Desi stripped and dropped everything in the hamper. With any luck she didn’t reek of sex and wouldn’t be giving Mona a reason to tease her for the rest of the afternoon. She was putting her robe on when she heard Mona come in.
“Hey, sweetie,” Mona said, heading for the bathroom. “Let me get the shower chair ready.”
“Do you think we can wrap my cast well enough to try the tub? I’ve been wanting to try it out, and I think my leg is strong enough to climb in.” She smiled when Mona turned on the faucets. The old refurbished clawfoot tub was something she wanted to share with Harry once the cast came off.
“Harry said you two are going out,” Mona said, helping her with her robe. “Where’s she taking you?”
“My date wouldn’t give me a hint except to say jeans were out. That means I have to find something to make me look halfway decent.” She held on to Mona as she stepped in and rested her leg over the side with more difficulty than she anticipated. “Did Rachel say what time she was coming back?”
“Girl, you worrying for nothing. I could cut holes in a garbage bag, and Harry would still be gone on you.” Mona fussed with her hands on her hips. “Sit in there and think about how Harry feels about you. I’ll be back in thirty minutes. You going to be okay?”
“Thanks, Mona, and for more than this. Feel free to kick me in the ass whenever you think I need it.” She sat back and closed her eyes, doing a mental check of her wardrobe. The knock came before she could get settled. “Hey,” she said to Mona. “Did you forget something?”
“No, and I hate to bother you, but Serena’s here. She says it’s important she talk to you.”
“Could you give me a hand?” Mona helped her out and held up a towel. “Thanks. Could you tell her I’ll be down in a few minutes?”
She put on a pair of sweats Harry had gotten her and the shirt Harry had thrown on the bed that morning. She’d rather soak in the hot water than face Serena and her news, but maybe the police had found them. Maybe this time they’d rot in jail for good.
She used the stairlift Harry had temporarily installed to keep her from tripping on her crutches and met Serena in the sunroom. Any dread she felt about this meeting disappeared when she saw Butch.
“Hey, Miss Desi,” Butch said, running and hugging her good leg. “Wow, you’re walking. Is my Uncle Harry here?” His eyes were the same shade of blue as Harry’s and she almost laughed at how easy it would be to believe Harry had fathered this beautiful boy.
“Sorry, buddy. She had to go to work, so you’re stuck with me and Granny Mona.” She pointed Butch toward the sofa and sat with him. Serena chuckled as she gazed at them. “Is something funny?”
“I’m not laughing at you, Desi. It’s just that every time I see you, you’re a different person.”
“I don’t get how that’s funny.” She couldn’t help but be on the defensive. Serena had it all, and feeling dumpy next to her was easy, especially without Harry there.
“Come on, don’t take that the wrong way. It’s just that I see you now and compare it to the first time I saw you, and you’re worlds apart, like there’s been a heavy weight lifted off your shoulders, and it’s a good thing.”
She backed down and took a deep breath. “I can thank Harry. She’s been a rock from the moment she saw me again.”
“Take some of the credit. You did what I told you and let the fear go. That’s allowed you to come into your own, as they say.” Serena sat across from them and smiled. “At our first meeting it was easy to see you were a beautiful woman, and I was right.”
“Thank you.”
“But now I see from the way you treat my child that you’re as beautiful on the inside. Harry’s a lucky woman.”
“Thanks for saying that,” she said, holding Butch’s hand. “That feeling is mutual. After getting to know you, it’s easy to see why Harry loves you.”
“Harry’s in love, and you have dibs on that.”
“She loves you and my buddy here,” she said and tickled Butch. “There’s no need to hide that it’s mutual. It makes me feel better that she had such a good friend when I wasn’t here. With time, hopefully you and I will become the same.”
“We will, I have no doubt.” Serena smiled and held her hand out to Butch. “Hey, would you mind visiting Granny while Miss Desi and I talk? I promise not to keep her too long.”
“Can I have a cookie if she has any?”
