Good Woman Blues (15 page)

“Excuse me.” Erikka answered it. Karin’s
voice kept breaking up. “The signal is bad. I’ll call you back.
Stop being so nosy. Bye.”

“Only so many towers out here. Like I said,
peace and quiet.” Gabriel gazed at her. “Somebody trying to track
you down?”

“Just a friend. Anyway, we can meet again on
Monday. By then I’ll have the name of a good bookkeeper or an
accountant.” Erikka picked up her portfolio. “I’m doing short-term
contracts only. I’m going back to New Orleans eventually.”

“I see.” Gabriel turned a rounded length of
wood in his hands.

“Don’t worry. I’ll make sure the person I
recommend is reputable,” Erikka said.

“Of course. Thank you.” He placed the wood on
a workbench and put both hands in his pockets.

“Right.” Erikka felt off-balance, as though
she had left something undone. They stood a few feet apart. “I
really love your carvings. They’re beautiful. If you ever want to
exhibit, I have some contacts.”

Gabriel’s eyes grew animated. “Really? Maybe
I’ll consider it.”

“An exhibit would be great publicity. I
worked with historical restoration experts in New Orleans as a
volunteer. So, I met a lot of architects, gallery owners, and art
investors. I know a few people who would love your work. In fact, a
lot of public buildings and private companies decorate with art,
even commission pieces. Could add up to quite a bit of money.”

“The money isn’t important. I love creating,”
Gabriel said as he swept a hand out.

“Right, you’re one of the Cormiers. I mean,
my aunt told me about your family,” Erikka added quickly, when a
slight frown wrinkled his brow.

“Been investigating me?” The light in
Gabriel’s eyes clouded over.

“No, I didn’t mean to sound like I’ve run a
criminal record search or anything.” Erikka snapped her mouth shut.
Now why in the hell did she say that? “Darlene just told me your
family is prominent and—” Erikka’s voice died away.

“My family on both sides own property and
businesses,” he supplied in a dry tone.

“Right. I think it’s wonderful. Having a rich
family and coming from a privileged background, I mean. At least I
know your check won’t bounce,” she joked.

Gabriel seemed to grow more rigid as seconds
ticked by. “I’ll finish putting in the numbers. By Monday we might
just need to review what I’ve done.”

Damn. She’d definitely put her foot in it.
Erikka cleared her throat. “Sounds good.”

“Thanks again,” he said, a noticeable
invitation for her to leave.

“Good-bye. Call me if you have any questions
between now and Monday,” Erikka said as she walked to the door.

“I probably won’t need to.”

His reply made Erikka feel even worse. She
turned and faced him suddenly. Startled, Gabriel stopped and took a
step back. “Listen; don’t mind my clumsy attempt at small talk. I’m
not one to pass judgment based on gossip.

“I appreciate your magnanimity, Ms. Rochon.
Goodbye.” Gabriel’s voice was low. Yet the quiet of the countryside
made it ring loud and clear.

Erikka started to try again. Then she decided
to wait until her brain was better connected to her tongue. “See
you Monday.” She forced a smile.

He merely nodded and closed the door behind
her when she left. Erikka drove away, thinking that she needed a
plan to redeem herself. She hoped the four days before their next
meeting would give him amnesia.

Chapter 9

“How’s it going so far?” Darlene pushed the,
rocker back and forth. She gazed at Erikka, sitting across from her
in the other rocking chair on the front porch.

“Okay.”

“Okay?” Darlene replied, gently pushing for
more.

“Yeah, okay.” Erikka continued to look off
into the distance. She seemed distracted by her own thoughts.

“Oh well, good.” Darlene contemplated another
try. Before she could take another stab at it Erikka spoke.

“How are things working out with LaTrice?
That was nice of you to give her a job at the Senior Center,”
Erikka said.

“We’ll see. I looked over the fact that she
was fired from her last two jobs.” Darlene shrugged. “She’s showing
more attitude than gratitude. Of course, she probably knows I’m not
crazy about her. But I get to see my granddaughter every now and
then. She’s beautiful.

“She sure is. Brandon and LaTrice should be
thankful. Another episode of The Young and the Senseless.”

“I’m hoping she’ll straighten up her act.”
Darlene did not have much hope. At least Brandon was speaking to
her again. She frowned when Kelvin drove up in his Lincoln.

