Gumbo Weather Page 5

  Dix

  The twinkling tree in the corner cast a cheery tone to the small diner. Its multi-colored lights blinked to the rhythm of the Christmas carol playing from within the tree’s branches. A Merry Christmas indeed. Maybe she could spend time with her father, stepmother, and brother before they left for their skiing trip. A hopeful thought—one she had very little confidence would be reality. She took the last bite of toast. Please let my stomach settle.

  “If you don’t want to do this, I can cancel the meeting.” Justin fished his credit card from his wallet and laid it on top of the bill.

  Cancel the meeting? That would certainly be the easy way out. No. She’d come this far. She’d see this thing to the end—whatever that would be.

  “No, I’m good. Let’s go. I’m ready.” She gathered her purse and checked again to make sure the letters were still secure. Her proof in case Delton had any doubts.

  The rain, while not as heavy, continued to fall at a steady beat. They shared the large golf umbrella Noel borrowed from Vivian. Walking so close to Justin brought on a new swell of guilt. She would have to find the right time to tell him. There was no way around this. He had been too good a friend for her to continue to deceive him. After the meeting with Delton, she’d tell him. She’d tell everyone, and if they didn’t want her to stay, well, she’d just have to endure that consequence. But first, she needed to get through this meeting with Delton as best she could.

  Justin walked to the passenger door and opened it for her. Before she entered, she peered into his gorgeous eyes. “Thank you for doing this. I can’t tell you how much this means to me.”

  His lips spread, revealing white dazzling teeth. “I’m happy to do it. I’m a little worried about you though. This is a big deal.”

  “I know. Don’t worry. I’m prepared for whatever happens.”

  “Sure?”

  “I’m sure.” She climbed onto the seat and turned to face him. “Really, I’m sure.”

  Justin drove just under the speed limit on the narrow winding road. His truck splashed through the puddles sending a wake of water into the ditch.

  “We’re almost there.”

  Noel’s nerves went into overdrive. The prayer Vivian prayed with her this morning came to mind. Strength, courage, and grace. Yes, Lord. I need them all.

  Take a deep breath. You can do this.

  She inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly, forcing herself to breathe steady. When Justin turned into a driveway closed off with an electric gate supported with brick pillars, Noel took another deep breath. She reached for her purse and retrieved her mirror. Trying to tame the unruly humidity-induced frizz would take a beautician with superhuman powers. One glance in the mirror convinced her to finger-pick the best she could. Her normally pixie-cut straight hair had taken on a new personality since arriving in Louisiana. After a few minutes and several failed attempts at looking presentable, she gave up. He’d have to see her like this.

  Justin reached out the window and pressed buttons on the keypad next to the gate. Before long, the iron gate inched open and welcomed them to venture further. Wouldn’t be long before she’d know. For so long she’d envisioned how this moment would feel. But she never imagined she’d be so nervous and so filled with doubt.

  ****

  At the imposing wooden door, Justin rang the doorbell while Noel shifted her weight from side to side. She held onto the strap of her purse as though it was a life ring and she was going under for the third time.

  When the door opened, Randy’s smiling face greeted them both. “Justin, man, so good to see you.” They shook hands and did the manly half hug with a pat on the back.

  “I’d like you to meet a friend of mine, Noel Winters.”

  Randy turned to Noel. “Very nice to meet you. Please come in. My Dad had an unexpected conference call.” He glanced at his watch. “He should be out in a few minutes.” He led them through the wide travertine-tiled foyer into an expansive living room. Exposed beams spanned the cedar-planked ceiling. Perfectly coordinated leather and fabric couches and chairs filled the space.

  Randy pointed to the couch. “Please, have a seat.” Justin and Noel sat on the thick couch while Randy lowered into the huge chair across from a glass coffee table. “So, word on the street is you’re on the roster for a certain major league team in Colorado.” His sheepish grin spread across his face. “Are you nervous?”

  Noel shot a glance his way. “Really?”