“One, Albert, and I mean it.” He ran out with Serena shaking her head. “He’ll be a better attorney than me, and he’ll be filthy rich with those negotiating skills.”
“It’s those good looks that’ll slay whoever he’s up against.” She folded her hands in her lap and waited.
“Let me tell you what happened today.”
Serena gave her a rundown, and she was relieved things appeared good for her, but also terrified Byron hadn’t been found yet.
“What happens tomorrow?” she asked, wishing more than anything that it would simply be over.
“I talked to the police, and Sept’s guess is Byron and Mike skipped town. She thinks it’s their way of trying to establish a concrete alibi. The problem with that is how much evidence they left at the Rose house last night, not to mention that they were identified.” Serena took her hand. “They’re looking for them as a top priority.”
“They’ll lock him up when they find him?”
“Judge Reaper will issue another warrant, and the service that posted his bond will send out their own search party. My best guess is it’ll be Big Byron who turns them in.”
“He’d die first,” she said with conviction.
“When the bond guy shows up and slaps a For Sale sign on everything Big Byron owns and drains his accounts, he might change his mind. Money is sometimes the greatest motivator.”
“They can do that?” she said and had to smile at the thought.
“If Byron doesn’t show up, that’s what’s going to happen. You don’t know Jude Rose, but Byron dragged his naked wife out of bed and slapped her a few times. There are mistakes you regret, and then there are mistakes that obliterate your life.” Serena made a check motion. “Byron checked the My life is over as I know it box with that move.”
Desi lowered her head and sighed. “I feel horrible that happened to them because of me.”
“Your soon to be ex-husband is an animal with no forethought. He went in there last night without thinking and screwed up big time. That’s on him, not you. The bonus here is, his screwup will make it easy to prove your case.” Serena gave her a one-arm hug. “He’s going away for a very long time, and once he does, you’ll be a single woman.”
A cold sensation went through her body when she thought for the thousandth time what would’ve happened if he’d gotten the right house. “You’re right. Byron always led with his fists, but he rarely thought anything out. As for being single, not really,” she said with a smile.
“Ah,” Serena said and laughed. “See, I told you.” Serena tightened her hold on her. “Congratulations, my friend. If I had to lose out to someone, I’m glad it’s you.”
“Reaper. That has to be the best name for a judge ever,” she said as the phone rang. “Sorry. Hello, Basantes residence.” There was music playing in the background, which made her smile.
“Hey, baby,” Harry said, and the music stopped. “Just wanted to tell you I’m heading in to our second surgery, so I’ll be home in a couple hours.” Harry grunted a few times and Desi heard some other undistinguishable sounds.
“Are you okay? What are you doing?”
“Getting some new scrubs.” Harry’s voice was muffled. “Everything okay?”
“Serena came over and let me know what happened today.” She smiled at Serena and gave Harry a quick rundown.
“Man, it sounds like this is moving at top speed now. How about we cancel on my parents this weekend in case they need you to testify? We can have everyone over, and we can cheer on our favorite prosecutor.” Someone was yelling behind Harry. “I have to go, but hang in there, and I promise a hug when I get home.”
“I can’t wait, and I miss you.”
“I miss you too, and I’m sorry I’m not there. You sure you’re okay?” Harry said after telling someone to be quiet.
“I’m fine, and I want you to concentrate. Serena and Mona are here keeping me company. Would you mind if we had company tonight?” It was nice to be talking about such mundane things like having friends over.
“I love being alone with you, but I don’t mind the right company.”
“There’s someone here who can’t wait to see you.” Desi smiled at the way Butch’s face lit up when he ran back in the room. “I bet we could talk them into coming with us.”
“Is my favorite person under six there with you?”
“That he is, love, and he’ll be waiting. Call and add two more to our reservation.” She put the phone down and lifted Butch on her lap. “Want to have dinner with Uncle Harry?”
“Aren’t you coming?” he said sounding disappointed.
“Of course, I am,” she said, and he gave her one of his tight hugs.
