“Isabeau,” I said.
“Fine. Piper dropped by the store to get a refill for a perfume we made for her months ago.”
“She did mention that she knew you two.”
“Anyway, word about her had already reached our ears,” Isabeau said coyly, “because your brothers met her at the bar.”
“Of course it did.”
“Then we went through all the notes we had for her. For perfume-making, you know.”
“That’s creepy,” I stated without mercy.
“Mind your own business, young man. She’s a lovely woman, very hardworking. Loves her parents to the moon and back. She splurges more on beauty products for her mom than for herself.”
That was an interesting tidbit and did tell me something about Piper’s personality, but I couldn’t understand why Isabeauwas sharing this with me. “That’s very personal information about your clients. Shouldn’t this be confidential?”
“You’re determined to be difficult today, aren’t you?”
“No, Isabeau, that’s whatyou’retrying to do. I just want to know the amount of cumin.”
“Three teaspoons. But only add the third one after?—”
“You give it a good stir,” I finished for her.
“Oh, by the way, also put in some fennel seeds. Do you have any?”
“Yeah, I do. Are you sure?”
“Yes, yes.”
“You’ve never told me to use fennel seeds before in jambalaya.”
“I’ve been experimenting lately.”
She sounded odd, but then again, chefs always experiment.
“All right, then. I’ll add fennel seeds. How many?”
“One teaspoon should do the trick.”
“Okay.”
“How is the little angel?”
“Sleeping peacefully for now. Thanks for all the tips, Isabeau. On the food and generally everything.” Even though I liked to banter with my family, I never wanted them to doubt how grateful I was.
“You know we’re always here for whatever you need. And just to put it out there, youwouldtell us if Piper was in need of lilac, wouldn’t you?”
I started to laugh again. “Can’t believe you’re going there.”
“All of your brothers went through this. It’s your turn now.”
“I have a newborn daughter. The result of a one-night stand. I won’t date anytime soon.”
“What’s one thing got to do with the other? I see things differently. Now that you’ve experienced that carefree lifestyle for years, you’re ready for something else.”
“Ready to be a father.” I was surprised by the strength in my own words. “Nothing more.”
