"Honey, you don't have to take us out for supper..." Nancy started looking
at the wad of cash laying in front of us on the table.
"Yes she does." Bobby said interrupting. I smiled at him, he never did pass up free food. Nancy smacked him in the shoulder, her way of telling us that we had to behave.
"No honey, you don't...you keep that money." Nancy said. I shook my head violently.
"I know dat I don' have to but I want t'." I said emphasizing all the right words. "The only t'ing is dat I don' have anythin' t' wear."
"Well that's nothing that we can't fix!" bobby said standing up. "Nancy why don't you take Kale down to the mall and find her a dress, I'll be ready by the time you two get back, deal?"
"Dat sounds awesome." I said and stood up leading Nancy down to the bus stop. We sat quietly on the bus ride.
We shopped for about a half-hour before finding a nice satin pink dress. It was a halter but it wasn't like I cared, I didn't know anyone in this city, what did I care if they saw my back. After finding suitable shoes we got back onto the bus.
"Oh damn, we're on the wrong bus." Nancy said reaching up to pull the stop cord. I stopped her gently.
"No we're not." I said she looked at me awkwardly but just nodded with a tight-lipped smile. We rode the bus until we were by her house. "Go tell George to get ready." I said referring to her husband.
"Oh, honey he doesn't have to come..." Nancy said. I crossed my arms in front of my chest and waited, rooted in my spot until Nancy and George emerged, both looking fabulous. "Thank you." She whispered to me as we climbed into George's beater. We got to the apartment and I ran upstairs to get ready.
I quickly showered, did my hair all spiky and pulled on my new dress, adding the light pink strappy shoes I did a quick once over in the mirror, adding the basic make-up. I emerged and Bobby let out a low whistle. I blushed and looked everyone up and down. Grabbing the cash I I started towards the door.
"You look gorgeous dah-ling." Bobby said in a pompous British accent. I smiled at my bestfriend.
"You too, mon amis, you too." That's when I noticed that he was wearing a pink tie to match my dress. "It takes a very secure man t' wear a tie like dat."
Everyone laughed, it felt good. We drove to one of New York's fanciest restaurants, Terrace in the Sky. Bobby had been kind enough to make reservations so there was no problem being seated. We ordered our cocktails and opened the menus.
"Are you sure about this Kale? I mean the prices are a little steep." Nancy said and George agreed. I waved the waiter over.
"Monsieur est que c'est possible d'avoir des menus sans des prix?" I asked our waiter, he kindly obliged and gave everyone else menus without prices, much to their dismay.
"Brat." Bobby said smiling at me.
"An' don' t'ink dat you aren't getting' appetizers mes amies." I said giving them a stern look. "As a matter of fact, I t'ink I'll jus' order for us."
When the waiter came I ordered everyone something in French, so they had no idea what I was getting them, it made me happy.
"And what wine would you like this evening ma'am?" the waiter asked. I picked up the wine menu and looked over at it, I could pull off knowing something about food, but the wine I wasn't so good at. "Why don't I see what the chef suggests with these meals?"
"That would be wonderful." I said and smiled back at me friends. They all opened their mouths in protest but I held up my hand. "If anyone complains I make dem pay de bill." That shut them up. We sipped our water and had pleasant conversation until another waiter came and handed me a drink. I looked up at him in question but he smiled.
"The man at the bar sent you this ma'am, a Shirley Temple with extra cherries." He said and pointed out a gray haired man that I immediately recognized, I nodded and thanked him.
"Woah, guys are already sending you drinks? You are going to be one helluva heart-breaker." Nancy said jokingly. I rolled my eyes.
"Dat would be true if dis had come from some strange man in a cheap suit. When it comes from family it's different non?" I said excusing myself from the table. I wandered up to the bar, finding it humorous that no one stopped me. I sat next to the man and waited for him to speak, when he didn't, I started.
"You remembered." I said softly, he merely nodded. "Of all de t'ings to remember you remember dat I always asked for extra cherries in my Shirley Temples."
"You never asked chile, you demanded." He said smiling at me.
"Would you care t' join me an' my friends for supper?" I asked. His face lit up and he nodded, we both stood and he offered me his arm like a true gentleman. We walked back to the table where another place was being set.