“Good, Aunt Desi.” He turned to Serena and seemed to be trying to figure out if she was on board. “We’re going with them, Mommy.” There was no question in his mind.
“We are, but we have to go change, so say your good-byes for now,” Serena said, standing and holding her hand out to him.
“See you soon, Aunt Desi.”
“Yes, you will.”
“You’re in now, Aunt Desi,” Serena said and winked.
“That’s the best news of the day.” They left, and Desi sat on the couch for a while, thinking about how vastly her life had changed. As her body healed, her mind did too. She wouldn’t suddenly become a different person, but at least she could work on being the one she wanted to be.
* * *
Desi settled for a shower and Mona helped her on with the dress she’d picked out with Tony on their last shopping trip. How they’d gone from bed linens to the women’s section was still a blur, but the little black dress was now part of her wardrobe. He’d proclaimed an LBD was an essential part of any closet, so she was glad she was living up to his standards.
“Does it bother you that she slept with Harry?” Rachel asked as she did her makeup. She opened her mouth and Rachel put up her index finger. “Don’t tell me she didn’t, because I know she did.”
“Then why ask me if you have all the answers?” She fidgeted with her fingers, not comfortable with the line of questioning.
“I’m not saying you should set strict ground rules for Harry,” Rachel said, going back to putting on eye shadow. “But you should set some strict ground rules for Harry.”
“I trust Harry implicitly.” She closed her eyes, making it easier to talk about this. “Does it bother me? Yes, but Harry loves me. She wouldn’t have lied about that, and she doesn’t need ground rules.”
“I’m not saying she does, but you’re tempting the love fates by inviting Serena to spend so much time with you guys. Think about it,” Rachel said, moving to her cheeks next. “I’ll be the only one at the table tonight who hasn’t seen Harry naked.”
“You’re not making me feel better, sunshine. I realize she’s gorgeous and everything I’m not, but she’s Harry’s friend. She’s also been nice to me and is in charge of my case.” She puckered her lips, mimicking what Rachel was doing. “I don’t want to alienate her by getting possessive.” She didn’t mention how defensive she’d been with Serena earlier. It would only make Rachel’s point.
“Sis, Harry is completely in love with you, so don’t make unnecessary comparisons.” Rachel massaged her shoulders before starting on her hair. “But there’s no reason to chance something stupid happening.”
“It’s not like I’m not hearing what you’re saying. Serena and I talked about it, and she’s happy for us,” she said, staring at Rachel in the bathroom mirror. “Part of me wants to tell her to stop looking at Harry when she stares a little too long. As a mature adult, though, I also understand how Harry feels about Butch. I can’t deprive her of that relationship because I’m an insecure mess.”
“Babe, you need to open your eyes and start noticing what the rest of us do. You’re gorgeous, and you have nothing to worry about when it comes to our charming doctor. Harry loves you, and she’s going to make you a happy woman.” Rachel finished the twist she put her hair in and stepped back. “That doesn’t mean I won’t be keeping an eye on Serena. I’ve waited as long as you have for you and Harry to get back together, and nothing is messing this up.”
“Thanks, and I love you for listening. It’s hard to believe it’s happening, but I want this.”
“You deserve the life that Harry’s going to give you, so enjoy it without driving yourself insane.”
They arrived at the Palace Café downtown, and she had to laugh at Rachel’s version of keeping an eye on Serena. She came close to snorting when Harry wiggled her eyebrows at her because of all the flirting going on at their table that had nothing to do with Rachel keeping an eye on things.
Dinner was excellent, and she and Harry paid extra attention to Butch, who’d been a perfect little gentleman the whole evening. Harry was the kind of person you wanted to have a child with, and it made her consider her biological clock for the first time in forever.
“Can we order our special dessert, Uncle Harry?” Butch asked, getting out of his chair to stand next to Harry. His blue blazer, bow tie, and slicked back hair made him appear like a mini adult, but he was the cutest thing Desi had ever seen. “I finished all the stuff I ordered.”
