Almost There, page 8
“What happened?” she asked, rushing to Charlie’s side.
“Charlie split his lip on the horn,” Louis said. “We were playing a rendition of ‘Tin Roof Blues,’ and his bottom lip just split open like a banana peel.”
“Ooh,” Charlotte said, covering her mouth. She looked on the verge of losing the pasta jambalaya she’d eaten for dinner. “I’ll be in the dining room if you need me, Tia,” she mumbled from behind her hand.
Louis hooked a thumb toward Charlotte’s retreating form. “What’s wrong with her?”
“Lottie’s just a little scared of blood. She’ll be okay,” Tiana said. “Let’s focus on Charlie.” She set a comforting hand on the trumpet player’s shoulder. “Do you think you need a doctor?”
He nodded.
“Gerald here is gonna take him,” Louis said. “It’s a bad split. He’ll need a doc to sew that lip up.”
She did her best to hide it, but Tiana was on the verge of losing her own dinner. She looked on in horror as the crimson stain imbuing the towel began to spread. The color seemed to drain from Charlie’s face, turning his skin ashen.
“Now,” Tiana said, ushering Charlie and Gerald, the band’s trombone player, out of the kitchen through the back door that led to the alley. “Get him there safely.”
“We’re gonna get set up for the final set,” Harold, their drummer, said.
“Don’t know how good we’ll sound being down a trombone and a trumpet,” Walter, the bass player, added as he followed Harold out of the kitchen.
Tiana slapped her palm to her forehead. “How did that even happen, Louis?”
Louis hunched his broad shoulders. “I dunno. Charlie was just blowing his horn as usual, and next thing you know…” He flapped his hands open, providing a visual Tiana really could have done without. “Strangest thing I’ve seen.” He leaned in close and whispered, “And I’ve seen some pretty strange things in my day. Though I don’t have to tell you that.”
“Shhh,” Tiana said, looking over her shoulder to make sure no one had overheard. She inched close and lowered her voice. “Tell me, Louis, have you sensed that more strange things are happening lately?”
His scabrous forehead creased even more with his frown. “How do you mean?”
She opened her mouth, about to tell him that she thought she was being followed by murky shadows. But it seemed so ridiculous she decided against it. Tiana still wasn’t convinced those shadows were real. More than likely, her mind was playing tricks on her due to the stress of pulling off a successful Mardi Gras season.
Instead, she waved off his question. “Forget I said anything. I’m just…just a bit out of sorts these days; still nervous about this weekend.”
“Well, your first real test will be tomorrow night, when Rudy Davis and the Allstars pack this place,” Louis said. “Charlie couldn’t have picked a better time to split his lip.”
“Louis!” Tiana smacked him on the arm.
“What?”
“That’s an awful thing to say.” She plopped her hands on her hips. “You do bring up a good point, though. This is going to sound horrible, but do you think the rest of the band will still be able to play tonight?” Tiana asked. “We still have the second dinner service to get through.”
“I don’t know.” Louis shook his head. “I handle the melody, but I count on Charlie’s trumpet to harmonize. Maybe if—”
“Umm…I can play trumpet.”
Tiana whipped around. Naveen stood several feet behind them, holding up a shiny brass horn.
“Sorry. I just wanted to make sure everything was okay back here. There seemed to be a lot of frantic running,” he explained. He gestured to the trumpet in his hand. “The ukulele is still my first love, but I’ve taught myself how to play the trumpet this past year. I never leave home without it.”
“All right, man,” Louis said.
Panic seized Tiana’s chest. “No!”
Louis and Naveen both stared at her.
“Why not? It’s the perfect solution,” Louis stated. “We’ll only need Naveen here for this final set. I can play Gerald’s trombone, and then you’ve got Rudy Davis and the Allstars tomorrow.”
“I know…I just…” she said, unable to come up with a rationale that wouldn’t make her sound like a terrible person, or worse, a lovestruck fool.
