Untrusting Hearts: A Contemporary New Orleans Romance (19 page)

“Your ego is only exceeded in size by your gullibility. I’m going to tell you a few things, not because I give a damn about you, but because I happen to care about Maylene, and I don’t want you bringing any kind of distress into her life.”

“Advice from you? That ought to be interesting. Go ahead. Educate me.”

Gage cleared his throat and Jade could imagine the look of annoyance on his face. “You think this woman is some kind of prize. Granted, she puts on a good act. But believe me, as soon as she has her future guaranteed, she’ll be the one calling all the shots. Once she has her foot in the door, she’ll take over and your life will go to hell. Unfortunately, so will Maylene’s. You’re dealing with someone who has no concept of what it took to amass that kind of wealth. It means nothing to her. She’ll run through your money like a gambler in Vegas. And like that gambler, when she loses, she’ll leave you behind.”

“You think I’d allow that to happen?”

“I don’t think you’ll have any say in the matter. She’ll lead you around like a puppy dog on a leash. She has a way of getting what she wants.” His voice tightened. “And she’ll screw around with JP’s. I don’t know how, but she’ll find a way. That’s the type of person she is.”

“Now I know why you wanted to have this little discussion out here. You wouldn’t talk this way in front of my aunt,” Ty challenged.

“No, I wouldn’t. But only because I don’t want to upset her.” Gage sighed as if tired. “That’s all I have to say on the matter. Consider yourself warned.”

“I think I see what’s going on here. Maybe deep down inside you want her for yourself,” Ty accused.

“Hardly. You’re welcome to her, if that’s what floats your boat.”

“It’s not your concern anyway. It’s my life and I’ll live it however I want. You just keep your nose out of my business.”

Jade heard the sound of footsteps retreating, followed by Gage’s soft cursing. Ty had gone back into the house, but Gage remained. Her heart thudded in her chest and she blinked back a film of tears. Part of her wanted to jump out and confront him. She didn’t; it would be too embarrassing. At this point, Gage had no idea she’d overheard his cruel words.

The book she’d been clutching slipped from her numb fingers and fell with a light thud to the gazebo floor.

“Is someone there?” Gage asked.

Jade winced and found it suddenly difficult to breathe. She held very still as he approached her hiding place.
Go away. Just go away.

She heard him step onto the wooden floor. “Jade? What are you doing here?”

Resigned, she sat up and straightened her clothes. In the dim light, she could just make out the frown that creased his brow. “I was reading,” she said lamely.

“In the dark?”

Jade snatched the book from where it had fallen and rose on shaky legs. “I fell asleep, not that it matters. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go in.”

He blocked her way. “What’s the hurry?”

She stood in front of him, lifted her chin defiantly, and fixed him with a cold gaze. “I don’t want to be around you.”

He blinked in apparent surprise, but his voice was calm. “Why not?”

His nonchalance was maddening. Did he think she had no pride? Didn’t he realize she had feelings that could be hurt? “After everything you just said…”

“I know. I’m sorry you had to hear all that. But Jade, a person who’s eavesdropping can expect to hear some unpleasant things.”

“I wasn’t eavesdropping! I was here first. And then you and Ty came out and started talking and I couldn’t leave without…” She sputtered to a stop, her eyes full of agony. “I know you don’t trust me, probably don’t even like me much, and wish I’d never come to New Orleans. But how could you say such terrible things about me?”

“What?” His tone was incredulous. “I never said…”

She shoved him hard; it was like pushing a sturdy oak. Though he barely moved, there was just enough space for her to squeeze past him and hurry toward the house.

She’d gone only a few steps when she felt his massive hand hook her elbow, stopping her. “Jade, wait. You’ve got it all wrong.”

She stood with her back to him, shoulders shaking. Tears overflowed her eyes and she wiped at them with her free hand. Staring straight ahead, she worked to contain her emotions. A wispy fog had settled over the backyard and the landscape lights glowed here and there through the white mist like fairy lanterns, a beautiful scene she’d have appreciated under different circumstances.

“Jade. Will you listen to me? Please.” Gage’s fingers were warm on her arm.

Jade took a deep breath and nodded. Slowly she turned.