“We have to order that, buddy. Are you up for a special job?” Harry asked, picking him up and setting him in her lap.
“What?” he asked hopping a little in her lap.
“How about a bathroom break and we’ll talk about it?” Harry’s question got an immediate nod, and they excused themselves.
Desi watched them stop and talk to their waiter, and she smiled when Butch looked back at her and held up his thumb. Once they disappeared around the corner, she concentrated on the other side of the table. Rachel’s plan to keep tabs on Serena was going well, considering they were close enough to share a chair. Her sister was a notorious flirt, and it was serving her well tonight.
It was funny that Serena’s relationship with Harry bothered Rachel, but trying for one of her own wasn’t taboo. She shook her head and studied the large murals of famous New Orleans musicians painted on the walls. This was fun, but she was ready to head home and spend some time with just Harry.
She noticed Harry and Butch on their way back, following two waiters carrying trays to their table. Harry had told her the restaurant was known for their white chocolate bread pudding that was served covered in a cream sauce. It looked delicious, but Harry held up a hand before anyone took a bite.
“May I have everyone’s attention,” Harry said, tapping her spoon on her coffee cup. Butch sat in his chair with his spoon at the ready as if waiting for a starter gun. “Butch has something important to say.”
“You have to finish if you want the best part,” Butch said, taking a big bite.
Serena and Rachel separated long enough to finish their desserts and joined in the conversation until everyone was done. Butch was hopping in his seat again.
“This is the best part, Aunt Desi. Uncle Harry taught me,” Butch said, putting his hands on his plate. He lifted it and gave it a lick from bottom to top.
Serena groaned and dropped her head when Harry did the same, and it was hard to miss the laughter from the tables around them. She was about to laugh but held it in when she saw the pride on Butch’s face as he introduced her to the fine art of plate licking.
“Hey,” Rachel said as Harry paid the bill. “Would you guys bring Butch home with you?”
“If it’s a problem, we’ll take him,” Serena said. “I wanted to take Rachel to this jazz club I like, but we’ll skip it for a night I have a sitter.”
“We’d love to,” she said, pinching the top of Harry’s hand. “Be good,” she whispered in Rachel’s ear as they stood to leave. “And awesome job keeping an eye on her.”
“She’s not so bad,” Rachel said, laughing.
“Desi, I need you in court tomorrow,” Serena said. “Maybe we should postpone the club.”
“How about we take him, he spends the night, and Mona will keep him if we have to go?” Harry said holding Butch’s hand.
“Perfect,” Rachel said, waving and dragging Serena to the stairs.
They enjoyed putting Butch to bed in the room next to theirs and reading him a story. Harry helped her get undressed when they were alone, and she laughed when she sent Harry to the closet to hang everything up.
“But you’re naked,” Harry said as she held her dress up.
“And I still will be when you finish putting that on a hanger.”
“I saw you putting some weight on your foot tonight. Did that cause any pain?”
“I’ve been trying to behave so my doctor doesn’t fuss.” This was a strange change of subject.
“Tomorrow after court, let’s swing by the office and get you out of that cast and into something lighter. That’ll give you more freedom to move around, but I’m not making any promises until I examine you.” Harry still stood with her dress in hand, and it was time to get her moving. “You’ve healed beautifully.”
“It’s all because of my brilliant doctor. My plan is to run away with her if she finishes her hanging duties.” She stood naked next to the bed and smiled. “If she does that, maybe there’s something else she’d like to examine.”
“That’s a lucky son of a bitch,” Harry said, running for the closet. When she came back, she picked her up, kissing her until her legs wrapped around her waist.
“I’m the lucky one,” she said as Harry laid her down. “Hold me.”
Harry gently loved her while telling her all the things she needed to be reminded of. They fell asleep with Harry still holding her, giving her a sense of safety that reached all those places that still hung on to the fear.
Tonight she’d reveled in what it was to love Harry and be loved in return. “Tomorrow will come soon enough,” she whispered as she closed her eyes and kissed Harry’s chest.