Barrett heard the passion in her voice and admired her dedication.
"We play clubs in the French Quarter, mostly," she said."And we play some festivals and special events.The New Orleans music scene is thriving.There's all kinds of music—blues, jazz, rock, and everything mixed together."
"It sounds like you've found your place," Barrett said.
"I suppose I have."Her expression shifted."Genevieve is the star.I'm just the piano player."
The way she said it suggested that wasn't entirely satisfying, but she didn't elaborate.Barrett filed that observation away, adding it to the growing list of things he wanted to know about her.
"I'm sure you're more than just the piano player," he said."I heard you playing earlier.You're incredibly talented."
Cadie smiled."I love what I do."
She asked about his work then, and he talked about the PI firm.He mentioned a few of the cases, the security consultations, and the satisfaction of helping people find answers.He left out the more dangerous cases, the close calls, the times when his SEAL training had been the only thing between him and serious injury.
"Do you miss the Navy?"she asked.
Barrett considered the question."I miss the structure, the sense of purpose.But it was time to retire from the SEALs."
He didn't explain why.He didn't mention the teammates he'd lost, the survivor's guilt that haunted him, the reason he'd built walls around himself and kept everyone at arm's length.Those were things he didn't talk about with anyone, certainly not with a woman he hadn't seen in over two decades.
Cadie seemed to sense there was more he wasn't saying.She didn't push, just nodded and sipped her latte.He appreciated that she respected the boundaries, even as part of him wished she would ask.
The conversation flowed more easily after that, touching on safer topics like changes in Charleston and memories of places.Barrett avoided talking about high school, or the brief thing they'd had before he left.That topic was too dangerous, loaded with questions he wasn't ready to ask.
Barrett noticed the way she gestured with her hands when talking."I'm surprised you're not married," he said before he could stop himself.He wanted to take them back the moment the words left his mouth.
But Cadie didn't seem offended."I figuredyouwere married with a bunch of kids by now."
Her tone was light, but he heard the question beneath it.She wondered why.
"No.I just…" He trailed off, unsure how to explain.He couldn't think of a way to say that he'd convinced himself love wasn't worth the risk.
Cadie helped him out."I know how difficult the dating scene can be."
Barrett guided the conversation to safer ground."Where are you staying?"
Cadie took a sip of her coffee."I'm staying at the Palmetto Inn."
"That's where I'm staying," he said.
Cadie laughed, breaking the tension."It was convenient to Stratton House."
"Same for me."Barrett realized he'd be seeing her often, and that surely wasn't a bad thing.The coffee cups were empty.He glanced at his watch, surprised that more than an hour had passed.
Barrett stood first, uncertain.He didn't want to end the time with her but wasn't sure how to extend it."Shall I walk you back to your car?"
"That would be nice."
He fell into step beside her, retracing the route from earlier.The mood seemed lighter.Cadie asked about his rental car, and he described the sedan he'd picked up at the airport.She laughed at something he said, the sound genuine and warm.
Barrett liked the easy companionship and the way she laughed, and even the comfortable silences.At her car, he searched for the right words."I'll need to talk to you more about your aunt, and the investigation."
"Of course.We'll need to work together on this."Cadie paused."And maybe we could have dinner to catch up properly?"
Barrett kept his calm demeanor."I'd like that."
"Good."She unlocked her car and opened the door, then turned back to him."It was good to see you, Barrett."Her voice was soft, genuine.