"Who's your friend Kale?" George said as the two of us sat beside each other.
"Mes amis, dis is my gran'father Monsieur Jean Luc LeBeau." I introduced. "Grand-papa dis is George and Nancy Hunter and my bestfriend Robert Drake."
"Nice to meet you." George and Nancy said simultaneously, making me smile, and shook Jean-Luc's hand.
"Pleasure sir." Bobby said offering his hand as well. The waiter came to take Jean-Luc's order to which he replied 'the usual'.
Moments later our table was filled with appetizers to share; Poached lobster, prawns, Peekeytoe Crab salad and pate of Muscovy Duck. I watched as everyone tried some of everything, myself included. I was complimented for my tastes. Soon Bobby, Nancy and George were deeply immeresed in a conversation about reality television that I found to be very confusing.
"You're papa called me." Jean-Luc said out of nowhere. My eyes snapped to my hands folded neatly overtop of the napkin on my lap, and I nodded slowly. "He's worried 'bout you."
I didn't respond again and Jean-Luc rested his arm across the back of my chair. Silence followed.
"Did you tell Papa?" I asked quietly and Jean-Luc shook his head. "Merci."
"It wasn' fo' me t' tell." He said as the waiter took our appetizers away, replacing them with a small scoop of sorbet to cleanse the pallet. I slowly ate my sorbet, well that sure brought my dinner down.
I forgot totally about Papa when Bobby pretending to get his spoon stuck to his lip, I knew full well it wasn't stuck but apparently he fooled Nancy and George into believing it.
"Bobby knock it off." I said smiling at him briefly, his eyes twinkled with mischief but I shot him a warning look.
"How d'you know dat Robert?" Jean-Luc asked when Bobby turned back to the conversation. I looked at him in surprise, he surely didn't believe that...apparently he did. I could milk this for a whole lot, but I decided not to. I had learned very young not to mess with my grandfather.
"When I ran away Bobby took me in." I explained. "He knew Papa."
"And Rogue I'm guessing." Jean-Luc said. I twitched involuntarily at the mention of her name, making my grandfather laugh. He laughed like Papa; I missed that laugh. Then he did something uncharacteristically Jean-Luc. He leaned in and kissed my forehead. I wiped my eyes quickly, destroying any evidence of raw emotion.
"You two match." Jean-Luc said stating the obvious. I nodded.
"Oui." I said. Jean-Luc just smiled at me again. Finally our meals came. I laughed at the expressions of my friends.
Bobby sat in awe of the Grilled Filet of Beef that I ordered for him, I swear it was the size of his head. It came with Turnip Black Truffle Gratin, Golden Chanterelles, and Sauce Bordelaise. I'm almost positive he didn't know what half of that was, I told him anyway.
George just grinned as the Lobster Pot au Feu was set before him. Early Fall Vegetables, Potato Puree, and Lobster Cognac Sauce trimmed the lobster. What can I say? I'm obsessed with fancy food. I think Jean-Luc realized that as I rattled off what came with the lobster, even though I knew that George didn't care. He just liked lobster.
Nancy smiled when they set the Pan Roasted Salmon in front of her. She actually listened when I told her it came with Artichokes, Fennel, Black Trumpets, and Anise Froth. I appreciated it, even if she was just humoring me.
I got the Wild Striped Bass with the White Beans, Chorizo and Garlic Clam Emulsion. I was very pleased with my ordering skills, I could have even ordered Jean-Lucs. (((Duo of Lamb
Stuffed Loin, Double Chop, Parsnip Puree, Barigoule Emulsion))).
We ate in silence, always a good sign that the food is good. In fact it was excellent, almost to die for. And the Shirley Temple accented it just right. I looked over at Jean-Luc, never in my life would I have guessed that I would have ever been having dinner with my grandfather without Papa here. My heart sunk for a moment before I remembered that this night was about having a good time and pushed all thoughts of Papa to the back of my mind.
"So Jean-Luc, what are you doing in town? I mean from what I remember you don't usually leave New Orleans do you?" Bobby asked, his mouth full of food. I shook my head at him; someone would have to teach that boy some manners. I really hoped it wouldn't be me.
