering the little moans of appreciation she makes while eating, is enough to make my pants strain in discomfort. Her passionate response to food so closely resembling her passionate response to me, once upon a time.

I once again text my partner in crime. She responds that they had held off on making dinner plans until speaking with me, so things appear to be coming together nicely. Perhaps we will take in some Jazz tonight, as well. I continue to think over any additional things I can do to make this week better for Sookie, as I shower and dress for the night. I have another meeting with the King, but was promised it will be brief. I decide to dress for my "date" tonight in jeans, t-shirt and leather jacket, knowing the King will not be offended by the casual attire.

I make my way to the throne room, check in with the King's assistant, and take a chair in the waiting area. There are magazines and New Orleans travel brochures strewn about on the side tables, undoubtedly left out for human visitors, but I begin to look through one anyway. The brochure highlights New Orleans' City Park, which contains the Art Museum and Sculpture Garden in addition to the city's Botanical Gardens. It mentions that these attractions are now kept open for visitors until 2AM, to accommodate vampire guests. With the Gala only two nights away, and this evening already planned, it makes the perfect excursion for tomorrow evening. I will run the idea past Sookie over dinner tonight. That settled, I again go into down time as I await my turn.

Nearly 20 minutes later, I am finally asked to head inside. I thank the assistant, and open the still over-sized and ornate door to the throne room. It seems the King was forced to keep up some of Sophie Anne's former opulence…and what better space to do so, than a throne room. My path is decorated with a blood red carpet over pristine white marble that leads to a three-tiered dais, with a ridiculous hand carved, gilded gold throne adoring its' center. (I know I was criticized for my throne at Fangtasia, but this is just over the top).

As if sensing my thoughts, the King shifts uncomfortably on his throne, as he motions me forward. As I walk towards the throne I notice there are four others in the room in addition to the King and myself. A young brunette with glasses, that is seated at a computer on a small desk to the side of the dais. I believe she is the King's Secretary. There is another vampire, older and darker in complexion, standing next to the desk with a stack of folders and papers. Flanking the King, just behind the throne are two of his security detail…bodyguards I have seen before. They have the look of ex-military, and I have to suppress my grin as I recall Nan Flannigan's "storm troopers" and how easily I ripped their heads off. If I truly wanted to harm the King, those two would have no chance of stopping me.

I have almost reached the front of the room when I nearly stop in my tracks. I smell Sookie! The delightful scent of sunshine and honey…but muted somehow. My eyes start scanning the room wildly, looking for any evidence of her presence. I use my vampire hearing, but detect no heartbeat in this room…meaning there is either no human or no living human in this space. My anger building, I maintain my eye contact with the King…while my mind is reeling. Think Northman! I have done nothing to incur this monarch's wrath. The only vampires that know of Sookie and her daughter's existence are all trusted and loyal to me. Why would they want to harm her? As my brain is thinking these thoughts, in a fraction of a moment, I also rationalize that Ella would have called or texted me if anything happened to her mother. Right? I've reached the end of the carpet, and bow as tradition requires, as an errant thought hits me. The bond, you idiot!

Yes, by the gods, the bond! I can barely feel her, but she's alive and seems relaxed, almost happy. I let out an un-needed breath as I stand again before the King. That's when I notice the last occupant of the room. I don't know why I didn't before. Standing even further back on the dais, behind one of the bodyguards is a handsome vampire that was likely turned in his late twenties. He has golden hair and blue eyes…so similar to Sookie and Ella. Odd that I would make that connection?

I stare at the boy too long, because the King takes notice, "Welcome again, Eric! I see my progeny has garnered your attention. He is quite attractive, is he not? I had forgotten you two have not yet had the pleasure of meeting. You really must get to know one another. You will find he has much to offer." The King beckons his child to come forward, and as he does, the scent that had me going mad, begins to become stronger. What is this? Why does he smell like Sookie? He has reached the side of his maker and is looking down on me, due to the height of the dais. He has the oddest expression on his face, his eyes momentarily going wild, when just as quickly his features are schooled to one of indifference. What was that about?

The King begins pleasantly, "Eric Northman, may I present to you my child, Hunter Savoy."