“Shakespeare would disagree with you.”
“Well, the Bard wasn't from Louisiana. And I think he'd agree with me that Romeo and Juliet wouldn't have the same appeal if they were called Ralph and Jane.”
Bruno barked in agreement.
“I can't argue that.” I thought about my new name. It felt more comfortable now, more than Agnes ever had. Nearly perfect. Something about it . . . it was almost me. What an odd thing to think about a name. Maybe I still had to grow into it.
“It's all about perspective, isn't it?” Ace cocked his head at me. “A married man in love feels free while a man who detests his wife feels trapped.”
“Now, you're talking about marriage? And with such a poor segue too.” I let go of his arm. “Why, Mr. Pouderoux, I think you're moving too fast for me.”
Ace stepped closer.
I paused, expecting him to grab me like the hounds had. But he wasn't a hound. Ace was a southern gentleman, and he had a little more class than that.
Ace bowed, hand to his heart. “Forgive my urgency. You're right. Romance should be savored. But when faced with a rare gem like you, it's difficult to restrain oneself. Please.” He offered me his arm again. “I was so proud to have you on my arm. Don't take that away from me just yet.”
I burst out laughing and shaking my head. “You certainly have a way with words.” I took his arm. “It's a shame all men aren't so genteel out here.”
“Oh, now, that sounds like an interesting story. Have you had a run-in with an unsavory sort?”
“Not really.” I looked away—right at the restaurant. “Oh! Is this the place?”
“It is indeed the place.” Ace escorted me into the clubhouse, which was right beside the lagoon, with indoor and outdoor seating.
They, of course, knew him, and the hostess took us immediately to an outdoor table with an enormous umbrella over it and a view of the water.
“I'll be right back with some water for all of you,” the woman said. “Alan will be here soon to take your order.”
She brought us the water, including a bowl for Bruno, and Alan was as prompt as advertised. Normally, I would have wanted more time to peruse the menu, but it was their special brunch menu and featured very few items. I started with dessert—lemon ice box pie and beignets. Yes, both of them. For my main, I had the chicken and waffles.
“Now, are you gonna share those desserts or do I have to order my own?” Ace asked.
“I don't share.”
Both Ace and Alan laughed.
I stared at Ace.
“Oh, my. She's serious, Alan. Better make it two of those lemon ice box pies. And café au lait for me.” Ace looked at me.
“Mocha.”
“Very good. Would you like your pie brought out with the lady's?”
Ace smirked. “Oh, yes. I can't be watchin' her enjoy such a delicacy without indulging myself.”
“Yessir.” Alan wrote it all down and hurried off.
“How long have you lived here?” I asked as the server left.
Ace leaned back in his seat. “Oh, it feels like forever.”
“Are you a part of a family who has been here for generations?”
“You could say that.” He took a sip of ice water. “What about you? Where are you from?”
“Somewhere I have no intention of returning to.”