  So much for keeping quiet about his status. “Yeah, a little. Please don’t say anything to Nonc Al. I know it’s on the website, but they never check the Internet. I wanted to at least play a game before I tell them. After what happened last time, I’m a little leery about them coming to see me. If anything happened to either one, I’d never forgive myself. Not looking forward to the articles that will pop up once the season starts. Those sports reporters can be brutal.”

  Noel sighed. She must be bored with all this talk of sports or anxious to meet her father.

  “Don’t worry, bro. I’ll keep it on the down low. But you know the whole town will be pulling for you. Man, the whole state for that matter.” He glanced at the large clock mounted above the mantel. “I don’t think he’ll be much longer. Have to say, your call was a surprise. Are you announcing some exciting news with Miss Winters here?” He grinned broadly.

  He sensed Noel shrinking back into the couch cushion. “No, no. She’s a friend. Actually we just met. She needs to speak to your dad.”

  “Who needs to speak to me?” a commanding voice echoed from the other side of the room.

  Justin stole a hurried look at Noel. Pale skin replaced the rosy glow she sported earlier. He gave her hand a tender squeeze then stood. “Mr. Detiveaux, it’s good to see you again.” He extended his hand.

  Delton’s vigorous handshake and booming voice reminded Justin of Delton’s position in government. He was accustomed to getting what he wanted because people were intimidated by him. “Good to see you, boy. Are you going to make Bijou Bayou proud in Denver?”

  A quick stab of insecurity caused Justin to pause. Delton couldn’t steal his joy. “I’ll give it my best, sir.”

  “Not like last time I hope.” Delton slapped behind Justin’s shoulder and then bellowed a hearty laugh.

  “Not like last time.” Justin peered into Delton’s eyes. “Those were extenuating circumstances.”

  “I guess they were.” Delton lowered his gaze toward Noel. “And who do we have here?”

  Noel stood next to Justin. “This is Noel Winters.”

  Delton’s eyes fixed on Noel. “Winters. Hmm…seems I knew someone a long time ago with that last name.”

  Onze

  Noel’s knees weakened at Delton’s words. Should she just blurt out why she came or ask to speak to Delton in private? She could give him the courtesy of hearing the news alone instead of with his son present.

  She offered her hand. “Nice to meet you. I believe you knew my mother, and that’s why I’m here today.”

  “Your mother?” His brows furrowed and eyes narrowed. He remained silent and stared at her. His penetrating glare made her stomach roll again. Thankfully, she hadn’t eaten a huge breakfast. There’s no doubt she’d be puking on his shoes about now.

  “Yes, Lynn Winters. Perhaps we can have a word in private?”

  He snorted. “You want to have a word in private? Very well. Let’s step into my office.” He moved aside and swept his arm around her back guiding her into the adjacent room. “Randy, offer Justin something to drink. Miss Winters, would you like a drink. Water, orange juice?”

  “No, thank you.” The thought of drinking anything made her gut do somersaults.

  Once she entered his office, the smell of stale cigars did little to help. This man was not the loving person she’d envisioned when she read the love letters sent to her mother. But there was no turning back now. She’d never forgive herself if she didn’t see this through.

  Delton walked around the massiv
e mahogany desk and settled into his high-back leather chair. Noel slid into the visitor chair across from Delton. “Well, young lady, what’s on your mind?”

  Noel reached into her purse, and retrieved the letters tucked inside. She handed them to Delton. “Recognize these?”

  He slipped the folded pages from the first envelope. The crackle of the brittle paper broke the silence in the office. His eyes softened, and his brows relaxed as he read. A slow smile crept onto his face. For a brief moment, Noel saw the man of her visions. The one who loved her mother and would have done the right thing had he known her mother was pregnant. But the moment was gone almost as soon as it appeared.

  He looked up at her. Were his eyes misting? “I knew Lynn. She was a very dear friend during college.”

  “Mr. Detiveaux, based on these letters and this journal entry, it appeared you were more than friends.” She handed the copied page to him and took a deep breath. “Mr. Detiveaux, I believe you are my father.”