She couldn’t admit that having to watch Naveen up on that bandstand would rend her soul in two. But that’s exactly how she felt. It was hard enough when he was only a guest here at her restaurant, but to have him actually working here?
But what choice did she have?
“Very well,” Tiana said. She looked over at Naveen and suppressed the whimper that nearly escaped. Bracing herself, she stuck her hand out.
“Welcome to the band.”
Excitement surged through Naveen’s veins, his euphoria building with every song the Crawfish Crooners played. His obsession with jazz music was one of the things that had first drawn him to New Orleans, but never had he imagined he would get the chance to play with a live band. He felt like a real musician, not just someone with a hobby.
He could get used to this.
Naveen peered out at the crowd from his perch on the raised dais, hoping to spot Tiana. He had noticed her sticking her head out of the kitchen door a few minutes ago, but it appeared she had not followed Charlotte out to the dining room.
Disappointment and exasperation warred within him as he recalled the abject horror that raced across her face when he’d offered to step in for the injured trumpet player. It wasn’t as if he’d suggested he take over cooking duties in her kitchen—that would be a disaster. But he knew his way around a trumpet, and he’d practiced enough of the American jazz standards to blend right in with the Crawfish Crooners.
Naveen had hoped Tiana would be grateful that he’d offered to help. Or, at the very least, that she would be relieved the band would be able to play through the second dinner rush even though they were down two members.
Alas, it would appear that no smiles of appreciation were anywhere in his future. Not from Tiana.
If only he could understand why she hated him so.
Well, that was not fair. He did not know if Tiana hated him—he did not know how she felt about him at all! Every time he came near her, she scurried away like a frightened little church mouse.
Her behavior was peculiar. And frustrating.
And…confusing.
At first, he’d thought Tiana was just shy. He would visit that diner where she had worked as a waitress just to see her. Of course, he could not let her know that was why he frequented it, so he’d order beignets. He ate so many of those luscious fried doughnuts during his first few months in New Orleans that his pants started to get tight at the waist.
Once he and Charlotte became friends, his encounters with Tiana also became more frequent. Naveen waited impatiently for her to warm up to him, but when she remained skittish, he figured that was just her nature.
Then, after she opened her restaurant, he observed how vibrant she was with all her other guests. That was when Naveen realized that Tiana’s timidity seemed to be reserved only for him. She constantly turned away from him, almost in a rebuff. He couldn’t understand it.
Had he done something to her?
He tried to tell himself that it didn’t matter, but that would be a lie. He spent much of his spare time playing jazz music or learning more about the sugar industry, but when he was not doing either of those, he was trying to solve the mystery of the beautiful Tiana.
Louis held his hand up, indicating that this would be their final song of the night, which meant his experience as a real musician was coming to a close. Naveen managed to clear his mind. He wanted to soak in the last drops of this remarkable feeling.
The song ended, and the crowd erupted in applause. It was exhilarating. Seeing the joy on everyone’s faces, knowing he’d entertained them with his music—it sent a rush of pride and gratitude galloping through his bloodstream.
If only Tiana had been out in the dining room to see it.
“Hey, man, you should be on top of the world after that performance,” Louis said. “Why you looking so down and out?”
Naveen glanced over to find Louis smiling at him, his toothy grin a mile wide. He had been so caught up in his thoughts of Tiana that Naveen hadn’t realized he was frowning.
“I’m not,” Naveen assured him. “This was great. I was just…just thinking.”
“Well, maybe you should stop thinking about whatever it is that put that frown on your face,” Louis said as he slapped a broad palm on Naveen’s shoulder. “Not if it makes you this sad.”
That was the problem. He couldn’t stop thinking about Tiana.
“I’m not sad,” Naveen said. He covered Louis’s hand. “Thanks for letting me play with the guys, eh? This was like…what do they say? Like a dream come true?”
“Aw, man. Any time,” Louis said. “In fact, you should think about joining the band. We can always use a new guy on the trumpet.”
“It would be like old times,” Naveen said automatically.
