I feel my forehead wrinkle. “How so?”
“You have an open mind, Violet. Your intelligence is obvious to those you speak with.”
I laugh at his words. “I don’t believe I’ve ever been described that way. You tease me, but thank you.”
“When you’ve lived in New Orleans as long as I have, you learn how to read people. You are more than you believe.”
My cheeks turn warm with his words. I’ve never had so many compliments…especially from a man. Hoping to change the conversation, my mind reels over a list of questions that are appropriate for times like this. I settle on something safe. “Are you from New Orleans?”
“Originally, no. But I’ve been here for a very long time. Yourself?”
I smile. “Born and raised. I can’t imagine being anywhere else.” I sigh, knowing my answer wasn’t truthful. “That’s a lie. I can’t wait to get out of here. I’m made for more, more than just answering phones and pushing cords into the correct spots.”
“I knew there was more to you. Sounds like you have dreams, Violet.”
“I do…it’s silly really.”
“No dream is silly. If it’s something you want to do, do it.” He chuckles. “Some of the best things come out of silly dreams.”
“If only it were that easy.”
“It is easy. I’ve lived many different lives. Some were more fun than others.” He turns toward me. “What is it you want to do, Violet?”
I stop walking. “I want to go to New York and be a fashion designer. I want to travel around the world, designing ball gowns. I have always loved fashion and dressing up. I’m quite good at creating the perfect dress for the perfect occasion.”
“What’s stopping you?”
I scoff. “Where should I start? Money, family, friends, societal expectations…the list goes on.”
“I like you.” His words throw me off slightly.
I smile, not sure how to respond. “Likewise.”
“Shall we continue?” He nods upriver, where fewer people are walking around. My stomach does a few flips at the thought of being alone with a strange man and no one to ensure my safety. God, I sound like my mother— and Carol.
“We shall,” I answer, ignoring my stomach. We continue our walk, staying close to the riverbank. We walk arm in arm until we’re away from the business of the French Quarter and my friends.
“May I ask you a question?” Harrison says after several minutes of silence.
“Of course.”
“Do you believe in fate?”
I stare at my companion. “To be honest, I’ve never thought about it.” I stop walking, pulling my arm away. “I think so. Why do you ask?”
“Fate has played a role throughout my lifetime.” He looks over the calm water. “Fate has brought me many things. Food, companionship…” he turns back toward me, “lust.”
My stomach begins to flip again, and I swallow the lump in my throat. I’ve never had a man flirt with me so openly before. Harrison Chamberlin is flirting with me…right? To be honest, I’m not sure that’s what this is.
“I believe fate brought us together, Violet.” Cold fingers brush a stray hair from my cheek. “Fate led me to the French Quarter today and to your table at the café.” He steps closer. “Not only did your beauty call to me but so did your strength.”
My eyes blink, and I step backward from the spell his eyes are casting. “Oh, my. Look how far we’ve walked. I should be getting back. My friends will surely be worried.”
He smiles, easing a little of the tension I’m holding. “Just a little further. I’m thoroughly enjoying our time together. Your energy is calming. Something I haven’t felt in a while.” He wraps my arm through his and continues to pull me away from civilization.
I’ve never walked with a man who freely gives compliments. I scoff at my thoughts. I’ve never walked with a man, period. “Thank you,” I answer, not sure if that’s an appropriate response. My stomach flips as we continue to move further away. “I’ve never met someone like you before.”
He laughs deeply. “I’ve heard that several times throughout my life. Although there’s nothing special about me. You just haven’t experienced much.” He bends down, placing his nose against my neck, and sniffs deeply. His actions are strange, yet somehow intoxicating.