  He looked up and a flash of anger spiked his eyes. “What? Your father! What kind of scam are you trying to pull, young lady? Your mother and I…we were… just…”

  Noel remained silent and kept her gaze on him. She wasn’t quite sure where she got the strength, but she wasn’t going to let this man intimidate her. Father or not. The silence lingered. He stared at her.

  “Look, your mother would have told me if she was expecting.”

  Noel crossed her arms over her chest. “Really? Even if it meant ruining your chances for politics and marrying into the wealthiest family here in Bijou Bayou?”

  He bounced from his chair and leaned on the desk. “Now you just hold on one minute, young lady. You are mistaken. I’m not your father. You have no right—“

  “You’re right sir, I don’t. I apologize. Your answers have told me all I needed to know. The man my mother loved would have wanted to know the truth and not try to deny it.” She lifted the letters from the desk, folded them neatly, and returned them to her purse.

  Don’t cry. Do. Not. Cry.

  She couldn’t let him see her hurt, her disappointment, her anger. She inhaled deeply, pressed her lips together, and then stopped at the threshold where she turned back to him.

  “Don’t worry Mr. Detiveaux, I won’t bother you ever again. I just thought it would be nice to get to know my father and half-brother. And I was delusional enough to think maybe they wanted to know me.” On the last words, a sob she couldn’t control escaped. She needed to get out of here before she dissolved into a blubbering puddle right in front of him.

  “You are not my daughter. You have no proof. Those letters mean nothing. I think it would be best for you to leave before my wife comes home.” He plopped into his chair.

  She rushed into the living room, tears marring her view. “Justin, can we go now?”

  Randy stood.

  Justin stood. “Noel, are you all right?”

  She nodded.

  “What’s going on?” Randy asked.

  She shook her head. “Ask your father.” She turned to Justin. “We have to go.”

  Outside, the heavy rain turned into a steady drizzle along with cooler temperatures. Justin offered Noel the umbrella. In her haste to leave Delton’s house, she refused. They dodged several puddles before getting to his truck.

  So the meeting hadn’t gone at all as she anticipated. What a fool she’d been to think that he’d throw open his arms and welcome her as his long lost prodigal. Well, once her car was repaired, she’d head back to her familiar world. Only now she’d be cured of her stupid fantasy that she could share her life with her father. She could return to her routine and live her life without any complications. Just the way her mother would have wanted. Or would she?

  Behind the wheel, Justin turned the engine and set the heater to high. He glanced toward Noel. When she braved to meet his gaze, his narrowed eyes and red face surprised her. “My blood is boiling. What a jerk. I’m so sorry.”

  Tears, mingled with raindrops, streamed down her cheeks. She wiped her face with her hand. “I don’t know why I’m letting this bother me so much. It was a risk I was willing to take.”

  Justin reached into the center console and found a few fast-food napkins that he handed to Noel.

  “Thank you.” She wiped her face.

  “I’m really sorry. I probably should have been more honest with you. I knew Delton could be harsh. I should have tried to talk you out of meeting him.”

  Noel ran the paper towels under her eyes, trying not to smudge her makeup. She sniffled. “I wouldn’t have listened.”

  She lowered her head. If she was leaving soon then it was time she was honest with Justin. After what she’d been through, what was another rejection? She would lay everything on the line and let the truth fall where it may.

  She cleared her throat. “Justin, I have something to tell you.” Her voice filled with dread.

  “To tell me?”

  “Yep.” It was now or never. She knew once she got to Vivian’s she’d lose her nerve. At least if she did this now, when she left town there’d be no secrets left behind.

  “What is it?”

  Her chest constricted and pounded. “Um…you know the sports reporter, Micki Barrett?”

  “Oh, yeah. The jerk wrote a bitter article after my poor debut in the majors. Guy doesn’t know me or what happened. He just decided he could bash me with his mighty pen.”

  “Justin…um…I’m Micki Barrett.”