Louis’s eyes widened. “What did you say?”
“Uh, like old times?” Naveen said. He frowned. “Wait, have we done this before? Played music together, I mean?”
“I…I don’t think so,” Louis said.
“I could have sworn…” Naveen shook his head, wondering what had gotten into him. “Anyway, thank you for the invitation, but things are getting pretty busy down at the sugar mill.” He clapped Louis on the shoulder. “This was fun, my friend.”
Naveen had started to think of Louis as a friend in the year since he’d arrived on the shores of America. Despite his extremely big teeth and the skin condition that required him to constantly rub lanolin onto his skin, Louis was approachable and always had a ready smile. Naveen was grateful for him. He was grateful for all of the friends he’d made since moving to New Orleans.
More and more, Naveen was coming to realize that traveling to this country was the best decision he’d ever made. He was meeting new people and working hard…if one could call persuading restaurants and stores to partner with LaBouff Sugars hard work. For a guy like him, it came naturally.
But what else could he do with his life?
Naveen considered Louis’s invitation to join in with the Crawfish Crooners. If he could spend the rest of his days playing jazz music with his friends, he would die a happy man.
Well, maybe not completely happy.
Convincing Tiana that she did not have to run away whenever he was near would be nice. She and Louis were good friends. Maybe he could ask Louis to put in a good word for him.
Naveen’s back went ramrod straight.
Achidanza!
Why hadn’t he thought of this before?
He swiftly climbed down from the stage and went in search of Tiana’s other friend—her best friend. Charlotte. He spotted her sitting at the table Mr. LaBouff always occupied when he dined at the supper club, toward the rear of the dining room.
Given the look on Charlotte’s face, the fella sitting next to her was the one she’d hoped to avoid. Maybe if he rescued her from this conversation she obviously did not want to be a part of, she would return the favor.
“Hello, gentlemen,” Naveen greeted the table at large. “Mr. LaBouff, I wonder if I could speak to Charlotte for—”
“Oh, yes!” Charlotte yelled. She pushed back from the table so quickly that her chair landed on the floor behind her. “I don’t mean to be rude, but now that Naveen is done filling in for that trumpet player with the busted lip, we can go back to our date.”
She gripped his arm like a vise and pinched him.
“Yes,” Naveen yelped. “Yes, let us continue our…our date.”
“Oh, thank goodness!” Charlotte released a relieved sigh as they quickly made their way back toward their table near the stage. “I swear, if I had to listen to Rubin Dubois talk about his bunions a second longer, I may have murdered him. Heavens to Betsy, that man is irritating.”
Naveen’s forehead wrinkled. “Umm…who is Betsy?”
“I don’t know. It’s just something people say around here.” She waved him off. “Now, what is it that you wanted? Or did you come over because you could see on my face that I was ready to commit a felony?”
“Uh, both, actually,” Naveen said. He pulled out the chair at their table and waited until she sat before taking a seat himself. He scooted his chair closer to her and, in a lowered voice, said, “I need you to put in a good word for me with Tiana.”
Charlotte’s head jerked back. The suspicion in her eyes caused Naveen to squirm like a bug under a microscope. But then a cagey smile drew across her lips.
“I knew you had designs on Tia,” Charlotte mused as she pointed a finger at him. “I could sense something happening between you two.”
“I just—”
She held up her hands. “But before you get your hopes up, I can already tell you exactly what Tiana will say. She’ll say that she’s too busy and doesn’t have time for romantic foolishness.”
“But—”
“Now, usually, I would disagree with that sentiment, because I believe there is nothing more important than love. However, I’ve known Tia a long time, and I know how hard she’s worked for this restaurant. I don’t want anything to distract her, either.”
“I don’t want to be a distraction. I only—”
“Of course, that girl really does need to loosen up a bit.”
“I just want to get to know her better,” Naveen rushed out before she could interrupt him again. “That is all, Charlotte.” He hunched his shoulders. “I am not sure why, but Tiana does not seem to like me very much. Maybe if you tell her that I am not such a bad guy, she won’t run away when she sees me, eh?”
