Muddy Waters

Just Tonight

Chapter 2

“What a beautiful and classy name. Where are you from, Lorraine? Do you mind if I call you that, or would you prefer Raine?,” he asked respectfully.

“Either or is fine. And I'm from Ohio,” she responded, smiling.

“Lorraine, author from Ohio,” he recapped with a grin. “Well, how long are you in Louisiana?,” he asked.

“About a week. Sometimes, when we travel, we leave early or stay longer. It all just depends on how quickly we are able to get what we need. But I have a feeling I'm not going to want to leave. I just love it here in the French Quarter,” Lorraine indulged with a light in her eyes that Dwade couldn't help but notice.

“The Quarter is great. But you should venture out a bit more from Bourbon Street. Visit the museums and cemeteries. And go see the bayous. There is so much more to see than this,” Dwade explained. He had finished his drink and the bartender already had him another fresh one sitting right behind his first empty glass.

“Oh, I plan to see as much as I can. I just really enjoy the night life here so much already,” she said, looking around. The musicians of the night were taking the stage. A woman doing vocals, and several men playing a trumpet, sax, trombone, drums, bass, and guitar. There was a woman to the side sitting at the piano, too.

“Would you like another drink, miss?,” the bartender asked, looking at her watered down liquor that was still half full.

“Oh, no thank you, I may have another after I finish this one, but not yet. Thank you,” she said.

“You enjoy jazz,” Dwade asked her.

“I do enjoy it. But I don't listen to it that often. Just seemed appropriate for the night,” she said.

“Well, the music here is exceptional. I assure you that you will love it,” he said, smiling as he turned his head toward the band.

Lorraine followed and turned to watch them perform. The woman singing lead vocals was, indeed, amazing. Her voice was subtle, yet powerful. Not too much, though. Her melody flowed perfectly with the music. You could tell she was a seasoned vocalist. After their first song, the lead woman took the mic by hand and removed it from the stand.

“I'd like to thank everyone for coming out tonight. And I'd also like to thank the owner, Dwade Le Creux for allowing us to play at his lovely venue,” she said, motioning her arm toward him. And all the crowd followed her motion, looking at him and applauding and some of them looking at Lorraine, sitting beside him at the bar with judging eyes. Dwade waved his arm toward the woman and back at the crowd with a smile.

The owner? Lorraine thought to herself. That makes sense. That's why the bartender knew his drink and was catering to him.

“Well, you certainly are well respected around here, and now I know why,” Lorraine commented.

“Oh, never mind that. Just a small investment I made several years ago,” he said, like it was nothing.

“A small investment,” Lorraine joked with him. “What other secrets do you have, Mr. Le Creux,” she asked, taking another sip of her drink that was beginning to lose it's flavor.

“Oh, I'm a mysterious man, say many. But honestly, very simple. Just happened to get lucky and buy out a couple businesses at the right time,” he said in response.

“Oh, multiple business, huh? And what other types of businesses do you own?,” she asked.

“I also own a small cafe a couple blocks down on the corner of Royal and Conti and a souvenir shop,” he answered.

“How neat, I'm assuming the cafe serves beignets?,” she asked, intrigued. Lorraine had been wanting to try them since she had arrived.

“Oh, of course. They are what brings everyone back,” he said. “You should stop in and try one. Or if you're up to it, I could take you tomorrow. Do you like coffee?,” he asked.

“Oh, yes. I love coffee, but here lately, I've been drinking iced coffee,” she said.

“Iced coffee is also served there, we could make a stop in, if you'd like,” he offered.

“I would love that. I'm sure my friends would, too. They are also coffee drinkers,” she said. “I mean, if that's okay that I bring them along,” she added.

“Oh, heavens, yes. I wouldn't expect you to leave them behind. But just curious, where are they now?,” he asked.

“Oh, they were still at the karaoke joint when I came here,” she said. “Speaking of, I should probably get back to them soon; they will probably begin to worry about me,” she added.

“I'm sure they would,” Dwade said. “Well, it was certainly a pleasure to meet you, Lorraine. I hope you enjoy the rest of your night,” he said as he stood up.

“Likewise, Dwade,” she said smiling up at him as she carefully slid off of the bar stool, making sure not to fall and make a fool out of herself.

“Let me walk you to the door,” he said, placing his hand on the small of her back. His touch sent a spark through her body. It was the strangest sensation, one that she had surely never felt before, and it took her by surprise. No man she had ever met had been such a gentleman before, either. She was not used to such manners.

Once they reached the door, she turned toward him and had to look up to see him. He was fairly tall, but then again, she was very short. They stood in silence for a moment, but it wasn't awkward.

“Well, I hope I see you around, Dwade,” she said, smiling up at him.

“I hope the same,” he said as she turned and walked away into the night.