“Good evening. Man, but it’s hot today.”
Kelvin wore a genial expression that was all down-home charm.

Darlene scowled a silent admonishment at him.
His smile stretched wider. When she realized they had Erikka’s full
attention, Darlene smiled back. “Yes, it is. How are you, and how
is your wife?”

“We’re fine. You’re doing good work down at
the Senior Center, Erikka. I’m on their board of directors, you
know,” Kelvin said easily.

“Yes, I did. Thanks. Just doing my job,”
Erikka replied. She glanced from him to Darlene as though looking
for signs of something.

“So, is that what brings you here?” Darlene
asked in a measured voice. Better be a damn good reason. Her nosy
neighbor would spread news of any man visiting Darlene’s house.

“Had a thought. The legislature cut the
budgets for all social programs, including services for the
elderly.” His voice boomed as though he was speaking for anyone
listening.

“Yeah, Darlene mentioned it,” Erikka
said.

“And charitable donations are down. We need
new ideas,” Kelvin went on.

“I have experience helping historical
restoration projects get funding, but I don’t know—” Erikka broke
off.

“Even better. You’ve worked with other
nonprofits to raise money. Those old folks really need your help,”
Kelvin said earnestly.

Darlene’s gaze settled on his chest and the
strong arms.

Kelvin’s desire to help others was genuine.
Unlike his bitchy wife, who mostly thought of herself, he cared
about others. He was right about the center. More than a few folks
were afraid it might have to close. Not to mention she could see
him more without raising suspicions too much.

“I’m sure Erikka could come up with great
ideas,” Darlene said, before Erikka could answer.

‘Two smart women for the price of one. Sounds
like a winner,” Kelvin said, and rubbed his hands together. “We’ve
got a meeting in about two weeks. I say we put our heads together
and come up with a plan. Of course, the board has the final
say-so.”

“Maybe tomorrow?” Darlene blurted out. Then
she glanced at Erikka. “I mean, if Erikka can.”

“I’m going to New Orleans for the weekend
again, remember?” Erikka gazed at Darlene with one eyebrow up.

“Oh, right.” Darlene fiddled with the hem of
her cotton shirt. Erikka might have been distracted by her own
problems a couple of weeks ago. Not now.

“We really need to get started. That week
will go by fast,” Kelvin put in with a frown. “What do you think,
Erikka?”

“We could meet next Thursday instead. I—”

“Doggone, I’ve got a lodge meeting that
night,” Kelvin broke in quickly. “Darlene and I could get together.
Just for a few minutes. If you have time to make some preliminary
notes for us.”

Darlene made a point of not looking at
Erikka. “Maybe we should wait until Erikka can meet with us.”

“I could just sketch out a draft of some
projects I did before for nonprofits. Then we could get together
right before the meeting. Like Kelvin said, we’re in the early
stages. It’s not as if you would present a final plan.” Erikka
watched Kelvin closely as she spoke.

“Okay, I guess we could do some of the grunt
work. We’re not the experts naturally. You sure it’s okay with
you?” Kelvin said to Erikka. “We could put this off if you’re not
comfortable with it.”

“Oh, no. You two meet without me. I can see
how anxious you are to get something started. For the Senior
Center,” Erikka added.

“I know how much that place means to the old
folks that use it. I’ll see you tomorrow Darlene.” Kelvin’s voice
dropped to a bass note when he looked at her.

“Right. I’ll be ready.” Darlene looked at
Erikka sharply and cleared her throat. “Erikka and I might even put
some stuff down on paper tonight.”

“Excellent. I better get going. Y’all have a
good evening.” Kelvin flashed a smile that included them both. He
bounded to his car, got in, and waved once before he drove
away.

Darlene watched the Lincoln pull onto the
road and slowly pick up speed. A mile away he turned left, headed
in the direction of his home. She wondered about his life there
with Carolyn. All she knew was that he was desperately unhappy.
Kelvin was such a sweet-tempered man. How he got hooked up with
Carolyn was a mystery. Not that Darlene had given Kelvin much
notice back in the day. In high school Kelvin had seemed too nice,
which translated into boring. Tame and uneventful was exactly what
she should have gone for instead of with her two ex- husbands.
Erikka’s emphatic throat-clearing jerked her attention back to the
front porch.

“He seems nice,” Erikka said.

