Chapter 17

Kendra carefully wrapped the blown glass unicorn in tissue paper and slipped it into a silver bag. “He should be a nice addition to your collection,” she said as she rang up the sale.

The young woman, slim with a smooth mocha complexion, nodded, and her tight braids swayed. “It will. I’ve collected seven so far. I love your store, and I’ll definitely be back.”

Kendra smiled and handed her the bag. “Thank you. We hope to see you soon.”

When Kendra turned to help the next customer in line, her smile died on her lips. In front of her stood someone Kendra despised. “Hello, Kathleen. How can I help you?”

Kathleen Leblanc glanced around the store. “Well, I just dropped in to see your little shop. It’s rather”—she hesitated—“quaint, isn’t it?”

Kendra gritted her teeth. “We like it. Is there something you needed?”

“No, not really. I get all my supplies from Minerva. Actually, Kendra”—she leaned in close and gave her a taunting smirk—“naturally, working at the Dupre, I know Jared’s back, so I came in to see if what I heard is true.”

“And what would that be?”

“That you were seen all cozy with Jared last night at Antoine’s.”

Remembering just how cozy she and Jared had been, Kendra silently groaned. There were times she wished she could be downright mean because right now she would like nothing better than to turn Kathleen into a warty toad. Kathleen had a trim curvy body, lots of curly blonde hair, and cat-green eyes set in a heart-shaped face. Their dislike for one another dated from the third grade when Kendra had been chosen over Kathleen to play the part of Queen of the Fairies in their school pageant. In retaliation, Kathleen had changed Kendra’s fairy dust into itching powder. Their animosity toward one another had increased as they grew older. “Yes, he’s back and we had dinner. So what?”

Kathleen shrugged. “Nothing. It’s your business if you want to make a fool of yourself again.”

Kendra knew she should just ignore the comment, but she couldn’t help asking, “Make a fool of myself how?”

Kathleen laughed mockingly. “By taking back a man who dumped you on your wedding day. I mean honestly, Kendra, have you no pride?”

Kendra dug her nails into her palms. “You’ve been trying to get Jared back since he chose me over you. Talk about not having any pride. As for Jared’s and my relationship, I really don’t think that’s your, or anyone else’s, business. So why don’t you do both of us a favor and get the hell out of my face?”

Kathleen’s eyes narrowed and her nostrils flared. Before she could speak, the bells above the door jingled. Kendra glanced up to see Thaddeus holding a vase of red roses. She smiled as he caught her eye.

“This is a surprise,” she said as he stopped in front of the counter. “I didn’t expect to see you today.”

“I thought since we weren’t able to have dinner last night, I’d bring you these.” He handed her the flowers. “And take you for a celebratory lunch.” He nodded toward Kathleen. “But if you’re busy, I can come back later.”

“No, don’t go on my account,” Kathleen said. “I was just leaving.”

As she literally fled through the door, Kendra stared at her disappearing back. She turned to Thaddeus and grinned. “I don’t know what you did to make her leave but thank you.”

He shrugged. “I don’t know what I did either, but since it put such a pretty smile on your face, I’ll be happy to do it again.”

“These are wonderful. Thank you. I love roses.” She inhaled the flowers’ sweet aroma. “Mmm, they smell incredible.”

“I’m glad you like them. Now how about that lunch? We could go to Antoine’s. You haven’t been there lately, have you?”

Kendra felt her face flush as she stammered, “Ah, well, I don’t know if I can get away.”

“Aren’t both Loren and Deanne here?” he asked. “I’m sure they can handle things for a short while.”

Deanne joined them at the counter. “Oh, what pretty roses.” She smiled at Thaddeus. “Hey, where ya’t?”

“Fine, Deanne. How are you?”

Deanne grinned. “Fine as frog hair.” She turned to Kendra. “Speaking of frogs, I’m starving. How about if I go get us some po-boys for lunch?”

“Well,” Kendra hesitated.

