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“Of course I do! Her father was your father’s golf partner for about twenty years. Why?”
“She’s coming tomorrow for an extended stay.”
“Oh my god, that early? Mardi Gras isn’t for months! Believe it or not, all Val’s kids are coming. It’s going to be a zoo. I might break down and stay with Vic for a few days.”
“You’re the third person who said people are overrun with out-of-towners looking for a place to stay. Anyway, I came in for more food. I have what I need for Monday night…”
“Oh, right! We’re bringing lots of food! I hope the weather is okay. You know the cove is famous for this time of year going from tornados to bathing-suit weather.”
“Justin rented one of those big gaudy tents. It might be overkill, but maybe not. I’m only having about thirty people, but that’s too many for my house. And a porta pottie. My septic system can’t handle more than two people flushing a day.”
“Oh, I remember, trust me. I was there when there was only a cesspool and no septic tank.”
“Disgusting. Okay, I guess I’ll go. I have ice cream melting in the skiff.”
Rose kissed her cheek. “I’ll see you Monday night!”
“Yes, you will. Goodbye, Mom.”
She waved and pulled a reluctant Brulee away. They jogged down to the dock. Gus had packed her groceries in three ice bags.
“You’re so wonderful.”
“No, I’m not,” he said, grinning. He held her hand until she made it down the ladder, and then he crouched down and handed Brulee to her.
“See you Monday night,” she said, waving goodbye after she got the motor running.
“Maybe before then,” he called out. “Don’t you have to pick up your friend tomorrow?”
“Right! Okay!”
The ride to Bayou Cottage was quick. Fishing boats were anchored out, some closer to shore, most on the other side of Bonnet Island. All the docks looked the same from the water, so her grandfather had painted a large evil eye on a huge sheet of plywood, and its successor was now nailed to the end of the dock while the original hung over her fireplace.
“Here we are,” she told Brulee, pulling alongside the dock.
She helped Brulee out and then unloaded all the groceries. Tearing the bags of ice open, she dumped them into the bay. They’d gotten wise and kept a wagon on the dock to haul purchases up to the cottage instead of making trips.
With Brulee secure on a leash, she pulled the wagon behind her. The cottage coming up still brought so much joy to her heart. It was painted sky blue (she’d painted it by herself) and had a beautiful new screened-in porch across the front. The cottage was raised on concrete blocks so it would be safe during flooding season.
After she put all the food away, she went up to the guest room to make sure it was ready for Katrina. Pleased with the renovations she’d made, even the bathroom was modern.
Back down in the kitchen, she fixed herself a cup of coffee and called Justin.
“Got your power back?”
“Yep, got all the patients back, too. It’s crazy. Dad came out to help. Where y’at?”
“At the cottage. I took the skiff into the village for groceries, but I’m back. I’m sorry it’s so crazy, but can you spend the night?”
“For one last rendezvous with my lover, yes. I’ll see you tonight.”
After they said goodbye, she hung up, closed her eyes for just a second, and murmured to the universe…
“Thank you.”
***
On Saturday, Justin left for the clinic at the same time Maggie headed to town in the skiff. She’d pick Katrina up at Val Amotte’s house.