Charlotte tipped her head to the side. After several moments ticked by, she pointed at Naveen and said, “Okay, here’s what I’ll do. I’ll tell Tia that you are madly in love with her—”
“No, no, no, no!” Naveen said.
Charlotte slapped him on the arm. “I’m only teasing, Naveen. Lighten up! I know what I’m doing here,” she said. “I will casually mention how interesting you are.” She snapped her fingers. “Quick, give me something interesting about you.”
“Uhh…I have been learning to juggle?”
“I’ll make something up. Besides, I’m hoping to drag her to some Mardi Gras balls, and she’ll need a date.” She narrowed her eyes at Naveen once more. “But you better not make me regret it. Tiana is my best friend, and I will not see her hurt.”
Naveen shook his head. “No way. I would never hurt her.” His pulse quickened at the thought of accompanying Tiana to a ball, seeing her all dolled up in a beautiful gown. He could see her now!
Actually, he could see it.
Naveen squinted in confusion.
Had he seen her in a ball gown already?
“Of course, we’ll have to work our way up to the Mardi Gras ball. I think you need to start slow, like asking her out for coffee tomorrow.” Charlotte’s eyes brightened as she looked over Naveen’s shoulder. “Here’s your chance.”
Naveen whipped around.
Tiana had just stepped out of the kitchen. She carried a tray laden with dishes on her shoulder, probably beignets or bread pudding. Both were hot ticket items when it came to dessert at T&J’s Supper Club.
“You ready, sugar?” Charlotte asked.
He stopped and took a breath. Before he could nod, Charlotte grabbed him by the hand and jerked him from his seat.
“Come on! Operation: Make a Match with My Two Best Friends is on.”
Given the current tranquility of the empty dining room, one would never believe that less than an hour earlier this place had been packed to the gills with a boisterous crowd and rousing jazz music. Tiana shoved away the guilt that tried to creep in at the notion of her sitting here doing nothing. She’d worked hard tonight—they all had. She deserved to relax for a spell, to steal just a few minutes and quietly celebrate yet another successful night at T&J’s Supper Club.
If she was being honest, she also needed a minute to ruminate over that other thing that had happened about an hour ago.
She was still reeling from Charlotte’s outlandish suggestion that Tiana and Naveen meet up for café au lait the next day. Tiana had reminded her that they already had plans to go shopping, and then she’d raced back to the kitchen.
What was Lottie thinking?
Although, to be fair, Charlotte had no way of knowing the turmoil Tiana endured whenever she was near Naveen. None of her friends knew what she’d sacrificed in order to keep them all safe. Still, her best friend, who had known her all her life, should have known better than to propose such a preposterous idea. And in front of Naveen, no less!
With a sigh, Tiana pushed up from her seat. This was enough relaxing for the week.
She went around to all the tables and wiped them down with an old dishrag. Using as much muscle as she could muster, she scrubbed at a particularly stubborn stain on the table next to Mr. LaBouff’s, then picked up a tray stacked with dirty dishes and hauled it into the kitchen.
She walked past one of the paintings that Ms. Rose had given her and stopped short. The portrait, depicting a rainy evening in the French Quarter, was one of her favorites of those that hung in the restaurant. But something seemed…off.
Tiana tilted her head to the side, trying to figure out exactly what bothered her. She peered more closely and blinked several times. She was sure that the flowers hanging along the wrought iron balcony had been more vibrant. The same with the deep red brick of the building. Now they seemed obscured by the rain. Was the mist in the painting thicker?
“Don’t be ridiculous,” Tiana murmured.
That thickening fog outside must have been fogging her brain. Or maybe it was just that she was bone-tired after the night she’d had and wasn’t thinking clearly.
She continued to the kitchen, carting the last of the dirty dishes with her. She backed her way through the swinging door. When she turned, she yelped in surprise.
