Under My Nose
Bella Swan needs a change in pace, a slower groove to enjoy the simple pleasures life has to offer her. She moves from the Big Apple to the Big Easy, from subways to streetcars, from nouveau chic to historically quaint, from a large Manhattan apartment near Park Avenue to a shotgun house with her eccentric aunt, in Mid City and off Canal Street. She's ready for love, commitment and that happily ever after, but does she have the patience to wait out her heart's desire? It's frustrating to be right, 'under his nose'.
A/N: Thank you to the readers who review every chapter. There are a handful of you. I appreciate the love, and I find your input very helpful. When we get into further chapters, I will send you another surprise. Again, thank you for your constant support.
And thank you to the readers who follow and favorite that I am unable to send a thank you PM.
A/N: The date is January 8 as I write this chapter. The first day of King Cake Season (Mardi Gras Season, King's Day, was the sixth). So, we are right in sync with Bella and Edward and their dates. However, we will skip ahead in time as they date, get to know one another and plan their future. :)
About the parades:
First, a Krewe is an organization that arranges a parade or a ball for the Carnival season (beginning January 6, the Twelfth Night of Christmas to Mardi Gras). Mardi Gras in French means Fat Tuesday.
The tradition of throwing trinkets (necklaces of plastic beads, coins called doubloons and stamped with krewes' logos and parade themes, and an array of plastic cups, toys, Frisbees, and figurines) dates back to the Krewe of Rex. They threw, people liked, and it stayed tradition.
Because of the narrow street and balconies in the French Quarter, the major parades are Uptown and in Mid City, which are family friendly.
Last year, The Krewe of Endymion hosted the largest float in history, $1.2 million, 330 foot float with celebrity Grand Marshall, Kelly Clarkson. It's design carried 230 riders, and the tires were made of rubber to avoid flats. The chassis carried more than 40 tons with eleven of which were beads and other throws.
Also, Aphrodisiac recipes at the end … yum and whoo hoo!
Chapter Twenty-eight:
BPOV: January 8
Edward pulls at my cheek, smiling at me.
"So, Mr. Cullen, what do you want to know?" I grab his hand in both of mine as we sit on the sofa in the living room with our legs entwined. My head leans on his shoulder as I look up at him.
"Everything, anything," he quickly responds and pulls my hands to his warm lips kissing my knuckles with his eyes fixed on mine.
"Well, you know all the juicy details of my parentage." I sigh and roll my eyes.
"Does it bother you that Sally is your mom?" One of his hands roams to the back of my neck and massages gently. As he moves, the leather crinkles in complaint.
"That feels good." I stare off, then look at Edward. "I always wanted her to be my mom, since I was her carbon copy. But Renee was trying so very hard to remake me into her image." I laugh. "She once dyed my hair brown to match hers."
"That's taking it too, fucking far," he comments.
"Yeah, it was, since I was only four years old." I shrug.
He shakes his head. "Fucking piece of work."
"She would match our outfits, cut my hair in her stylish bob and let me wear mascara, since my eyelashes were too blonde." I bat my eyes.
"Honey Boo Boo's mom has nothing on Renee," he remarks.
I laugh. "Thank God, I was chubby or she would have placed me in pageants. I had the perfect face, according to her, but my body was too curvaceous."
He kisses my neck. "I love your curvaceous body."
"What about your mom? She seems so perfect." I rub his palm with my fingers. "I really like her, Edward."
"She likes you, too. I can see the two of you being close, but my dad - he's found a daughter. Besides, all you have to do is bake him cookies."
"Yeah, you Cullen men and your sweets … like Kryptonite."
"You can have power over me any time, Baby." Another light kiss to my neck.
"I bet your mom was easy with all of you."
"She's no pushover. Emmett was always trying to get out of taking out the trash, but she would always manage to get him to do it." He laughs.
I love his laugh.
"Were you an easy kid? Did she have to force you to do anything?" I ask.
"Nope. I was perfect - the typical little boy who liked sports, music and cooking. She and my grandmother taught me to cook. I would run home every day after school to both of them in the kitchen. I loved taking their recipes and changing them around. My grandmother was a stickler for perfection." He starts to rub down the side of my neck. "She died when I was fifteen," I squeeze his hand and whisper 'sorry'. "... but Mom continued the cooking lessons. What about you?"