He stared down at her, his eyes tender in the deepening dusk. “We weren’t talking about you.”

Relief and uncertainty warred within her. “But the part about Maylene’s money and…”

“No, Jade.” He shook his head. “We were discussing someone else.”

Her lip trembled. “Who?”

A muscle twitched in his jaw. “It doesn’t matter. But not you.”

The two were staring at each other when Maylene interrupted them. “I’ve got a light supper ready. Both of you get on in here now; we’ve got a busy day tomorrow and need to call it an early night.” She held the door until they’d both entered.

Chapter 14

Jade did a three-sixty in front of the mirror. She wanted to look her finest tonight and make Maylene proud to have her as her niece. Finally, she nodded; this was the best she could do.

As the night’s honoree, she’d been banned from the ballroom until shortly before their guests were due to arrive, and thus was impressed by the outcome of Maylene’s efforts. Large round tables were covered with white tablecloths and draped with narrow strips of cloth in bright colors that formed a starburst design. Golden beads surrounded tea candles in the bottoms of tall clear vases in the center of each table. White feathers erupted from the outer rim of each vase and golden faces with beaded headdresses graced all four sides. Folded ivory cards with names printed in fancy calligraphy sat next to each place setting. The china was white with gold edges. Golden rimmed water and wine goblets finished out the settings perfectly. In the corner, Parker was resplendent in black tails as he made final touches to the bar.

Wandering through the room in search of her seat, Jade wasn’t surprised to find she was to be next to Gage. As inconspicuously as possible, Jade snatched up Gage’s card and moved to the other side of a nearby table. There she found Ty’s card and switched it with Gage’s before quickly taking her own place. Maylene would be peeved at the new seating, but she would be able to do nothing about it as guests were now arriving and taking their chairs.

“Well, this is nice,” Ty said as he slid into the chair next to Jade’s. “I had assumed I’d be seated with my date. Leave it to my aunt to mix things up.”

Jade flushed slightly at her faux pas. She hadn’t considered the fact that Ty would surely have a date and that she would be seated next to him. Well, too late now. She quickly turned her attention to Ty’s costume. He was dressed as a biker with black leather pants and boots, black t-shirt, and sleeveless black jean jacket with a patch on the back proclaiming him a member of the Skulls. Chains hung from pockets and he wore a small black mask with no ornamentation. She thought the outfit somehow suitable.

In an attempt to fix the seating mishap, Jade said, “Should I move? I could.”

“No, Jade. Don’t be silly. Surely we can handle an evening together.”

“Of course we can.” She was saved from saying anything more as a portly man wearing a derby with multi-colored strands of braided yarn, bow, and a scraggly wig slipped into the chair on her other side. He reached out a hand as he introduced himself. “Preston Wilson Sargent at your service.”

“I love your outfit; it’s really flamboyant. Especially your makeup. It’s possible your lipstick might be a match for mine.” She chuckled.

“You don’t know who I’m portraying, do you? I’m Boy George!”

Jade looked blank.

“Culture Club?” As she still looked baffled, he continued, “It was a band from the early eighties; they recorded
Do You Really Want to Hurt Me
, among other songs.”

He sang the title and her eyes lit up. “Oh, them. I know now. Forgive me for not recognizing you, Boy.”

They both laughed and he regarded her with a friendly gaze. “Seriously though, I
am
a musician. I play the sax with a group down on Bourbon.”

“Really, I love the saxophone,” Jade said. Before Preston could respond, Ty nudged her and she turned toward him as Preston was drawn into conversation with the woman on his other side.

Ty nodded toward the table from which Jade had moved his name card. A stunning woman with dark brown hair streaked with blond that hung just past her shoulders lowered herself into the chair next to Gage. She turned and looked straight at Jade for a moment and Jade couldn’t help but be jealous of her perfectly shaped facial features. Her lips looked like they were begging to be kissed and her skin had a golden hue. Her electric blue eyes bored into Jade’s green eyes as if they could see her innermost thoughts. The woman turned her attention back to Gage and from the expressions on their faces it was obvious they were happy with the seating arrangement.

“There he is. Gage with my date,” Ty grumbled quietly.