"Well from what I hear ders a reunion of sorts at de school." Jean-Luc said. " Remy phoned an' asked me to attend. I was hopin' t' see Kale der."
I smiled sheepishly.
"Dats when I found out dat she was missin'." Jean-Luc explained, making me blush a furious shade of red that I'm sure didn't go well with my dress. "So I came anyway, jus' happen t' be playin' some pool today when she beat me outta my money."
That made the blush leave and a large smile take its place. I was proud of myself for beating him, when he smiled back I knew that he was proud of me too.
"Den who should walk into de best restaurant in NY but Kale." He said with a twinkle in his eye. " Must've been fate."
I rolled my eyes at that.
"Dis weren't fate Jean-Luc, dis be you followin' me." I said accusingly. Jean-Luc nodded in agreement.
"We're going back for the reunion too, aren't we Kale?" Bobby said happily. I nodded slowly, I know a made a promise and everything, but I wasn't really sure that I wanted to go. "Maybe we could all make the drive together!"
I looked at my grandfather to see his reaction.
"Sorry mon amis, but I said dat I would be up der tomorrow." Jean-Luc said. Fear splashed across my face. "Don' worry chere, I won' let out de surprise." He said with a chuckle. I wasn't really paying any attention after that so Jean-Luc ordered our deserts. I let my head fall onto his shoulder as soon as I realized that I was tired. God these fancy restaurants took a long time. Jean-Luc smoothed the hair down on my head and I closed my eyes. "I'll take her home." I heard Jean-Luc say. "You enjoy the meal, it's already taken care of."
"I'll be home soon Kale." Bobby said squeezing my arm gently. I nodded and let Jean-Luc lead me out of the restaurant and into his chauffeured car.
I slept on his shoulder the whole way back to the apartment. I gave him my key as we walked up the stairs to my apartment. We got inside and I changed into my pyjamas quickly.
"Goodnight chere." Jean-Luc said and kissed my forehead gently after tucking me in.
"You're nicer than people say you are." I said quietly. Jean-Luc laughed.
"Non, I'm just nicer t' you." He said getting up to leave.
"Why?" I asked before he was out of the room. I saw his silhouette shrug and walk out of my room. I fell asleep shortly after that, smiling.
"Yes she does." Bobby said interrupting. I smiled at him, he never did pass up free food. Nancy smacked him in the shoulder, her way of telling us that we had to behave.
"No honey, you don't...you keep that money." Nancy said. I shook my head violently.
"I know dat I don' have to but I want t'." I said emphasizing all the right words. "The only t'ing is dat I don' have anythin' t' wear."
"Well that's nothing that we can't fix!" bobby said standing up. "Nancy why don't you take Kale down to the mall and find her a dress, I'll be ready by the time you two get back, deal?"
"Dat sounds awesome." I said and stood up leading Nancy down to the bus stop. We sat quietly on the bus ride.
We shopped for about a half-hour before finding a nice satin pink dress. It was a halter but it wasn't like I cared, I didn't know anyone in this city, what did I care if they saw my back. After finding suitable shoes we got back onto the bus.
"Oh damn, we're on the wrong bus." Nancy said reaching up to pull the stop cord. I stopped her gently.
"No we're not." I said she looked at me awkwardly but just nodded with a tight-lipped smile. We rode the bus until we were by her house. "Go tell George to get ready." I said referring to her husband.
"Oh, honey he doesn't have to come..." Nancy said. I crossed my arms in front of my chest and waited, rooted in my spot until Nancy and George emerged, both looking fabulous. "Thank you." She whispered to me as we climbed into George's beater. We got to the apartment and I ran upstairs to get ready.
I quickly showered, did my hair all spiky and pulled on my new dress, adding the light pink strappy shoes I did a quick once over in the mirror, adding the basic make-up. I emerged and Bobby let out a low whistle. I blushed and looked everyone up and down. Grabbing the cash I I started towards the door.
"You look gorgeous dah-ling." Bobby said in a pompous British accent. I smiled at my bestfriend.
"You too, mon amis, you too." That's when I noticed that he was wearing a pink tie to match my dress. "It takes a very secure man t' wear a tie like dat."
Everyone laughed, it felt good. We drove to one of New York's fanciest restaurants, Terrace in the Sky. Bobby had been kind enough to make reservations so there was no problem being seated. We ordered our cocktails and opened the menus.