Darlene glanced at her. Erikka looked off
into the distance. “You mean Kelvin? Yeah, he’s okay.”

“Very conscientious about giving to the
community,” Erikka went on in a casual tone.

“He’s been on a lot of boards. That’s how we
first met.” Darlene warmed at the memory of how they’d clicked so
quickly serving together on committees. “Kelvin is civic-
minded.”

“Uh-huh.”

Darlene waited for her to say more. Minutes
passed, and all she heard was the soft creaking sound of the wooden
rocker. She knew Erikka was searching for a way to get the real
story. Darlene wanted to share the emotions boiling inside her, but
was hesitant. Erikka had enough of her own life complications.
Besides, Erikka had always looked up to Darlene. Her niece was
probably wondering just who was Darlene to lecture her. She felt
guilty for using the center to sneak around with Kelvin. Not guilty
enough to give him up. That was the problem.

***

Monday, Erikka arrived at Gabriel’s workshop
promptly at ten in the morning. Now she waited anxiously. She’d
been attuned to every nuance, every vibe Gabriel gave for the last
two hours.

“How does it feel?” she asked.

“I’m getting the hang of it,” Gabriel said.
His dark brows were bunched together as he moved the mouse
around.

“You don’t have to learn it all in sixty
seconds you know.” Erikka resisted jumping in to help when he
clicked the wrong icon. Seconds later he corrected his mistake.

“Like you said, this is kids’ stuff. You’re
too busy to babysit me.” Gabriel nodded when he successfully
generated a report of his expenses for the previous month.
“Damn!”

“What’s wrong?” Erikka leaned over his
shoulder.

“I spent way too much on supplies. I need to
comparison shop. Trouble is I hate shopping.” Gabriel scowled at
the numbers.

“Browse the internet. I can show you
how.”

“First I’ll master turning this thing on and
off,” Gabriel replied. He squinted at the figures as though he saw
more unpleasant surprises.

“You’re a bit past being that much of a tech
dummy,” Erikka joked. “Are you this intense about everything?”

Gabriel leaned forward and scrolled through
two pages. “Sorry, did you ask me a question?”

“You answered it. Relax. Let’s have some more
delicious coffee.” Erikka strolled over to the automatic pot. A red
light indicated the coffee was ready.

“In a minute,” he said, without stopping his
examination of numbers.

“I tell you what; you can work in my office
anytime. I’ve never tasted coffee this rich.” Erikka poured the
smooth, dark liquid into a mug. “The secretary at the office where
I worked made awful sludge.”

“Colombian. I get it from a gourmet shop in
New Orleans. Order by phone.” Gabriel hit a key and his laser
printer spit out a sheet.

“Bet they have a website.” Erikka savored a
sip. “Wow, that’s good stuff.”

“I think I finally get it. Oh-oh, should have
kept my mouth shut.” Gabriel jerked his hands away from the
keyboard.

“You need to take a break. Here, let me look.
Just hit the ‘undo’ icon. Remember, as long as you don’t save it
the basic form won’t change.” Erikka moved the mouse with one hand
and kept the mug of coffee in the other.

“Whew, close call. Thanks for being patient
with me.” Gabriel tapped out more commands more slowly.

“That’s what you pay me for, boss.” Erikka
saluted.

“But the perks are even better.” She tasted
more smooth Colombian roast liquid heaven and sighed.

“You’re a coffee lover I see.” Gabriel
finally relaxed against the chair back.

“Mostly just chug it down to get going in the
morning. I’m loving every bit of this.”

“I’m glad.” Gabriel seemed about to smile,
but the corners of his mouth never quite lifted. His expression
stayed impassive instead.

“Uh, listen, I kinda put my foot in it the
last time I was here and—”

“Don’t worry about it,” he broke in and
turned to the computer again.

“No, wait. I don’t want you to think that I
believe any old trashy gossip. Hell, I’ve been the subject of some
juicy talk myself lately and—”

“I said it’s okay, Erikka.” Gabriel made the
desk chair swivel around again until he faced her.

“Okay.” Erikka cleared her throat as his
golden brown eyes bored into her.

“So you’ve got a past, too, huh?” Gabriel
said. He continued to gaze at her.

“If you call a Driving While Intoxicated
conviction and a brief stay in a psycho ward a past. I call it
sowing wild oats,” Erikka wisecracked. She wondered why the truth
had spilled out so easily.