The thought wasn’t even fully formed before Toni reminded herself that she had obligations in DC—to her job and to her mother.Addie needs someone in her life who can be there for her.She shoved the thought away.
First crisis first.
Toni fell into the story of a late-night Victorian world with its gas lamps and gardens; in some ways it wasn’t too dissimilar from parts of Edinburgh or New Orleans, if one ignored the modern elements that crept in. Of course, her character was hunting a killer while vulnerable on the danger-filled streets. The initial plan had been that Cousin Colin would have a personality evolution and become an ally. Now, Toni needed a new plan.
Or they can recast Colin?
She made a margin note to talk to her editor, Greta. Changing the story for the sake of the show seemed extreme, but if there was another character—a bastard brother? an old friend of her deceased husband? the brother of an ex-lover?—who could fill that role, Toni would like it.A gay man, ideally. And the role cast with a gay man.…
Her note-to-self grew longer as she started adding what could be an exciting plot shift.
By the time Addie texted—“Done in a few. See you at the hotel?”—Toni was ready for a break… or maybe she just missed Addie. She’d spent most of the last few weeks writing when she wasn’t at the college or the gym, and she was far enough along onThe Widow’s Cursethat she could turn it inbeforeher extension due date.
“Meet you at set,” Toni texted before she grabbed her wallet and opted for a jacket-free day. Unlike DC, where the autumn weather was chilly, New Orleans today was warm and humid enough that this wasn’t jacket weather.
Toni was grateful that the hotel was near the filming siteandthat she had a basic grasp of directions. The streets were filling with tour groups, drunken tourists, and locals. A plethora of costumes covered most of the crowd. The French Quarter was already a thriving mass of revelry. Fake spiderwebs, bones, and beads seemed to be festooning every possible surface. Unlike the historical accuracy of the Cape Dove Manor weekend, this was a chaotic blend of everything under the sun.
By the time Toni reached the filming area, she was wishing she’dtaken the time to dress in her suit. When Toni walked up to the steel barricades that lined the perimeter, she had to catch the attention of security. She flashed her access badge, and the man checked his clipboard. Apparently, they had taken extra precautions as the day went on. She couldn’t blame them, though. The crowd milling around the streets seemed to have quadrupled since morning.
A remarkable number of people wore semi-historical costumes, and the streets were as interesting as the decorations on the buildings. A wedding party in black lace twirling black umbrellas danced by in a parade of beads and booze, accompanied by a jazz parade and what appeared to be at least three Baron Samedi look-alikes—one in a dress.
The set, however, was deserted in comparison to earlier. Most of the actors and crew were gone. Toni looked around in confusion. Inside the small space was a veritable oasis of peace. And in that oasis was Addie, who was dressed in a scarlet gown that was far from her character’s usual modest ensemble. Her chest was on abundant display, and ringlets were falling around her face—although the majority of her hair was pinned up like a proper Victorian woman. Dainty boots peeked out from under heavy skirts that were a shade too short. Rouge and dark-red lipstick completed the outfit.
“Damn. I’m not sure where to look, love. You are a vision.” Toni took a step back to fully appreciate the ensemble and woman wearing it.
“We shortened the skirt to keep it out of the streets,” Addie said.
“The length of your skirt was not anywhere on the list of what I was admiring,” Toni said.
Addie turned her neck where two bright marks showed as if she’d actually been bitten. “Costuming did me a favor.” She executed a small spin. “I was actually done an hour ago, but I thought—I mean, when in New Orleans…”
“You are magnificent.” Toni took her hand and gave her a small bow. “And I am here to volunteer as your willing victim.”
“They offered to give you a pair of fangs for the night,” Addieblurted out hurriedly. “A couple people waited after your whole monologue earlier, and I was thinking you could be a vampire since I have the bite.”
Toni laughed. “You know what? Why the hell not? Lead on.”
A short while later, Toni had a period suit and her prosthetic fangs, and they were walking through the crowds pouring out of bars and restaurants. It was a crush, with music and drunks and costumed partiers everywhere. They had been photographed by staid tourists as they worked toward the restaurant on Royal Street.
“You tell me if you change your mind on photos,” Addie repeated.
“They’re fine. It’s just tourists who like the costumes, and who can blame them?” Toni’s gaze swept over Addie again. “I am being accompanied by the most beautiful woman in the city.”
“Who is under your thrall,” Addie said cheerily.
They arrived at The Court of Two Sisters and were seated.Thank goodness for Marcela pulling strings on a reservation.Toni had already ordered a drink for both of them when Addie looked at her and said, “I feel like Iamsometimes, you know.”
“Like you are what?”
“Under your thrall.” Addie blushed under her exaggerated costume makeup. “I swear I didn’t know people thought about sex this often until I met you.”
Toni looked at her, weighing just how honest to be, before saying, “You know it’s not just sex for me, don’t you?”
“I don’t want to presume,” Addie said quietly. “I’m never sure… you are confusing sometimes. I know you want me, and I think you feel… the things I do.”
“Addie…”
“It’s just hard to know what will make you run.” Addie smoothed the napkin in her lap. “I don’t want you to push me away or run. That’s getting tedious. If it keeps happening…”