"Well, Renee never cooked." I sarcastically giggle.
"So, Aunt Sally was your …"
I interrupt him. "Oh no, she didn't cook, either. She took me to restaurants and into their kitchens. She would say, 'You need to see how the chefs prepares your food'. New York was a food haven for her and baking became my passion."
He laughs. "She's such a fucking trip."
"But the thing is Edward, she never forced me to do anything. She gave me that option to decide. Renee would try to shove things down my throat, her way. I wasn't easily bought or sold. But Aunt Sally would present things with open hands, and I could take or ignore. She just never pushed."
"She didn't have to." He kisses the top of my head. "You know, my dad's the laid back one. He plays classical piano. And like Sally, he never made me take lessons. I would listen to him play, watch his face, and see how he felt every note. And watching his hands as the lightly hit the keys and seeing his reaction to me, always gave him a smile. One night, he stopped playing and motioned for me to sit on his lap. I was about five or six. I started to touch the keys, and he mirrored my movement, until it reversed, and I mirrored his. I asked him to teach me."
"So, you had cooking with your mother and piano with your dad. What about Emmett?"I ask.
"Emmett was always into sports, but he does do one thing with our mom that you'd be surprised at." He smirks.
"What?" I turn to look up at him.
He makes me wait a second, and with a twinkle in his eye, he chuckles, "Gardening."
I do look at Edward in utter surprise with my mouth open. "You're kidding?"
He smiles. "No. Emmett fucking loves to dig and plant, and Mom likes to grow her own herbs and vegetables. So, Emmett got into the healthy aspect of food and nutrition, which lead to bodybuilding and weight training. Ten years ago, he built Mom a greenhouse in her backyard, after a cold winter killed all her plants."
"So, he does have a soft spot." I giggle.
"Apparently, there was a woman who managed to steal his heart." He smirks.
"Nooooo, you're kidding?" I respond in utter surprise.
"Yeah, he told me a little about her when I was going through Gran's jewelry. No one fucking compares to her."
"Wow, Emmett's carrying a torch. That's inconceivable." I barely whisper.
He clears his throat. "Hmmm, yeah, he had this far-away look in his eyes."
"Then, he thinks of her, Edward. It's sad to imagine Emmett pining for her." I sigh.
"I wouldn't go that fucking far, Bella. He certainly hasn't remained celibate for this mystery woman."
"I wonder who she is." I stare into Edward's eyes.
"Just a woman who was stationed in Afghanistan the same time he was, but was in another platoon."
He thinks.
"What?" I ask.
"I think I would go fucking crazy if I couldn't be with the woman I wanted. Just thinking about not being with you makes me sick," he says with such a sad face.
I place my hands on his jaw. "That will never happen."
Edward smiles. "Good to know."
He hugs and squeezes me tight. "You know there's a parade tomorrow night on Decatur. It's Krewe du Vieux, and pretty wild … very adult."
"Oh really?" I feign surprise.
"Yeah, I would imagine if you shake your maracas you'll have tons of beads." He frowns.
"Then, cleavage gets you noticed?" I taunt.
He growls and points, "That cleavage only gets my attention."
I bite the inside of my cheek, Edward quickly pulls it apart. "And KreweDelusion is right after. They keep the theme a secret until the day of the parade. It's pretty outrageous, too. You want to go?"
I smile.
OXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
So, the next few days we cook, bake, and talk some more; just everyday stuff.
I don't pay attention to the day or the date. They all blend into one big Edward. We spend every moment together; working, eating, sleeping, showering and loving.
Work is great. I have the freedom to create any dessert or bake any sweet. Mama Jean is an amazing help and fast friend. The rest of the staff is also helpful and pleasant. Angela, from Cafe du Monde, is our newest server, and she seems to be sweet on Edward's sous chef, Ben. We both 'match make' work and business quite well.
Alice seems a bit too quiet, but she hugs me a lot. Jasper, too. But it's Emmett who makes an early appearance every morning.
