"She asked," Robie defends as Harper swings around to look at me.
"He’s lying," Harper says flatly. "He’s a habitual liar. You can’t believe a word he says. He’s an attorney, for Christ sake!"
"Hmmm." I get up and pour her a cup of coffee. "Methinks thou doth protest too much, Tabloid."
"Ah, hell, I can’t win," she grumbles, taking the cup from my hand. Did she just caress the back of my hand? Or am I imagining things?
"Why are you here?" she growls at her brother as she sips her coffee.
"Well, Rene and I came by to see if you and Kelsey would like to go out with us tonight, seeing how Mama and Papa will be up at Red Stick. But, since you’re being such a brat, maybe we’ll just take Kelsey to dinner instead. She’s much better company anyhow and a lot prettier too."
"Thanks a lot, Robie."
"My pleasure," he snickers from behind his mug.
"Actually, Harper," Rene offers with a sigh, "we’d love it if you and Kelsey would join us tonight. We’re going to Celebration in the Oaks."
"What’s that?" I ask.
"It’s a Druidic cult thing," Harper replies blithely, trying to hide a smile. "Everyone gets really wasted and screws under the oak trees. It’s great fun."
"Huh?" Robie grunts. "That sounds like the prom."
Sounds like Omaha. Get over it, Kels, get over it.
"Actually, it’s one of the nicest traditions we have down here for Christmas," Harper explains. "So we are simply going to have to suffer through Robie’s company. It’ll be worth the sacrifice."
"Hey!" Rene protests.
"We’re suffering with Robie, chér, not with you."
Rene smiles at Harper’s admission. She really is very beautiful, reminding me of a young Elizabeth Taylor before the booze, pills and the men did a number on her. "Okay. Remember, I’m the mother of your two favorite nephews. You want to keep on my good side."
"Speaking of which, where is Christian? Or did Robie forget him again?"
"One time. That was all, thank you. And I went back as soon as I realized he wasn’t in the car with me. Christian’s with Poppy, of course. He brought his little hammer and wanted to show it off."
"Men and their hammers, it starts so early," Rene coos.
"Hey, I resemble that remark!" Robie good-naturedly agrees, leaning over to give his wife a lingering kiss.
And it’s all I can do to keep myself from turning to Harper and puckering up. It’s gonna be a long day.
We agree to meet Robie and Rene at Café Degas at seven in the evening. It’s a wonderfully romantic restaurant featuring a full French cuisine with a touch of Creole. Edward Degas, the French impressionist, once lived in the neighborhood and the restaurant is named after him. The place has a relaxed atmosphere, not the regular starched shirt of the French restaurants located in the Quarter.
Kels and I arrive after Robie and Rene. They’re seated in a booth near the garden area. Actually, it’s not quite a booth. It’s two love seats on opposite sides of a table. I bet he asked for this damn table.
We exchange greetings and sit down on the uncomfortably small seat. Well, it’s not uncomfortable. It’s way too comfortable. I keep telling myself to not put my arm around the back of the seat.
The waiter comes over to take our drink order after a few minutes. Robie orders a Pinot Noir, a 1997 Clos de la Roche from Burgundy, for us to share. The waiter murmurs his approval of Robie’s order and hurries off to retrieve the bottle.
"What looks good to you, Harper?" Kelsey asks.
God, you do.
Rene jumps in to my rescue and begins discussing the best items on the menu as I find my tongue again. Of course, there are other things I wish my tongue was doing right now. How do I get myself into these situations?
We place our orders. Kelsey chooses the couscous and vegetable salad, along with the roasted Cornish game hen with rosemary. I order the onion soup gratinee and the faux filet mignon Bordelaise. Maybe onion breath will keep my hormones in line tonight.
Or maybe I could just get a fucking mint when we leave.
After the waiter pours the wine, upon Robie’s approval of the bottle, Robie raises his glass in a toast. "May the best of your yesterdays be the worst of your tomorrows."
"Ah, that’s sweet," Kelsey murmurs and takes a sip from her glass. "Oh, this is good." She runs her finger over the rim of the glass.
Oh, to be that rim.
"It has a raspberry hint to it," Kels comments.
Rene nods. "And coffee."
"And black cherries," Kels adds.
Robie stares at the wine, looking very confused. "How the hell do you do that? I mean, I know it’s a great wine, but I can’t pick out the specific flavors in it." He looks to me for support.
"We have a more sophisticated palette, sweetie," Rene answers, patting his leg.
"And wine tasting class," Robie teases.
"Well, that too."
Dinner is a pleasant and friendly affair. The food is great, but the conversation is even better. I am pleased by how well Rene and Kelsey are getting along, talking like long lost sorority sisters. For the most part, Robie and I just add a few words when we can, which isn’t often. It’s funny watching my brother and the fond, indulgent look he bestows on Rene. I never thought he’d look at anyone like that. And I certainly never expected to see him married and a father twice over in less than four year’s time.
"Can you let me up, Harper?" Kels asks, touching my shoulder, startling me out of my thoughts.
"Uh, yeah, sure," I stutter and slide out of the loveseat. I stand and let her pass. She’s wearing Alfred Sung perfume. My favorite.
Robie also gets up and lets Rene leave as well. Apparently women can only go to the bathroom in groups.
"You’re so wrapped," I tease.
"Hello, Pot, this is the Kettle." He raps his knuckles on the table, laughing at me.
"I am not!"
"None are so blind as those who cannot see. Or will not see."
"Jesus, Robie, you make it sound like I’m in love with her or something."
"Aren’t you?" He leans back in the seat, interested in my answer.
"No!" I say too quickly. "God, Rob, I don’t know. I’m so confused. I don’t know if I’m coming or going anymore. Some days, I swear I can smell her on my clothing and it drives me wild. Other days, she can be Satan incarnate to me."
"Oh, and you’re easy to live with."
I put my forehead on the table and groan, mindless of the bad manners I am exhibiting. Mama would slap my head right now. Thank God I’m out with Robie.
"Just relax, Harper. I think you’re the only two who don’t see how good you are together. Let it happen. And stop being such a scaredy cat."
"I am not," I mumble.
"Right. This from the one who’s never had a steady girlfriend. You’re so afraid of being caught in something you don’t want, you don’t know when you should surrender."
"Are you a fucking psychiatrist or a lawyer?"
"I’m your brother. Close enough."
Standing at the sink, I watch myself in the mirror.
"Enjoying yourself?" Rene asks as she joins me and we have your typical reflection conversation. What is it about being in the bathroom that makes you do this?
"Oh, very much, thanks for inviting me along."
"Well, Robie and Harper didn’t get a chance to spend a lot of time together last time she was home. I’m glad you came with us. She’s really enjoying herself with you here."
"Oh, Harper can enjoy herself anywhere."
"But you make it special for her."
"You’re seeing things." I smile at her as I inspect my make up.
"Uh huh." Rene sounds skeptical. "And you’re too busy trying to deny it." She gives me a wink and pulls open the door gesturing back to the dining area. "The best two things that the Kingsley family has to offer await."