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“Cousins. Siblings.”
“Right. I’ll make breakfast.”
She was in the kitchen when Alphé returned from church. Looking out the window, she saw him on his phone and wondered if he was texting Katrina. In a minute he looked up and saw her. Smiling, he got out of the car.
The children dressed with Lola’s help while Calista set the table. Alphé’s children weren’t used to a hot breakfast, either, but they were getting one this morning.
Letting himself in, he came face-to-face with his ex-wife.
“I hear congratulations might be in order,” she said, nodding toward the kitchen.
“What’s it to you?”
“Nothing. It will be easier all around if you do it, Alphé. Not that you’re looking for it, but you’ll get my support.”
“Okay, well, that’s good to know.”
He walked into the kitchen, and his four yelled, “Daddy!”
“Everyone’s up early,” he said, kissing tops of heads. “I’ve got to get down to the dock, but I’ll see you all tonight.”
Smiling, he nodded at Calista.
“So long,” he said to Lola.
Driving south on Main Street, he saw Katrina leaving the church parking lot, and she saw him. He beeped at her, pointing to the curb, and he pulled over. She pulled behind him, her hands shaking, wondering what was going to happen next as he got out of the truck and walked toward her.
“You’re so handsome,” she said, choked up.
He rested his arms on her door, looking down at her. “You’ve been crying.”
She nodded, reaching for a tissue.
“You rarely cry.”
“There’s something in the air,” blaming pollen.
“Katrina, I’d like to give it a go with Calista,” he said, not wasting time, not pulling punches. “I love you. I don’t love her. But I want a wife. I want things to calm down, and I don’t know how else to do it.”
She nodded at him, the relief indescribable. But there was some pain and a minor annoyance. “I’m tired of the drama myself.”
“It will get worse. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. We had a pleasant month. I’m worried about Pris. She really loves me.”
“I hope you’ll still see her.”
“Calista might not like that.”
“She’ll get over it,” he said, straightening up. “I’d better get to the boat. I’m going to miss those long legs.”
She just laughed, the memory of them around Dave Chastain’s waist when he had her up against the bedroom wall the night before vivid.
“Goodbye, Alphé. Stay in touch.”
He grinned at her and walked away. Sitting in her car, she watched him leave, his truck backfiring like it was saying goodbye to her, making her laugh. Checking the time, it was too early to call Maggie, but she needed to tell her about Alphé.
She made a U-turn and headed back to her Creole cottage, and when she arrived, Dave Chastain was standing on her porch.
