Haunted (14 page)

I started giggling at that. “Bet you’d like that, wouldn’t you, you dirty old man.”

That got him to smile. “I’m serious, Jaylene. You doubt yourself too much, girl. Just do me one favor, you.”

I raised my eyebrow at him, waiting for him to continue.

“Just whatever happens, if he ain’t for you, you let him down easy, you hear? Dat boy ain’t never acted around no woman like I see him with you.”

I was so confused. “What’s that supposed to mean?”  

He sighed and rolled his eyes at me. “Are you so dense, woman? Ain’t you seen the way he looks at you? Devon never paid no attention to girls, hell he had to fight most of dem off growing up and he still could care less about ‘em.”

“What about Maggie,” I asked, exasperated.

Daryl frowned at me like I’d grown a third eye. “What do you mean, what about Maggie? Her death rocked us all. I still can’t believe she’s gone. But dat girl was headstrong and she was going to do what she was going to do.”

This was getting more confusing the more he went on and then the music was over and everyone was heading over to get food. Katie grabbed Daryl and pulled him away to get cuddly in a corner.

I noticed Mackenzie and Star sitting at the bar eating, so I wandered over to them.

“I thought I smelled fried chicken, you can’t hide it from me.” I took a piece of crunchy skin off Mackenzie’s plate and she fake-slapped at my hand.

“I can’t believe I’m supposed to be your best friend and I didn’t even know it was your birthday! How is that possible?”  

I shrugged and grabbed some more chicken skin off her plate. This time she did slap me and I pulled my hand back, shaking it off.

“It’s just a birthday! I’ve had 25 of them already, what’s one more? I want a bite of your chicken, Kenz!”

“Go get some yourself, silly! Mrs. Boudreaux made it for you!”  

The smile fell from my face. This was just too weird.

“I’m just going to go get something to drink.”

I heard Mackenzie call after me, but I kept going. I walked around the end of the bar and down the hall to the patio. When I got outside I took a deep breath. My head was buzzing and I realized it was late, I hadn’t eaten much and I definitely hadn’t had enough water. I sat down on my bench from yesterday and put my head in my hands.

What the hell was happening? I’m here a day and they throw me a birthday party? Who does that? I felt so unsure of myself that I was starting to shake.

I’d always been a loner. It was easier that way. Don’t disappoint anyone, don’t get disappointed. I loved my life here in New Orleans, but I was still an outsider. I didn’t understand the way they were all so close with each other. I definitely didn’t understand what Daryl was saying about Devon. Could it be that he really liked me? But he just lost his wife four months ago! Worrying about this was exhausting and against my rules, so I decided to just go back inside and have fun with my friends.

As I reached for the back door it opened from inside.

“Hey, I was just looking for you. What are you doing out here all by yourself?”  

Devon was so handsome tonight. It was hard to look at him.

“I just needed some air. And now I need some food. Is it in the kitchen?”  

I moved to pass by him and he grabbed my wrist. “Is everything alright? You seem awful quiet.”

How did I tell him what I was feeling? Simple. I needed to quit acting like an idiot and start practicing what I preach.

“I’m just feeling overwhelmed. I appreciate that you wanted to throw a party, I’m just not used to anyone doing anything for my birthday. It’s a lot. I mean, it means a lot. I just don’t know how to be, you know?”  

“Why would no one do anything for your birthday? You grew up with your father and stepmom, right? Where was your mama?”  

I shrugged, pointing my chin up.

“She left shortly after I was born. My father already knew Shannon so they ended up together almost immediately. She did a good job with me, the best she could, but neither of them were the warm fuzzy type, you know? So this whole thing you guys got going on, it’s just different than what I’m used to.”

He nodded.”I’m sorry you grew up without your mama. That had to be hard.”

“It is what it is. She and my father didn’t get along. It was best for everyone that she just go her own way. I used to wonder about her, but I realized that she wasn’t meant to be a part of my life and I moved on. Here everyone has been so friendly and warm with me. I just don’t want to let anyone down.”

“The only way you’d let anyone down around here is if you would have said no. We’ve all been having so much more fun with you around. And...” he stepped outside and let the door close behind him. With his hands in his back pockets and a nervous smile he said, “I just like you being here.”

