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“I never thought we’d all have wives,” laughed Mike.
“I don’t,” smirked Dan. “Don’t really have the itch for one either. I mean, I was lucky to see my parents have a good marriage and my grandparents. Both sets. But will that luck hold out for me?”
“Why wouldn’t it?” asked Mike. Dan just shrugged, not saying anything. “Dan, you’re a good man, brother. A fucking outstanding SEAL, great friend. I’m not into dudes, but if I were, you’re good-looking.” Dan just laughed, shaking his head.
“I have my parents and grandparents to thank for that. It’s definitely not something I did.”
“That’s true, but still,” grinned Tobias. “Brother, you got what the women want. You’re tall, fucking built like a Mack truck. You got all the blonde hair, like Wilson, and those perfect, pearly whites like your mom. Chicks dig what you got, brother.”
“When did you guys become experts in what women want?” he laughed.
“Since we got married,” they said in unison.
“Listen, Dan, all women want to be loved, cherished, treated as an equal, and respected. That’s a given. The details of how they want those things are different for each one, but you’re the man that could deliver that.”
“I’m not so sure,” he said, staring out the window at the passing scenery. “I haven’t had very good luck with the female population in San Diego.”
“Isn’t San Diego considered one of the worst cities in the nation to be single and date?” asked JB.
“Yep. And my ass has been stuck there a while. I’m ready to be home for good and start a different chapter of my life.”
“I hear ya, man,” said Nate. “That was all I could think about these last few months. I just wanted to be home. I never expected to meet Harlow.”
“Yeah, but you did and fell head over heels,” smirked his brother. Nate started to protest, then just shook his head.
“I seem to remember your jaw dropping at that party where we met Harlow. I thought you were going to throw her over your shoulder and jump out the window.”
“I was thinking about it,” smirked Nate. “I can’t describe it. I saw her and knew I had to step in.”
“I felt the same when Sage bumped into me on the dance floor at the Mardi Gras ball. I could tell she was nervous and running from someone. I just didn’t realize how bad it was. I’m so glad I went after her, or she would have been lost in that maze.”
“But she wasn’t lost,” said Dan. “You found her, and I’m fucking thrilled for you.”
“Thanks, brother.”
Pulling into the parking garage near Jackson Square, the men left the car and began walking toward the last known location of the men they were looking for. Post-Mardi Gras, the streets of New Orleans almost felt empty. But they all knew that wouldn’t last long.
Jazz Fest would bring in hundreds of thousands of tourists over several weeks of some of the most amazing music in the world. A mix of not just jazz but rock, blues, country, and alternative made it one of the largest music festivals anywhere.
After that, there would be more festivals. Not just one, but two literary festivals, and the French Quarter festival would take place even before Jazz Fest. Then it was the Essence Festival and the Tremé Gumbo Festival. That wasn’t even counting all the festivals on the outskirts of the city. Crawfish festivals, catfish festivals, jambalaya festivals, strawberry festivals, and so many more.
It was amazing and crowded. One of the many reasons they stayed close to Belle Fleur most of the time. Crowds were not a thing they enjoyed.
“Let’s go into Crescent City Antiques first,” said Dan. “Mama Irene said she spoke to the owner to tell him we were coming. With as much business as she gives him, he ought to give us all a discount.”
“That’s the damn truth,” smirked Tobias.
The bell above the door rang a soft sound as the men walked into the long, narrow store. With two floors and a warehouse full of antiques, it was one of the most popular locations for tourists and locals alike.
“Well, I know who y’all are,” smiled the man. “Ain’t no missin’ one of Irene’s boys. Or seven of her boys. Glad to help y’all. Is it a weddin’ gift? Anniversary?”
“No, sir,” smiled Mike. “I’m Mike. We’re actually looking for a couple of men that may have been in here in the last few days.” He lay the picture on the counter, and the man looked down at it. His smile disappeared, replaced with a frightened scowl.
“They was here,” he nodded. “Askin’ me questions about loose stones, especially diamonds. Had I seen any or bought any. Told ‘em I don’t deal in loose stones, only fully made jewelry. Then one of ‘em asked if I’d seen anyone at Symphony Jewelers. Told ‘em Miss Loretta had died, and her granddaughter took over but needed some time to grieve.”
“Did you see which direction they went?” asked Mike.
“Well, this one here, the one with the dark eyes, he went toward Jackson Square. I’m gonna guess he was makin’ his way toward the art dealers. They were lookin’ for furniture as well.” The man shook his head, chuckling to himself. “Seemed a might strange combination to look for loose jewels and furniture, but folks are strange.”
