“I hope you are right, mi amore, she is the most promising student I have had in years, the only one with Faery blood. She has been chosen and entrusted with the Priestess Crystal. From her rapid understanding of the use of magic, deep meditation and focused intention, it appears she has lifetimes of experience in the magical arts. I have great expectations for the powerful priestess I know she will become.”
Sabine changed the subject, “Where are you two going on your post Mardi Gras vacation?” Smiles appeared on James and Jolene’s faces as they said in unison, “Florida Keys.” James spoke up first, “We have decided to stay close to home this year. With Lyla adjusting to the violet fire crystal and Jolene adjusting to being without it, we have decided on a short vacation.
Sabine smiled as she took out her crochet needle and continued to work on a rainbow-colored baby blanket. “I’m going to be with my daughter and my new grand baby. This year my vacation will be spent on the Mississippi coast with my new favorite person, baby Ivan Bourgeois.
James, teased Sabine, “How many of those little blankets does young Ivan need?”
Jolene jabbed him with her foot as Sabine ignored James and mused aloud, “I wonder what Lyla is planning for her two weeks off.”
“Aggghhhh!” Jolene exclaimed, “I haven’t mentioned to her we’re closing the store for two weeks after Mardi Gras. Oh, how could I have forgotten? Did either of you mention it to her?” Sabine and James shook their heads as Jolene jumped up, grabbed a pen and pad and wrote a note to put on Lilly’s door.
Chapter 18
Dipped Wicks and Flying Beer Bottles
Flickering gas lights glowed through the fog as Lilly walked to The Cave on Bourbon St. She planned to arrive for the band’s last set and bring Roland home with her. ‘I can’t get enough of him. Roland is my love drug,’ she thought to herself as her heart beat wildly. ‘Having him in my bed for an entire night and day will be paradise.’
A cool breeze swirled through the fog and swept up Rue St. Ann as Lilly turned the corner onto Bourbon Street. The band was taking a break when she arrived. Looking around she saw Leon tipping a beer back and Bart sitting on a table talking to a tall, thin young woman. Trey was adjusting equipment on the stage.
Lilly didn’t see Roland so she headed to the door to the alley. ‘He may be back here smoking a joint,’ she thought. As she headed for the door, it swung open forcefully and Agnes, the barmaid, came staggering through. Lipstick smeared and mascara running, she quickly walked behind the bar, grabbed a handful of cocktail napkins and wiped her eyes.
Lilly turned back to the door and saw Roland come in with lipstick on his chin and a bright red spot on his cheek. She had never seen him angry, but there was no doubt about his mood. She took a tentative step toward him, he saw her standing by the door and pulled her into an embrace. Lilly pulled back a bit, “What happened? Agnes came in crying and you look like you have been slapped?”
Roland released her from his embrace, took her hand and lead her out the back door. He was silent, his mouth turned down and his eyes on the ground.
Lilly stared at him and finally said, “Well, what happened?”
“Lyla, this is so uncool. Agnes seems to think part of our run here at The Cave includes members of the band shagging her.”
“Doing what?” Lilly said, not laughing.
“You know, she wants to have sex with all of us. I think a couple of the other members of the band have slept with her. Tonight, she decided it was my turn.”
Taking a step back, Lilly stared at him, “What makes her think you want to have sex with her?”
Roland laughed, “Nothing, I came out here to have a couple of tokes and she came out behind me. She kissed me and expected me to kiss her back. I tried to tell her politely it wasn’t going to happen. Her feelings were hurt, she slapped me, got all teary eyed and headed back inside.”
Lilly looked at the back door hoping Agnes wouldn’t come smashing through it. “Yea that is uncool,” was all she could say.
Roland put his arms around her and whispered, “You, on the other hand, are exactly who I want to kiss.” Lilly’s lips parted as he bent down towards her, his arms drawing her close. His hands moved down her back and into the waste of her jeans.
She stepped back a bit and said, “No Roland, let’s not. I have tomorrow off and I want you to come over after your gig and stay the night. We can spend all day tomorrow in bed.”
Before Roland could respond, the back door opened and Bart signaled for Roland to come in. “Let’s finish up this last set, I’ve got a hot date,”
“So do I,” Roland whispered in Lilly’s ear.
Roland jumped up on the stage and Lilly sauntered over to the bar for her usual Dixie beer. Agnes stood at the opposite end of the bar and refused to look at her. Exasperated, Lilly walked to the end of the bar, stood directly in front of Agnes and ordered her beer.
Agnes glared at her, popped the top off of a Dixie Beer and slammed it down on the bar in front of her. “I’ve a good mind to throw you and your horny-ass boyfriend off this property.”
Lilly sneered, “What?”
Agnes put her hands on her hips and sneered, “Your boyfriend is a creep. He thinks he can put his hands all over whomever he wants, whenever he wants. He tried to feel up the wrong broad. I don’t let no idiot musicians touch me.”
All the hairs on Lilly’s body stood on end.