“I’ve just asked Kendra to lunch at Antoine’s to celebrate your success,” Thaddeus interjected. “I was hoping you wouldn’t mind covering for her for a while.”

Deanne’s face took on a thoughtful expression. “Well, let me see, if I had a choice between po-boys and Antoine’s, hmm…which would I choose?” Her eyes opened wide. “Gee, I think I’d choose Antoine’s.”

Kendra laughed. “Me, too.”

“Okay, I’ll go get our pitiful lunches, then you can go enjoy your fabulous one,” Deanne said.

“Now I feel like a real jerk,” Thaddeus interjected. “I should have invited all three of you, not just Kendra. Why don’t we do dinner instead? Then you can all go.”

Deanne shook her head. “That’s nice of you, but you and Kendra go ahead. Loren and I will see you at the party on Saturday.”

“Party?” Thaddeus asked.

“Don’t you remember? I told you Saturday is when we’re having our grand opening party,” Kendra said.

Deanne nodded. “At my parents’ restaurant, Baby Blues, on Basin Street in the Treme. It has great down-home food because my mom is the cook and killer blues because it’s my brother’s band.”

Thaddeus’ face cleared. “And you still want me to come?”

Kendra cocked her head. “Of course, I want you to come. Why wouldn’t I?”

Thaddeus hesitated. “Because I know Jared Dupre is back in New Orleans, and I’m not sure where that leaves me.”

After they’d met, Kendra had been amazed at how quickly she’d felt comfortable enough with him to explain about Jared and what had happened on her wedding day. Thaddeus had been sympathetic and understanding. He’d told her he wouldn’t rush her into anything she wasn’t ready for and she should tell him if he came on too strong.

Now there he stood looking like a puppy about to be thrown out into the cold. When Kendra heard Deanne’s intake of breath, she knew she was about to make a derisive comment about Jared, so she gently stepped on her foot. “Deanne, why don’t you go get those po-boys? We don’t mind waiting until you get back.”

Deanne gave her a sour expression and hurried off.

When they were alone, Kendra laid a comforting hand on Thaddeus’ arm. “Jared Dupre hurt me deeply. As far as I’m concerned, our relationship is over.”

Thaddeus glanced away, then back at Kendra. “Ah, not according to him.”

“What do you mean?”

“I had an unpleasant encounter with him yesterday.”

Kendra narrowed her eyes. “What happened?”

“I was sitting enjoying my beignets and coffee and he approached me. He made some crazy accusations, then told me to stay away from you.”

Kendra silently recited a calming charm. “What kind of accusations?”

“Kendra, it was a lot of nonsense that really doesn’t matter.”

“Thaddeus, it matters. Please tell me.”

“Okay. For some reason he’s decided I’m a dark witch named Adam who tried to kill both him and his brother. Kendra, I have no idea what he’s talking about. I’m not even from New Orleans. How could I know either of them? Besides the fact I’m no killer.”

He sounds so sincere. How could he be lying? Still, she had to know. “I can’t tell you how sorry I am this happened. But I don’t understand how Jared could have thought you were someone else.”

He shrugged. “He said something about seeing me here yesterday and assumed I was this other man.”

An idea struck her. Bizarre as it might be, it could be the answer. “I don’t suppose by any chance you have a twin?”

“No. I have a younger brother who doesn’t resemble me. And he’s no killer either.”

Kendra sighed. “They say everyone has a double somewhere. I was hoping…”

Thaddeus took her hand. “Kendra, I enjoy being with you, but I don’t want to create problems for you. And to be honest, I don’t want to find myself caught in the middle of some love triangle. Nor do I want some jealous hothead who thinks I’m capable of murder after me.”

She looked into his warm, tawny eyes. He truly is a kind, thoughtful man who couldn’t be the person Jared claims he is, but could I ever feel toward him the way I felt about Jared? Could she give herself so totally to another man?