"Got the coffee going, Sis?" Emmett bellows as he walks in through the backdoor of the kitchen.
I hold a large mug and hand it to him with a plate of raisin-bran muffins. "All ready for you!"
"You made me muffins? Man, I'm going to have to steal you away from my bro," he declares.
Edward walks in from the dining area. "Not going to fucking happen, Em." He gives me a peck on the lips and slaps my ass." "She's mine."
"There's no behind slapping in this kitchen," Mama Jean points at Edward. "She's your woman not your mule."
Edward defends himself, "I don't slap Julia's ass!"
Mama Jean shakes her finger. "And you shouldn't be slapping Bella's!"
Edward looks at me with great remorse.
Emmett adds, "Yeah, that's some serious shit, Edward. She could file complaint of sexual harassment."
I smile. "Oh, I don't have any complaints." I hand Edward a muffin, he takes a bite and winks at me.
Emmett chuckles. "Aw, he's doing you right, huh?" He slaps Edward on the back, and Edward gives him a dirty look. "Hey, I slapped your back, not ass."
"Who's slapping whose ass?" Jasper questions as he walks into the kitchen with a smiling Alice. "Oooo, muffins."
I give him and Alice a muffin. "These are good," he mumbles as he chews.
I wink at Jasper. "Thanks."
"We still on for the Quarter? I'm looking forward to this parade. It should be outrageous!" Alice squeals and takes a bite, nods her head and winks at me.
Emmett roars, "Yeah, I heard they have a group walking down in full penis costumes."
Alice laughs. "With vaginas following them?"
"They'll be throwing condoms to the crowd, right?" Jasper bounces his head. "Or morning after pills!"
"It's that raw?" I ask.
"Oh Bellie Bee, it's the best to get down and dirty! This is New Orleans!" Emmett howls. "There are orgasmic vaginas exploding on floats, and the groups are called, The Bearded Oysters, Camel Toe Lady Steppers, Pussy Footers, Pony Girls and Krewe du Juiex!"
I turn to Edward. "I bet you like the Pony Girls."
Edward blushes. "They're too Dom for me."
I open my mouth in shock and nod my head. "Oh, whips and chains kind of pony thing?"
Mama Jean clears her throat. "Okay, I'm finished with my set ups, so I'm going home to watch nonsensical TV. You all enjoy your orgy parades."
OXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
It's cold outside, so I don't wear anything revealing my 'girls'. To be honest, who would want to see blue boobs? I wear a thick, purple turtleneck with a long, black, double-breasted, pea coat with gold buttons, a purple, green and gold knitted scarf doubled around my neck, dark-green leggings and knee-high, black fur boots. Edward's happy.
The parade begins at six-thirty, but Edward insists we leave a few hours beforehand to get a good spot along the parade route on Decatur. We all opt for coffee and hot chocolate at Cafe du Monde. Already the temperature is fifty-two degrees and dropping fast. I pat my pockets feeling for my gloves, so I am ready.
Aunt Sally, Richard, Alice, Jasper, Emmett, Edward and me sit at two tables together and breathe in the beignets. Aunt Sally happily chomps with powdered sugar all over the front of her plaid, purple, green and gold corduroy poncho along with Emmett. He looks snow blown from chin to chest.
I turn to look at Edward, his eyes are upon me, and I smile.
He smiles. "What?"
"Nothing. Everything. You." I kiss his lips softly.
Emmett pipes in, "Enjoy it now, you two, because next year, she's going to be very knocked up." He turns to Alice. "And you, little girl, will be changing a lot of diapers."
Edward sarcastically quips, "My brother, the psychic."
But Aunt Sally grins. "I think he's onto something." She stares at Alice. "You've got energy all around you, Alice." She reaches across the table and squeezes her hand. "Yeah, you keep a strong, positive thought."
Alice is silent with a small tear at the edge of her eye. "I hope you are both right."
Emmett boasts, "I think Jasper's little swimmers score a touchdown!"
Aunt Sally giggles. "More like a few home runs?"
We all laugh. Then, there is the sound of a brass band from the street.
Emmett booms, "Hey, it's starting, Let's hit the street!"
OXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
Oh yeah, the parade begins and Emmett was right. A brass band appears wearing full-body penis costumes with two, rounded testicles flapping in the wind around their knees. It's quite a sight to behold. Some are flesh-colored with blue veins, while others are chocolate brown with semen-looking fabric that spouts from the top of the head with suggestive comments written on their backs.
My dick can walk.
Penis Power.
Size does matter.
Suck me.
There are girls with vagina hats that follow the penis band. Yes, vaginas. They throw penis necklaces out to the crowd, screaming out, "Catch my cock!"
It's quite an experience.
Edward catches a necklace and hands it to me. He stands behind me, he wraps his arms around my shoulders and nudges my ear. "I gave you a little dick."
I wink up at him. "Oh no, you didn't." I smile broadly.
He chuckles and holds me tighter.
Emmett comes from out of nowhere and bends to my other ear. "We Cullen men have colossal cocks for coital contentment."
I shake my head and challenge Emmett, "Bet you can't say that three times!"
He boldly laughs and pats Edward's shoulder. "Man, you got yourself a pistol."
I murmur, "Pistol packing penis pirates of perfection!"
Edward nonchalantly stares at Emmett. "She reads the thesaurus."
I poke him. "I do not."
Emmett nods his head. "Either way, I'm impressed."
Aunt Sally who also comes from out of nowhere whispers in my ear, "Wear protection tonight. This parade is going to insight many births."
I giggle. "You getting all hot and bothered there, old woman?"
She acts offended. "Okay, don't listen to me. But tonight is wreaking in sexuality … conception in a very fertile environment." She sternly shouts, "Babies will be made!"
Alice glows. "I'm all for that." She smiles at Jasper, and he grabs her, kissing frantically.
Aunt Sally points, "See?"
Emmett cozies up to one of the Pony Girls. She wears a patent leather, fitted body suit with a leather, riding crop in her hand. Her long, blonde hair is in a high ponytail, and she wears a patent leather mask. Her boots look like horses hooves in all black leather.
He shouts, "Dom me, baby. Dom me," as he marches off with her.
Jasper finally comes up for air with Alice and observes. "Guess he found his entertainment for the evening." He hesitates. "Ah, and we're going to go home."
Aunt Sally winks. "Yeah, go make some babies!"
I fold into Edward. "At least, we both have embarrassing family members."
"Thank God, they didn't show any members," he sounds relieved.
"Nope, the night is still young for Aunt Sally." I moan.
Sure enough, she doesn't disappoint. A marching group of boobs asks the question, 'Are yours bigger?' Aunt Sally flashes them her sixty-plus year old tits. My surprise is Richard encourages her on. "Show them my mamas. Show them my mamas!"
Aunt Sally acquires many beads.
After that display of grannie flesh, we decide to head out.
OXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
Interesting parade, huh? It's all a part of NOLA!
Next chapter ... comes the storm.
OXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
A/N: Thank you to my Beta, Sunflower Fran. I appreciate her time, her proper
grammar and quick pen. Another great find by PAD!
To Robseve and Postapocalypticdepository (PAD), my pre-readers that give their unselfish time and creative input. Both of these ladies are inspirations and true friends.
Now, let me rec Postapocalypticdepository stories, since she so graciously rec'd mine.
Never Judge by the Cover: 9056924
Boys Will Be: 8868006
Rude Awakenings: 8876785
It's a New Dawn, It's a New Year: 8862243 (complete)
And a shout out rec to: BURN 8999279 by compass54
And to: Midnight-Confessions 9182601 by ohgeefantasy
Careless Hearts 9881551 by ohgeefantasy
And to: Edward Cullen FBI Special Agent and Psychic by 9626040 Dinia Steel
Also, found this story: Finally in Phoenix by 9987411 laughablelamb
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
And thank you to all the readers, whether you review or not. I enjoy every comment and suggestion. Yes, NOLA (New Orleans, LA) is an exciting place to live. And to combine the old world with the new is a challenge, but the humor is quite a serious business. My objective is for all of you to smile, after each chapter.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
Aphrodisiac recipes:
Spicy Strawberry Salsa2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lime juice
2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
2 ½ tablespoons fresh mint leaves, chopped
2 ½ tablespoons cilantro, chopped
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
¼ teaspoon salt
1 pint strawberries, hulled and chopped
¾ cup fresh pineapple, diced and peeled
½ cup sweet onion, chopped
Combine oil, lime juice, vinegar, mint, cilantro, jalapeño pepper, and salt in medium bowl. Toss in strawberries, pineapple, and onion.