  ****

  Had Justin heard her correctly? Micki Barrett? No way. She couldn’t be Micki Barrett. She was Noel. Besides, Micki was a grouchy old sports reporter who enjoyed writing negative articles. What in the world was she talking about? His stomach twisted. This couldn’t be.

  “I write under the alias Micki Barrett. Been doing a regular sports spot for almost three years now. I also freelance for a few magazines and newspapers as Noel Winters.” Her words burst into the cab and popped him like a line drive to the pitcher’s mound.

  He braved a glance her way, and then he took in a deep breath. “You.” The one word came out as a whisper.

  Not Noel. This couldn’t be true. “You wrote those horrible things about me.”

  She remained silent. From the corner of his vision, he saw her nod. His Cajun delight breakfast ping-ponged in his stomach and threatened to make a re-appearance. What in the world, Lord? What are You doing to me? How could he go from thinking about wanting to get to know this girl one minute to thinking he wanted to drop her off and let her walk home the next.

  He drove out of Delton’s driveway and headed back to Vivian’s. Thousands of words perched on the tip of his tongue to lash out at her, but his restraint powered through. That wasn’t his way, and surprisingly, there was still something about her that triggered his protective streak.

  “Why?” he asked.

  “Justin, I can’t tell you how sorry I am. I didn’t know about your aunt when I wrote that story. I wish I could take it all back.” Her voice thickened with emotion.

  “Too bad you can’t. It’s like toothpaste—once it’s out, there’s no putting it back into the tube. Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”

  “I didn’t want to see that look of disappointment in your eyes. I wanted to get to know you as just Noel.”

  He pushed a little harder on the accelerator, careful to maintain control of both the truck and his emotions. He couldn’t get to Cousin Vivian’s soon enough. He couldn’t wait to drop Noel off and then get her car fixed so she could leave Bijou Bayou. So she could get out of his life.

  This was certainly an example of him being wrong about what God had in mind for him. Obviously, Noel Winters wasn’t who he thought she was. He’d wanted to get to know her. Well, he got to know her all right. He knew more about her than he wanted. He should have known better than to let his guard down. Known better than to open his heart to this pixie with big brown eyes and an enchanting smile.

  Douze

  Noel fumbled with the tr
uck door when Justin stopped at Vivian’s house. He slid out the driver’s door and came around to open the door for her. The gentlemanly act made her shame and guilt rise higher.

  “Nonc Al sent a text. Your pump came in this morning, and he’s already started repairing your car. We should have it ready later this afternoon. Then you can leave if you want.” He opened the door and helped her slide out of his tall truck.

  “Call me when it’s ready, and I’ll see if Vivian can take me.” She stopped next to him and peered into his eyes. “Justin, I’m really sorry.”

  He pursed his lips and after a long moment turned toward her. When she looked into his eyes, disappointment shrouded the usual sparkle she’d grown accustomed to seeing there. For the first time since she’d been writing her articles, she fully understood the importance of reporting responsibly. Her words impacted people. Something she hadn’t totally comprehended.

  “I’ll see you then.” He closed the door.

  “OK…I’ll see you…then.” When she reached the porch door, she braved another glance his way. Her heart lurched. He sat in his truck watching her. Although, she hated the outcome, relief—huge and comforting—flowed over her. She’d done the right thing by telling him. She pushed away the nagging guilt that made her question what he must think of her. She couldn’t dwell on those thoughts.

  Oh, Lord what have I done?

  She leaned against the doorframe while Justin sped away. The sinking feeling in her chest made her wonder if she’d ever see him again. Although Delton’s rebuke made her sad, Justin’s disappointment broke her heart. His opinion of her mattered more than she thought.

  As she walked to the front door, the mechanical Santa belted out his cheerful greeting. Christmas was a few days away, and she had no Christmas spirit in her heart.

  She entered Vivian’s house to an incredible, comforting aroma. “I’m in the kitchen, honey,” Vivian called when Noel closed the front door.