Right now, love was the last thing she was feeling toward Jared Dupre. She went up on her toes and lightly kissed Thaddeus’ cheek. “I’ll take care of Jared. He won’t bother you again. Now, here’s Deanne. Let me get my purse and we can go. How about the courtyard at Brennan’s instead of Antoine’s? I feel like sitting outside.”

Thaddeus nodded. “That sounds good.”

****

The afternoon breeze was mild. They sipped Brennan’s signature Bloody Marys seated in a courtyard fragrant with spring blooms. Kendra pushed Jared from her mind as she enjoyed the gentle sound of the fountain and the spiciness of her drink.

“So were you able to get a good night’s sleep?” Thaddeus asked. “Considering the crowd waiting to get into Enchantment when I left, I could understand why you were so tired.”

Instant images of what she’d been doing the previous night made Kendra’s cheeks burn. What if he’d seen her out with Jared? She mentally shook her head. No, he didn’t live in the Quarter so she was probably safe. She cleared her throat. “Actually, yes, I did. I turned off my phone and fell asleep.”

Seeing the doubt in his eyes, Kendra inwardly groaned. I’m a terrible liar. Should I just tell him the truth? Damn Jared anyway. This situation was all his fault. If he’d just left her alone, she wouldn’t be sitting here feeling like a fool.

“Would you like another drink?” Thaddeus asked, breaking into her thoughts.

She shook her head. “These are very good, but I have to go back to work with a clear head.” That reminded her of something she’d wanted to ask him. “Thaddeus, you said you’re a teacher on sabbatical, but you’ve never told me what you teach or where.”

“Haven’t I? Well, that’s easy to remedy. I teach medieval history at a small private college up north. But my passion is the persecution of witches by the church.”

Kendra scrunched up her nose. “That’s a little creepy considering you’re a witch. Personally, I can’t bear to read anything that has to do with the Salem trials.”

Adam shrugged. “It’s a subject close to my heart. In fact, there’s an exhibition on witch trials and medieval torture at Minerva’s museum tonight. I was going to ask you if you’d like to go?”

“That sounds pretty gruesome.” Damn, she silently cursed when disappointment filled his eyes. Still guilt-ridden over her lie, she sighed. “Well, perhaps it wouldn’t be too bad.”

Thaddeus smiled. “History can be gruesome, but it is all a part of our past.”

“I suppose. Although Minerva can be pretty weird at times. I can’t imagine what she’s come up with.”

“Trust me, it will be an experience you won’t forget. I can pick you up after work. We can go to the museum, then eat at the Louisiana Pizza Kitchen.”

Kendra laughed. “Well, how could I turn down an offer like that?”

When Kendra got back to Enchantment, Loren and Deanne were bursting with questions.

“So, what else did Thaddeus say about Jared after I left?” Deanne was the first to ask. “After what Jared told you about Thaddeus, I can’t wait to hear his side of the story.”

Kendra placed her purse behind the counter, then repeated her and Thaddeus’ conversation.

“Jared has a hell of a nerve telling Thaddeus to stay away from you,” Deanne said. “Like he still has any right to.”

Kendra snorted. “Well, he might think he has the right, but he’s going to learn otherwise.”

“I still can’t believe Jared thinks this Adam person and Thaddeus are the same,” Loren said. “And that he’s a deranged monster. But on the other hand, why would he make it up?”

Deanne threw up her hands. “Because he’s crazy.” She turned to Kendra. “Right?”

Kendra was rearranging the roses from Thaddeus she’d left sitting on the counter.

Deanne tapped Kendra on the shoulder. “Hello, we’re talking to you.”

“Aren’t these wonderful?” Kendra inhaled deeply. “I don’t think I’ve ever smelled roses this sweet.”

“Yeah, they’re real nice, but will you stop fooling with them and pay attention?” Deanne asked in exasperation.

Kendra reluctantly turned from the intoxicating aroma of the roses. “Sure, what were you saying?”