"Are you sure about this Kale? I mean the prices are a little steep." Nancy said and George agreed. I waved the waiter over.
"Monsieur est que c'est possible d'avoir des menus sans des prix?" I asked our waiter, he kindly obliged and gave everyone else menus without prices, much to their dismay.
"Brat." Bobby said smiling at me.
"An' don' t'ink dat you aren't getting' appetizers mes amies." I said giving them a stern look. "As a matter of fact, I t'ink I'll jus' order for us."
When the waiter came I ordered everyone something in French, so they had no idea what I was getting them, it made me happy.
"And what wine would you like this evening ma'am?" the waiter asked. I picked up the wine menu and looked over at it, I could pull off knowing something about food, but the wine I wasn't so good at. "Why don't I see what the chef suggests with these meals?"
"That would be wonderful." I said and smiled back at me friends. They all opened their mouths in protest but I held up my hand. "If anyone complains I make dem pay de bill." That shut them up. We sipped our water and had pleasant conversation until another waiter came and handed me a drink. I looked up at him in question but he smiled.
"The man at the bar sent you this ma'am, a Shirley Temple with extra cherries." He said and pointed out a gray haired man that I immediately recognized, I nodded and thanked him.
"Woah, guys are already sending you drinks? You are going to be one helluva heart-breaker." Nancy said jokingly. I rolled my eyes.
"Dat would be true if dis had come from some strange man in a cheap suit. When it comes from family it's different non?" I said excusing myself from the table. I wandered up to the bar, finding it humorous that no one stopped me. I sat next to the man and waited for him to speak, when he didn't, I started.
"You remembered." I said softly, he merely nodded. "Of all de t'ings to remember you remember dat I always asked for extra cherries in my Shirley Temples."
"You never asked chile, you demanded." He said smiling at me.
"Would you care t' join me an' my friends for supper?" I asked. His face lit up and he nodded, we both stood and he offered me his arm like a true gentleman. We walked back to the table where another place was being set.
"Who's your friend Kale?" George said as the two of us sat beside each other.
"Mes amis, dis is my gran'father Monsieur Jean Luc LeBeau." I introduced. "Grand-papa dis is George and Nancy Hunter and my bestfriend Robert Drake."
"Nice to meet you." George and Nancy said simultaneously, making me smile, and shook Jean-Luc's hand.
"Pleasure sir." Bobby said offering his hand as well. The waiter came to take Jean-Luc's order to which he replied 'the usual'.
Moments later our table was filled with appetizers to share; Poached lobster, prawns, Peekeytoe Crab salad and pate of Muscovy Duck. I watched as everyone tried some of everything, myself included. I was complimented for my tastes. Soon Bobby, Nancy and George were deeply immeresed in a conversation about reality television that I found to be very confusing.
"You're papa called me." Jean-Luc said out of nowhere. My eyes snapped to my hands folded neatly overtop of the napkin on my lap, and I nodded slowly. "He's worried 'bout you."
I didn't respond again and Jean-Luc rested his arm across the back of my chair. Silence followed.
"Did you tell Papa?" I asked quietly and Jean-Luc shook his head. "Merci."
"It wasn' fo' me t' tell." He said as the waiter took our appetizers away, replacing them with a small scoop of sorbet to cleanse the pallet. I slowly ate my sorbet, well that sure brought my dinner down.
I forgot totally about Papa when Bobby pretending to get his spoon stuck to his lip, I knew full well it wasn't stuck but apparently he fooled Nancy and George into believing it.
"Bobby knock it off." I said smiling at him briefly, his eyes twinkled with mischief but I shot him a warning look.
"How d'you know dat Robert?" Jean-Luc asked when Bobby turned back to the conversation. I looked at him in surprise, he surely didn't believe that...apparently he did. I could milk this for a whole lot, but I decided not to. I had learned very young not to mess with my grandfather.
"When I ran away Bobby took me in." I explained. "He knew Papa."
"And Rogue I'm guessing." Jean-Luc said. I twitched involuntarily at the mention of her name, making my grandfather laugh. He laughed like Papa; I missed that laugh. Then he did something uncharacteristically Jean-Luc. He leaned in and kissed my forehead. I wiped my eyes quickly, destroying any evidence of raw emotion.
