“How do I summon you?”
“I made you. I can hear your call. Just say my name with intention. It doesn't have to be loud. A whisper will do. I will feel the pull and no matter where you are, I will be able to follow our link to you.”
“Cool.” I nodded. “Cool. Cool.”
“Good.” He patted my shoulder. “Now, do you remember where you were going?”
“Oh. Uh, I'm going shopping.” I pulled the keys out of the ignition. “I thought I already was, but . . .” I looked in the backseat. “I must not have gone in yet.”
“Ah. Well, have fun spending the money I gave you.”
I rolled my eyes. “As if money is anything more than energy to you.”
Hades disappeared as I spoke, so he didn't have a comeback for that. Which was probably for the best.
With him handled, I headed back into the mall.
Chapter Seven
After spending way too much money on moisturizer, cleanser, and makeup, I drove down to the French Market. Had to be done. Yes, it was a tourist sinkhole, but it had been so long since I'd been to New Orleans and the last time I was there, there was no Cafe Du Monde. I desperately wanted to try beignets. And no, I may have lived in France and New Orleans, but I've never had a beignet. They weren't in the region I was from in France, and I didn't live long enough in New Orleans to get around to having one.
As I strolled down the crowded sidewalks of the French Market, gaining admirers as I went, I ruminated on my past life in that very city. It wasn't my only past life—far from it—but it was a turning point in history and in that particular life. Louis wasn't the first royal I'd been with. I had a type. Rich, powerful, and handsome. Louis had been young when we were together—he was just nineteen, and I was seventeen. He didn't age well. They tried to mask that in his portraits, but I heard stories. Good for him, that bastard.
“A table for . . .” the server at Cafe Du Monde looked around as if a companion might magically appear.
“One,” I finished for him. “It's just me.”
“But no!” He gaped. “How can you be alone, cher? Not you.”
I laughed. “Darlin', I like it that way. Now, I lived in New Orleans many years ago, but I've never been here. I'm ready to be amazed.”
“No, you shock me again! How is it possible to live here and never visit us?”
I shrugged. “Too touristy for my taste. But I've decided to give in. I have a mouth full of sweet teeth, after all.”
“You know we're open all day and all night, sugah.” He winked at me. “You don't have to come when it's crowded. Although you risk being served by someone who isn't here.” He grabbed a tiny menu and headed into the packed restaurant. “I'll put you near the edge so you can people-watch.” He paused to look back at me. “And by that, I mean, people will watch you and we'll attract even more customers!”
“You're a charmer.” I pushed at his shoulder. “Go on now. Give me a quiet table.”
“No such thing, cher.” He pulled out a chair at a tiny table near an iron fence.
I sat down, took the menu, and then tapped his arm with it. “What did you mean about being served by someone who isn't here?”
“Oh! Haven't you heard about our ghost waiter?”
“No. Do tell.”
He chuckled. “People who come late at night sometimes complain. They say they've put in their order but don't get theirfood. When we ask who helped them, they can't find him.” He leaned in to whisper, “Because he's a ghost.”
“Is that right?” I chuckled and looked around. “I rather doubt that.”
“I do too,” he admitted. “Never seen a ghost myself, and I've lived here all my life. But it's good for business.”
“Can I order now?”
“Of course! The menu is simple, eh? A glance is all you need. What would you like?”
“A mocha and an order of beignets. Oh, and a glass of water to cool me down after the mocha.”