“Wow, Ty, she’s beautiful. Who’s she dressed as?” The woman in question wore a sleeveless dress with a jagged hem that fell well above her knees. The pointed breast cups were made to look like copper and lifted her generous bosom even higher. She wore gauntlets on her arms, a fake knife on her hip, and over-the-knee brown high heeled boots. She didn’t wear a mask. “And who is she?”

“In answer to your questions, yes, she
was
my date. She wasn’t my first choice, but our company policy doesn’t allow fraternization so I couldn’t bring sexy Sadie. But by bringing Liv, I get a nice jab at Gage; or I would have if she wasn’t sitting with him. As to her costume, I’d say she’s supposed to be Xena or some other warrior princess
.”

“Liv?”

“Yep. Gage’s ex-fiancé. Maybe there will be a reconciliation tonight.”

Jade felt as if she’d been punched, but she fought to keep her tone mildly curious. “That’s who Gage almost married?”

“Correct. The stunning Olivia Augustine, Liv to her friends.” Ty’s voice was scornful. “I don’t understand why Maylene would put them together. She seriously dislikes Liv. In fact, I took it upon myself to bring her and, believe me, it didn’t go over well with Maylene. She was anything but happy when she added her name to the guest list.”

Jade blinked rapidly. She avoided embarrassing herself by shedding tears when servers brought around dinner and Jade concentrated on eating. She socialized with some of the others at her table but couldn’t have recalled their names later. Soon, the meal was finished and dishes cleared away except the water and wine glasses. Bottles of wine were left on the table for the convenience of the guests.

A portion of the room had been left open for dancing though the music hadn’t started as of yet.

Maylene stood. “Can I have your attention?” Her voice carried over the buzz of dialogue and silence slowly fell.

Jade tensed in nervous anticipation of what was to come.

“I’d like you all to join me on the dance floor so introductions can be made.” A line began to form; Maylene smiled and gestured toward her niece. “I give you, Jade Broussard.” Applause filled the room before dwindling away.

Jade survived introductions to the hundred or so people gathered in the room. She remembered only a handful, those who made some kind of impression on her. She knew her face flushed with embarrassment when Gage introduced his ex- fiancé, but there was nothing she could do about it. She concentrated on Gage’s costume to hide her discomfiture. He was dashing in Georgian style pants that came just past the knees and sported a tassel on each leg, white silk stockings, and a cotton shirt under a long smock coat. The coat had gold trim and large buttons but hung open. His shoes were similar to those worn by pilgrims. He didn’t wear the white wig she associated with this type of clothing, nor did he wear the hat. The only other adornment was a small black mask. Her mouth went dry when his eyes met hers. She strove to keep her expression polite but dispassionate, in spite of her quickening pulse. At last, he and Olivia moved on, and Jade breathed a sigh of relief.

As soon as the last person passed by, Maylene issued a quiet command and the band members took their places. Music swelled to life, drawing the attention of all. Jade wanted nothing more than to fade into the background, but that wasn’t to be. It seemed her dance card was full; she was passed from gentleman to gentleman until the band finally took a break.

The crowd broke into groups for more personal conversations and Jade was thankful to be separated from Gage by clusters of people. He and Olivia remained apart from the other guests. Gage seemed entranced with whatever tale she was imparting, accepting her hand on his arm when she leaned near to speak privately. Their demeanor gave no hint of any past troubles in their relationship. Perhaps they
had
reconciled.

Jade sat at a table sipping from a glass of wine. The libation did nothing to ease her despair over the pair’s obvious intimacy.

Maylene came over and sat next to Jade. A couple tagged along who were interested in the sights Jade had seen so far during her visit. She gave them a rundown and they suggested a few more things she should do.

“You’ve been to Baton Rouge, haven’t you?” a tall woman dressed as Scarlett O’Hara inquired.

Maylene interjected, “She and Gage plan to go next week. I believe that’s right. Gage!” She waved her hand to get his attention, jewels flashing in the candlelight.

“Yes, Maylene.” Gage meandered over to their group, Liv trailing behind, giving Jade little time to compose herself for a face-to-face with her rival.

“Am I correct that you and Jade are going to Baton Rouge next week?”

“Monday, although Jade hasn’t yet agreed to the trip.” He frowned. “She may have something else to do that day.”