I crossed my arms and frowned at him. “Why? You just met me.”

His grin moved into dangerous territory. “You need me to spell it out, huh?”  He stepped toward me and I stepped back.

“I just don’t get it.”

He took another step toward me and my legs were already backed up against the bench. We were just two feet apart. I felt like I couldn’t breathe.

“What’s not to get, chère? I like you being here. I like to look at you,” his voice was so low and it sent shivers through me. “I liked seeing your face first thing when I woke up this morning.” His eyes were searching mine. “And I like talking with you, it’s so easy. That’s why.” He reached out for my hand and I looked down at his for a moment before putting my hand in his.

“Devon, I like being here with you, too. But I feel like I’m not being fair to you.”

He frowned at me and squeezed my hand. “How are you not being fair to me?”  

I let go of his hand. He was just too close for me to think straight. “Devon, I’m supposed to be here to help you guys through a rough time and to design tattoos. I like being here, but I don’t want to make anyone uncomfortable. I certainly don’t want to make things difficult for you.”

“I don’t understand, Jaylene. How would you be making things difficult for me? I feel better today than I have in months. Today was a good day, thanks to you.” He smiled and walked toward me, sliding his arms around my waist. I had to tilt my head way back to look up at him. “I just want to say thank you, is that ok? So thank you.” He leaned down and my heart jumped out of my chest as I realized that he was going to kiss me. His lips gently brushed mine and my body jolted from the shock of it. He was searching my face for a reaction and I just froze.

“Devon, I...” 

He put a finger against my lips. “Jaylene, I’m not asking anything from you other than to stay with us. Spend some time with me. It just feels good to be around you and I need that right now. Is that too much for you?”  

I shook my head. “I can do that. But what about the other guys?”

He shrugged and smiled, “What about them? They want you here, too.”

I still wasn’t sure if he understood my hesitation, so I had to ask the tough question. “Devon, what about Maggie?”  

His face fell a little. He looked confused.

“What about your feelings for her? If you are thinking about getting involved with someone, have you really dealt with your feelings for her?”  

He looked even more confused. “What do you mean? Jaylene, Maggie was...”

The door opened and Mrs. Boudreaux came through. We were still standing in an embrace. Great.

“There you are! Devon can I see you in the kitchen, son?”  She was smiling sweetly at him.

He looked down at me and moved his hands to grasp mine. “We’ll continue this conversation in a bit, ok?” He looked worried so I smiled to reassure him.

“Sure. I’ll see you inside.” I stepped away from him and walked to the door.

Mrs. Boudreaux held it open for me. “Did you get some chicken, Jaylene?”

“I’m afraid not. Is there any left?”  

She looked upset. “Well there better be! I made it for you! If those boys ate it all, I will whip them within an inch of their lives! I’ve done it before and I don’t care how big they get, I’d do it again.”

“No no, no whippings necessary. I’m sure I can find some. Thank you so much for everything you’ve done tonight. I hate it that you’ve gone to so much trouble for me.”

She pulled me into a hug. “Nonsense, sugar! You’ve been good to my boys. Now go find you some chicken!”  

I smiled and thanked her again, heading for the kitchen. Devon met her in the doorway and she smiled just as brightly at him. He looked so adoring at her it melted my heart. This man was too much. Beautiful, smart, talented, generous and loving. This was going to hurt.

I found a few pieces of chicken at the far end of the bar and I took it around to the other side of the stage. It was delectable! I hadn’t had homemade fried chicken since before my Grandma had moved in with Shannon and my father. About a year before he died she moved in with them because it was just getting too hard for her to keep up a household by herself. Before that, most of our family gatherings were at her house. She was a fantastic cook. She made to-die-for fried chicken. But this chicken, with its touch of Louisiana flavor, was just a smidge better. I felt like a princess eating this chicken. Even if I was hiding in the shadows and shoving it in my face like a wild animal!

“There you are! I wondered where you’d gotten off to, or who you’d gotten off with.”

Mackenzie was so naughty. I loved that about her, but in this situation where I was already so nervous about everything, it just made me that much more uneasy.

