4. Chapter Four

Chapter Four

Ryker

The plates were delivered from the kitchen in a fast and furious fashion, each smelling more delicious than the one before. When the server stepped closer to Cubby to refill our wine glasses, he offered us a grin. "Is there anything I can get for the two of you? More bread, perhaps?"

I glanced at Cubby, but he was busy staring at Rory seated beside him. I wasn't sure what the hell was going on between them, but I planned to grill my friend the minute we left the restaurant.

"I believe we're fine, Thomas. Thank you." Etienne nodded to the server, and the man left with a quick bow.

They were an odd bunch, I'd noticed. The staff was very courteous, but some members were more formal than others. The place had a friendly atmosphere, and I wished I'd found it sooner. Until the night I almost ran down Etienne, I hadn't even noticed the restaurant.

"So, Rory, are you in college?" I was sure the young man had a story to tell.

Cubby seemed fascinated with Rory. It was easy to see why. He was quite beautiful. He reminded me of an ethereal waif with his slender appearance and big, doe eyes.

Rory turned to me and smiled. "I'd like to sign up for night school, I think. I've always enjoyed learning."

"Is that so?" Etienne was staring at his nephew, a look of surprise on his handsome face.

"I planned to talk to you about it later in the summer, Etienne. I can do online classes—"

Etienne held up his hand to stop him. "Yes, we'll discuss it later, nephew." He then turned to me and smiled. "So, you graduated. What's next for you?"

I sighed, wondering how my story would sound to a stranger. I was certain it wouldn't paint me in a very good light.

"Uh, I've got a job with a local firm where I clerked during law school. I'm staying with them because they're preparing for an important trial, and I'll be studying for the bar over the summer as well. I have a tentative job offer in Portland, Oregon, but it wouldn't begin until next year after I pass the bar and this trial is over."

I glanced down at my half-eaten plate, having lost my appetite. I reached for my glass of wine and took a sip, waiting for Etienne to say anything.

"You'll be staying in town? That's wonderful news." I gazed into Etienne's eyes to see that they were nearly dancing. There was even a deep laugh that seemed to slip out.

That wasn't what I had expected. Why did Etienne care if I stayed in New Orleans?

"Well, for now, anyway. How about you? Did you always want to own a restaurant?"

Etienne explained that the house had been in his family since it was built, and he emphatically assured us that his family didn't take part in the slave trade before the Civil War.

"This house was ours, and our ancestors refused to put the care and upkeep of it on the backs of those who didn't love it. They owned a shipping company that hauled goods from Europe to the colonies but refused to use the ships for the slave trade, even when threatened."

"Threatened with what?" Cubby was just as drawn to the story as me.

"They'd burn the vessels if the ship owners didn't comply, or so the family gossip goes. They tried to burn down this house more than once, but we Tremblay's are made of stronger stock. Dessert?"

The change of subject was abrupt, but I supposed discussing historical events took on new meaning when members of one's family were directly involved. Since I'd been abandoned and grown up in foster homes, I had no idea about the history of my birth family, but I hoped they were on the right side of history. I'd never know, would I?

"I, uh, I'm stuffed, actually. You probably need this table for another party, don't you?" I didn't want the evening to end, but we'd already been anchored in the best seats in the house for nearly two hours. It was time to say goodnight.

"Oh, no. I had a special dessert made for you. I insist you take it with you to share with your friends. Rory, please have the chef box it up for Ryker and Cubby to take with them." Etienne seemed disappointed.

"That's extremely kind of you, Etienne. The others don't deserve to share because they're idiots, but I'll be the bigger person and offer." I pulled my wallet from my back pocket, sorry the night was ending. It was absolutely incredible. One of those nights that only came around once in a lifetime.

"Here's my card." I handed it to Etienne, who stared at it for a moment before he chuckled. A shiver slid down my spine at the rich, deep sound.

"Ryker, please allow me to pay for your dinner as a graduation gift. It has been delightful to get to know you, and I'd love to have the night continue. The bar stays open until midnight. Please, come back and have a nightcap with me, won't you? I enjoy your company very much."

Etienne gently took the credit card from my hand and slid it on the table in front of me just as Rory returned with a black box with an elaborate gold design painted on the top and sides. Rory placed it in front of Cubby and bent forward to whisper in my friend's ear.

Etienne placed his hand on mine resting on the table. "Please come back. There are so many things I want to ask about. You are a beautiful mystery I want to solve."

It was an odd way to phrase his request, but I understood the sentiment and shared it. "Okay. For a little while. I'm supposed to work tomorrow, but I can come back for an hour or so."

Why had I agreed to return to the restaurant? Why hadn't I said I needed to sleep? I couldn't fathom why, but I was excited to see him later.