She sipped her beer and leaned back enjoying the beautiful man across from her. They had only been together a few hours, but there was an easiness between them, the kind of relaxed banter shared by old friends. The scary ideas about the danger of falling in love again and fear of getting into another abusive relationship, began to fade from Lilly’s immediate attention. The sight of Roland’s deep brown eyes crinkling when he smiled his impish grin, sent a shot of warmth right through her heart.
Roland took her hand as they walked down Rue Royal peaking into shops, bakeries and famous restaurants. Lilly lead him down Rue Dumaine to the last few blocks of Bourbon Street far away from the mayhem of the strip joints and night clubs. He squeezed her hand as they entered Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop.”This place is the real deal,” Roland said as they stood at the bar, threw caution to the wind and ordered Vodou cocktails.
They walked out to the patio soaking up the energy of the oldest bar on Bourbon Street and marveled at the sculpture of the man and woman lying entwined in the fountain.
“These are super potent,” Lilly said as she drew a large gulp through a straw.
“In that case,” Roland said as he gently removed the straw from her drink, “maybe we should drink them slowly.” Lilly laughed and agreed.
The world tilted a bit when Roland stood. He noticed Lilly staggered slightly as they left Lafitte’s and walked toward the river. They walked with their arms around each other’s waists as they made their way a few blocks over to Harry’s Corner Bar. Lilly’s neighbor and hairdresser, Madeline, was moonlighting as the bartender. Lilly wanted to say hello and introduce her to Roland.
Madeline’s blue eyes took in the dark-haired musician and a seductive smile played on her full lips. Looking around furtively, she pulled a bottle from beneath the bar and asked if they’d like to try some absinthe. Roland shot a look at Lilly and Madeline, “You have real absinthe?”
“Locally made, powerful and delicious,” Madeline said. Lilly shook her head, no, but Madeline would have none of it. Looking Lilly in the eyes she said, “You must meet the Green Faery.”
Lilly could tell Roland wanted to try it. Nodding her head in assent, she watched as Madeline poured the liquid through a strainer containing a sugar cube then presented a small glass to each of them.
The neighborhood inhabitants and a few tourists filtered in and sat at the bar. Madeline had no time to talk so Lilly and Roland waved quick goodbye’s.
Mellow and more than a little woozy, they left the bar and turned the corner. Lilly saw the door open and the lights on in Mike Streek’s mask and costume shop. “I want you to meet Mike, she said as she took Roland’s hand and tugged gently. “He is a wonderful mask maker, costume artist and a real French Quarter celebrity.”
Mike often came into Panthea’s and Lilly had grown to love this burly, bearded giant of a man with a contagious laugh and a gentle artist’s soul. Standing up to greet them when they walked in, Mike smiled broadly through his bushy beard. Lilly made introductions and left the two men to chat as she wandered through the shop.
She took her time as the Green Faery, Madeline had promised, appeared and showed her the magic imbued in every mask and work of art.
Roland and Mike were getting along famously. They had their heads together speaking in low tones when Lilly approached the counter. Roland took her hand and squeezed gently, “Are you ready to continue our tour?”
“Yep, I’m ready,” she said. The two men shook hands and hugged. Lilly gave Mike a hug and a goodbye kiss on the cheek.
The moon was high when they left the mask shop and walked slowly through Jackson Square. As they passed the Cafe du Monde the scent of hot coffee and beignets sent out tendrils of temptation. Ignoring the tantalizing aromas, they left the crowds of the French Quarter and let the Green Faery lead the over the levee. They stood together looking out over the river watching tugboats guiding huge freighters through the dark water. The wake of the ships sent soft waves onto the river bank at their feet.
Roland laughed as he said, “I don’t know if it’s the Vodou cocktail, the Green Faery, moon magic or your beautiful presence, but this night is super cool and amazing. Lilly smiled to herself as they stood together watching the moonlight dance on the rippling wake in the river. She stole a look at Roland, bathed in moonlight, a slight breeze lifting his long hair. The Green Faery whispered, “Enchanting” and faded away into the night. Roland drew Lilly closer to him. The fear imprisoning her heart began to melt.
Roland asked quietly, “Do you come here often?”
“Yea, it’s my get away spot. I grew up on the bayou, fishing every day. Being near the water calms me and helps me think.”
Roland turned toward her and took her hand, “What do you come down here to think about?”
“Oh, stuff, you know like what I am going to do with my life.”
“What do you want to do with your life, Lyla?” She smiled although tears filled her eyes, embarrassed, she pulled away from Roland. “You can talk to me. It’s okay,” he said softly.
Retreating into herself, Lilly let everything fade away as she became one with the rhythm of the river. Roland squeezed her hand slightly and she remembered he had asked her a question.
“What?” she whispered into the wind.
Roland took her chin in his hand and turned her head towards him. “Talk to me. You don’t have to figure everything out right now. Your life will unfold. Pushing the river won’t bring you answers.” Looking into her eyes, he said, “I am certain you will play music again. I want to be there to hear you when you do.”
Lilly smiled