Maylene’s blue eyes were anxious when she turned them on Jade. “It would be such a shame if you missed out on visiting Baton Rouge. You
don’t
have other plans,
do you
, dear?”

Jade could think of nothing on the spot so shook her head to the negative.

“I think you’ll enjoy it. There are so many wonderful things to see. You will take some time to show her around, won’t you, Gage?”

“She can come along if she wants,” he said to Maylene. “But I need her decision soon.”

“You’re making Gage take her sightseeing?” Liv hooted gaily, one hand resting lightly on her chest, interrupting before Jade could answer one way or another. “How did you coerce him into such a tedious task, Maylene? Lord! Have you been forcing him to do this the entire time she’s been here? That certainly explains why he appears so worn and frazzled.”

“He’s anything but! He and Jade have been having a delightful time and I’m sure Gage has loved every minute of it, Olivia.” Maylene thrust out her chin.

Liv shot a glance from the older woman over to Gage with exaggerated skepticism. “No doubt he’s been bored out of his mind. He’s simply too much of a gentleman to admit how dull it’s been.”

“I’ve known Gage much longer than you have, young lady. I’m sure I can read his emotions quite well.”

“Really? And what about you, Jade? Have you had a good time with Gage?” Olivia moved her hand to her hip.

“Absolutely.” Jade couldn’t resist the urge to throw her and Gage’s adventures in Olivia’s face. “We’ve gone many places, but boating out at the old homestead and our evening on the Steamboat Natchez for dinner and dance were my two favorites.”

Jade wasn’t sure why she had developed such an instant aversion to this woman. Perhaps it was jealousy. Although, it was true that Liv hadn’t been exactly gracious. But what did it matter? Jade would be leaving in a week so she shouldn’t care one way or another if Olivia and Gage got back together. In fact, it could be a blessing in disguise. Then maybe she could get him out of her mind.

Ty had wandered up halfway through the conversation. “Don’t forget,” Ty added, “Jade hails from Kansas. There isn’t a lot happening up there. She has to be thrilled to see something besides tumbleweeds and buffalo herds. Kind of like Dorothy discovering Oz, I would imagine.”

“And Gage became her unwilling guide. I’m sure he’ll be relieved when she’s gone.” Olivia’s tone was snide.

“Actually, I’ll miss her when she leaves.” Gage finally joined the conversation. He looked at Jade and their gazes locked. His eyes were hard, as if challenging her to dispute his claim.

Liv barked an uncomely laugh. “See, what did I tell you? Gage charges to the lady’s rescue. Just like a gentleman should.”

With an effort, Jade pulled her attention from Gage. “Have you been to Kansas, Liv?”

“Never.” The woman turned up her delicate nose as if she’d detected a foul odor. “There’s nothing there but crops and cows from what I’ve been told. Dreary fields as far as the eye can see and not much else.”

“Liv,” Jade said in a mild tone. “There’s more to Kansas than that. It’s home to over two million people, after all.”

“Well, I can’t imagine what they do all day. Do you live on a farm? I’d think you’d be brown as a biscuit from riding around on a tractor all the time.”

“Oh, for goodness sakes,” Maylene broke in angrily. “Jade lives in a city, the same as you do. She’s not a farmer, though if she were it wouldn’t make her a peasant. I don’t appreciate the attitude you’re taking with my niece.”

“Well, I for one think she’s perfect as she is.” Ty set his half-filled wine glass firmly on the table as the band started back up. “And her costume makes me want to take her for a spin on the dance floor.”

“You find that outfit attractive?” Liv glared with undisguised dislike. “I suppose it could be, if you’re a barbarian. But then, bikers usually are.”

Ty laughed. “You’re right, Olivia. But as long as we’re sharing opinions, I can assure you Jade outshines you by a mile. Your costume screams
low class.
But then, that’s you. Come with one man, throw yourself at another. Typical Liv.”

“Ty!” Maylene shushed him. “Remember where you are.”

“Oh, I know where I am, but I wonder about Gage.”

Jade blushed, but also was pleased with Ty for standing up for her against the woman that was supposed to be his date. She accepted his hand when he offered it and they moved to the dance floor. After a few whirls around the room, Jade pleaded a case of aching feet and they returned to the table.