“What happened to you?” Her voice was stern, her mouth twisting as she studied the discoloration on my face.
Laughing, I pressed two fingers across my cheek, the lie flowing easily from my mouth. “My male partner was amazing except on the last jump. He kicked me right in the face.”
“Oh, my God.” She laughed with me, although she continued studying the bruise. “I was beginning to wonder if you’d changed your mind.”
“I had a meeting with the ballet this morning bright and early. They had a dancer injured in a car accident, so given it was a very similar dance as New York and there’s a sold-out crowd, I’m suddenly dancingSleeping Beautyin a couple days.” Just something else to irritate the other dancers.
“That’s so exciting. I mean that’s terrible for the girl but fabulous for you.”
“Don’t tell anyone but I’m thrilled.”
When my stomach grumbled loudly, she lifted her eyebrows, pulling her lips to a taut O. “Why don’t we sit down andgrab a bite to eat and some coffee. Trust me, the beignets and croissants are to die for.”
Sadly, my relief must have been obvious with the smile breaking out across my face. Even though I’d taken the train, it had cost me a pretty penny. I was skimping with the rest until my first paycheck with the NOBT, which wouldn’t come for a couple of weeks.
She squeezed my hand and led me to a small dining room off to the side, motioning for me to take a seat. When I did, I realized I had a perfect view of Bourbon Street.
Almost instantly, a waiter approached.
“Boss lady. What can I get you and your friend?” He turned his full attention toward me, offering more than just a friendly smile. While handsome, he wasn’t my type.
“Anna, this is Brian, a waiter in my employ.”
“Your employ,” I repeated, not realizing she was the manager.
“Your best waiter,” he corrected, winking at me. “Anything you need, Anna, just ask.”
“Mmm… The verdict is currently out on whether you’re the best. We’ll have the combination platter. Some fresh orange juice and coffee, my special brew.”
“Coming right up.”
When he walked away, I leaned over the table. “You’re the manager here. That’s amazing.”
Her shrug was noncommittal. “Actually, I’m one of the owners.”
“What? You’re kidding.”
“My family owns Indulgence, although my brothers have little to do with anywhere inside this building except for the private club upstairs. The other businesses keep them busy elsewhere.”
“I had no idea. I thought you wanted to move to Paris and become a designer.”
“I did,” Emmeline admitted. “However, duty within the Prince family called. How have you been?”
When she glanced once again at the bruise, I did what I could to keep from reacting. “I needed a change from New York. I was never going to be a principal dancer. Now, I am.”
“How was the special performance last night?”
Her smile was smug. “How did you know about that?”
She laughed, rolling her eyes. “Believe it or not, I’m one of the benefactors.”
“I didn’t see you last night.”
“I couldn’t come. Now, I wish I had. Did you enjoy the evening?”
The last thing I wanted to do was to admit to sleeping with a stranger. “I danced. I left. Parties and crowds aren’t my thing.”
“I’ll give you a hint. Mine either. Where are you going to stay? Do you have an apartment lined up?”