"You two match." Jean-Luc said stating the obvious. I nodded.
"Oui." I said. Jean-Luc just smiled at me again. Finally our meals came. I laughed at the expressions of my friends.
Bobby sat in awe of the Grilled Filet of Beef that I ordered for him, I swear it was the size of his head. It came with Turnip Black Truffle Gratin, Golden Chanterelles, and Sauce Bordelaise. I'm almost positive he didn't know what half of that was, I told him anyway.
George just grinned as the Lobster Pot au Feu was set before him. Early Fall Vegetables, Potato Puree, and Lobster Cognac Sauce trimmed the lobster. What can I say? I'm obsessed with fancy food. I think Jean-Luc realized that as I rattled off what came with the lobster, even though I knew that George didn't care. He just liked lobster.
Nancy smiled when they set the Pan Roasted Salmon in front of her. She actually listened when I told her it came with Artichokes, Fennel, Black Trumpets, and Anise Froth. I appreciated it, even if she was just humoring me.
I got the Wild Striped Bass with the White Beans, Chorizo and Garlic Clam Emulsion. I was very pleased with my ordering skills, I could have even ordered Jean-Lucs. (((Duo of Lamb
Stuffed Loin, Double Chop, Parsnip Puree, Barigoule Emulsion))).
We ate in silence, always a good sign that the food is good. In fact it was excellent, almost to die for. And the Shirley Temple accented it just right. I looked over at Jean-Luc, never in my life would I have guessed that I would have ever been having dinner with my grandfather without Papa here. My heart sunk for a moment before I remembered that this night was about having a good time and pushed all thoughts of Papa to the back of my mind.
"So Jean-Luc, what are you doing in town? I mean from what I remember you don't usually leave New Orleans do you?" Bobby asked, his mouth full of food. I shook my head at him; someone would have to teach that boy some manners. I really hoped it wouldn't be me.
"Well from what I hear ders a reunion of sorts at de school." Jean-Luc said. " Remy phoned an' asked me to attend. I was hopin' t' see Kale der."
I smiled sheepishly.
"Dats when I found out dat she was missin'." Jean-Luc explained, making me blush a furious shade of red that I'm sure didn't go well with my dress. "So I came anyway, jus' happen t' be playin' some pool today when she beat me outta my money."
That made the blush leave and a large smile take its place. I was proud of myself for beating him, when he smiled back I knew that he was proud of me too.
"Den who should walk into de best restaurant in NY but Kale." He said with a twinkle in his eye. " Must've been fate."
I rolled my eyes at that.
"Dis weren't fate Jean-Luc, dis be you followin' me." I said accusingly. Jean-Luc nodded in agreement.
"We're going back for the reunion too, aren't we Kale?" Bobby said happily. I nodded slowly, I know a made a promise and everything, but I wasn't really sure that I wanted to go. "Maybe we could all make the drive together!"
I looked at my grandfather to see his reaction.
"Sorry mon amis, but I said dat I would be up der tomorrow." Jean-Luc said. Fear splashed across my face. "Don' worry chere, I won' let out de surprise." He said with a chuckle. I wasn't really paying any attention after that so Jean-Luc ordered our deserts. I let my head fall onto his shoulder as soon as I realized that I was tired. God these fancy restaurants took a long time. Jean-Luc smoothed the hair down on my head and I closed my eyes. "I'll take her home." I heard Jean-Luc say. "You enjoy the meal, it's already taken care of."
"I'll be home soon Kale." Bobby said squeezing my arm gently. I nodded and let Jean-Luc lead me out of the restaurant and into his chauffeured car.
I slept on his shoulder the whole way back to the apartment. I gave him my key as we walked up the stairs to my apartment. We got inside and I changed into my pyjamas quickly.
"Goodnight chere." Jean-Luc said and kissed my forehead gently after tucking me in.
"You're nicer than people say you are." I said quietly. Jean-Luc laughed.
"Non, I'm just nicer t' you." He said getting up to leave.
"Why?" I asked before he was out of the room. I saw his silhouette shrug and walk out of my room. I fell asleep shortly after that, smiling.