“We were talking about how Jared is making all this stuff up.”

Kendra shook her head. “I honestly can’t put the awful things he told me together with Thaddeus. He’s one of the most thoughtful men I’ve ever met.”

Loren shrugged. “Perhaps it’s as simple as mistaken identity.”

“I’m beginning to think that must be the answer. Jared may be a jerk, but he wouldn’t make up a story like that. He had a bad experience with someone, just not Thaddeus.”

Deanne placed her hands on her hips. “Something’s telling me more happened last night between you and Jared than you’re letting on.”

Kendra busied herself straightening an already neat display of tarot cards.

“Jared got you all soft and gooey, didn’t he? Now you’re going to put your blinders back on and let him convince you to take him back, aren’t you?”

“Jared did not get me all soft and gooey. And I didn’t say I was going to take him back either.”

“Girl, you lie about as well as my little sister when she denies eating cookies while her mouth is ringed with chocolate. So spill it, what happened?”

Kendra let out a long breath. “I didn’t go to bed with him, if that’s what you’re getting at.” She sighed. “But I came close.”

“I knew it,” Deanne said. “I could tell by the way you were acting last night.”

Memories of her body’s response to Jared’s touch made Kendra turn away. “I didn’t want to say anything because I didn’t want to hear what a fool I am. But I’ve learned from my mistakes and it won’t happen again. Until I feel I can be alone with him and not want to rip his clothes off, I have to stay away from him.”

Deanne giggled. “Well, if your problem is having an itch that needs scratched, I’ll bet Thaddeus would be more than willing to help you out.”

“Since Jared is the only man I’ve ever been with, it’s not easy thinking about sex with another man.”

“Who knows; Thaddeus might rock your boat more than Jared,” Deanne said.

“I can’t imagine that, but sex isn’t my biggest problem right now. Thaddeus has asked me to go with him to Minerva’s witch museum tonight. She’s having some kind of display on torture and the persecution of witches, the thought of which freaks me out.”

Just then the bells over the door tinkled, and a short, plump woman came in.

“Hello, Mrs. Bass,” Kendra said. “How are you?”

“Hello, girls, I’m just fine,” she replied. “I heard all about your shop and wanted to come see for myself.”

“Well, we’re glad you stopped by,” Kendra said. “Let us know if we can be of any help.”

Loren lowered her voice. “I can’t imagine why anyone would want to see Minerva’s torture display.”

Deanne nodded. “She’s some weird witch.”

“Are you going to go?” Loren asked.

“I told Thaddeus I would, but I have this strange feeling I shouldn’t.”

“Then tell him the exhibit isn’t something you’re comfortable seeing,” Loren suggested.

“He was so pleased when I agreed to go. It would hurt his feelings. I’m just being silly. Who knows; the exhibit might be very interesting.”

“There are rumors Minerva is involved with dark magic,” Deanne said.

Loren shook her head. “That’s just because she’s different. I’m sure she’s no more into dark magic than Thaddeus is.”

Three teenage girls, all in paisley scarf skirts, entered the shop and headed for the display of blown glass figures. “I’ll go help them,” Kendra said. “You two see if Mrs. Bass needs anything.”

“Good grief,” Loren said agitatedly, when the store was again empty. “I didn’t think Mrs. Bass would ever make a decision on what herbs she wanted. I swear she kept picking the same ones up and putting them back down.”

“Mrs. Bass bought some of our fresh herbs?” Kendra asked.

Loren nodded.

Kendra watched through the plate glass window as Harriet Bass flicked open her cell phone before hurrying down the street. “She’s got one of the finest herb gardens in New Orleans, so why is she buying them from us?”

Loren shrugged. “Perhaps she’s just being nice and trying to help us out.”

“Oh, what does it matter,” Deanne said. “A sale is a sale. I’m more interested in what Kendra is going to do about the two men in her life.”

Kendra smiled. “I’m going to go out with one and tell the other one where to go.”