“I had to find me a piece of chicken before it was all gone. Are you having fun?”  

She nodded, licking her lips. “Absolutely. That Star is one fine looking young man! What do you think of him?”  

I was glad it wasn’t Marcus who’d caught her eye. I couldn’t give him a ringing endorsement in the eligible man department. In the friend department, that remained to be seen.

“Star is a good guy. He’s been very sweet to me and he’s completely devoted to his boys. He seems like he’s had a rough time of it, but he’s got great energy. I think you’ve chosen well.”

Her femme fatale facade slipped a little showing me the vulnerable woman I knew her to be. She might act the part of vixen, but really she put that on for show. She was very sensitive and a bit like me in that her appearance gave people the wrong idea about her from time to time. She’d been really hurt a few times by douchebag ex-boyfriends. I felt very protective of her. If I had any inkling that Star wouldn’t be good to her I’d tell her.

“Really, Jay? We’ve been talking all night and he’s just so...”

“Yeah, I get it. Just be careful, Kenz. I love you, girl, and I don’t want to have to kick his ass for not being good to you because I kinda like him.”

She smiled a totally girly smile at me and kissed me on the cheek. “You are my best friend, Jay and I love you. Now tell me what the hell is going on with...

“Jaylene, can you come over to the bar?” Mage was standing there with a mischievous grin on his face.

I looked questioningly at Mackenzie and she gave me a guilty smile. I squinted my eyes at her before I followed Mage.

I saw a glow from behind the bar, which was surrounded by even more people than had been here earlier.

“Happy Birthday To You, Happy Birthday To You, Happy Birthday Dear Jaylene. Happy Birthday To Youuuuuuuuuu.”

Devon was standing in the middle holding a birthday cake covered with candles. The light from the candles played across his face. It illuminated his gorgeous smile and painfully perfect blue eyes. I stepped up to him feeling hands pat me on the back.

“Make a wish, chère,” he whispered and I wished with all my might before blowing them out in one breath.

Everyone cheered. Mrs. Boudreaux took the cake out of Devon’s hands. Daryl grabbed me and gave me a hug, followed by Katie, Mackenzie and the rest of the guys. Then Devon and the Bones grabbed their instruments and jumped on stage.

Marcus stepped up to the mic and said, “Ladies and Gentlemen. Thank you for joining us here tonight. The guys and I want to thank you for coming out to help us blow off some steam. We needed our family tonight to help us celebrate our newest family member’s birthday, Jaylene Charles.”

Applause from the audience had me blushing and I waved my thanks.

“She’s been a good sport coming to hang out with us and we thank her. I also want to thank Mrs. Boudreaux for the feast.”

Everyone clapped for her and she blew him a kiss. “And I want to say thanks to Dwayne and the boys, to the Lambert and Doucette families, Mage’s mom and Star’s uncles for coming out. I know it’s a hike from Houma, but we missed you guys and wanted you here tonight. We’ve put together a few songs for the new album. They’re still rough, so bear with us while we try them out on you, our most treasured audience.”

Everyone cheered and hooted and whistled. I was nervous for them, especially Devon, but they all seemed so happy and easy going with each other tonight.

Mackenzie came to my side and grabbed my hand, bouncing excitedly. I felt the curious eyes of some of the other guests on me, but when Devon struck his first chord my eyes couldn’t leave him. He’d unbuttoned his shirt halfway down and rolled up the sleeves. He and Marcus were standing shoulder-to-shoulder looking down and feeling the music. Marcus was gathering up a momentum with his vocals. Growls, screams, and husky choruses had everyone jumping around and dancing along. Mage and Jade were playing face-to-face and grinning at each other. Star was in his own whirlwind of drumming heaven. He was all over the place and completely in control of the rhythm he and Mage were laying down. Here I was seeing the professionals. They were confident and seemed much larger than life than the silly boys I’d been hanging out with. It was probably good that I’d seen them in that context first. They were not intimidating to me. If I’d have met the band first in their performer personas, I don’t think I would have been so willing to work with them. They seemed like together they could take on the world. I wanted that for them. So no matter what my feelings for Devon were becoming, I was going to stay so that what I was seeing right now would continue.