Garlic Broccoli Rabe1 small bunch broccoli rabe, each stem cut into 2-3 pieces
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
½ teaspoon kosher salt
Bring a large pot of water to a boil; add broccoli rabe. Cook 2 to 3 minutes, until firm-tender and bright green. Drain in a colander
Wipe out pot; add olive oil, garlic, and red pepper. Cook over medium heat, until garlic is lightly golden, about 2 minutes. Add broccoli rabe and salt; cook 2 minutes longer, tossing with tongs, until just tender.
Blood Orange MargaritasKosher salt
Crushed ice
½ cup fresh blood orange juice
2 ounces tequila
1 ounce triple sec or Cointreau
Blood orange wedges, for garnish
Moisten rim of 2 margarita glasses and dip in kosher salt. Fill a cocktail shaker with crushed ice. Add orange juice, tequila, and triple sec. Shake well and strain into glasses. Garnish with orange wedges, if desired.
Sesame Ginger Noodles8 ounces fettuccine noodles
10 ounces frozen sugar snap peas
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon butter, divided
1 teaspoon peeled and grated ginger
½ clove garlic pressed
1 teaspoon Asian sesame oil
½ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon red hot pepper flakes
¼ cup sliced cup scallions
Cook noodles according to package directions. During last 2 minutes of cooking time, add sugar snap peas. Drain well.
Heat oil, butter, ginger, and garlic in large skillet 1 minute. Remove from heat. Stir in sesame oil, salt, and red pepper flakes, then toss with noodles and sugar snap peas and scallions.
Watermelon Ginger Punch
½ cup water
½ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon chopped ginger
4 cups cubed watermelon
½ freshly squeezed lime juice
Ice cubes as needed
Place water and sugar in a sauce pot and bring to low simmer to dissolve sugar. Set aside.
Put watermelon and ginger in a blender; process until smooth. Strain through a sieve into a pitcher.
Add sugar water. Stir in lime juice. Pour over fresh ice and serve.
Oyster and Scallop Tartare with Ginger Dressing12 fresh oysters with shells reserved
8 sashimi scallops, roe removed
40 grams sashimi grade salmon
2 tablespoons grated ginger
2 tablespoons finely chopped chives
2 tablespoons champagne vinegar
¼ of a lemon (juice)
salt and pepper to taste
olive oil
Cavier to top
Finely chop the oysters, scallops and salmon and set aside in the refrigerator.
Mix the ginger, lemon juice, champagne vinegar, chives, and olive oil in a separate bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste
When ready to serve, mix the seafood with the dressing and place on top of the reserved oyster shells
Top with caviar.
Bacon, Avocado and Tomato Crostini
Mayonnaise
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ teaspoon grated garlic
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon lemon juice
pinch of salt
freshly ground pepper
Crostini
12 slices French loaf, sliced diagonally
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 slices thick bacon
1 ripe avocado
1 tablespoon lemon juice
12 yellow cherry tomatoes, sliced thin
12 shavings of parmesan cheese
Mayonnaise
Use a microplane to grate the fresh garlic and lemon zest into a mixing bowl, add the lemon juice, mayonnaise, salt and pepper. Stir to combine, then set aside
Crostini
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Place the bacon slices on a baking sheet, sprinkle freshly ground pepper all over the bacon and place into the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked and crispy. Once done, remove from the oven and cut each slice into thirds, set aside.
Place the bread slices onto a baking sheet, drizzle with a little olive oil and bake in the oven until slightly golden, about 12 minutes. Once done, remove from the oven and set aside.
Peel and remove pit from the avocado then thinly slice, squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the avocado slices to prevent browning.
To assemble the crostini, smear some mayonnaise add 2-3 thin slices of avocado, 3-4 thin tomato slices, bacon and a parmesan shaving.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
Next up: EPOV