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“Yep, but don’t worry. We’ll keep them from becoming gator food while you get laid,” Anthony said.

“Excellent plan,” I replied smugly.

***

On Saturday morning, I picked Grace up at ten. Like her, I used to go to brunches at Commander’s Palace as a kid with my parents, but I hadn’t gone in a very long time. I knew many families in New Orleans went on a regular basis.

Grace came out of the building with a huge smile. She also had a big hat and sunglasses. I got out of the car and went around the corner, opening the door for her.

“You look fucking adorable with this huge hat.”

She grinned. “I actually got lazy with putting on sunscreen this past week and got a bit of a sunburn.” She took off her glasses, and I could see it better now as she tipped her head up. Her nose was completely red. “I look ridiculous.”

“No, you look fucking adorable,” I said. I kissed her right there against the car for the whole street to see.

This was addictive.Shewas addictive. I’d been starved for her this past week. Texts and calls weren’t enough. I needed her close—in my arms, at my mercy.

She kissed me back just as intensely. I plastered her against the car, deepening the kiss, touching her waist before rubbing my thumb against the side of her left breast.

A thump interrupted us, and I pulled back, opening my eyes. Her hat had fallen to the ground. Clearing my throat, I took a step back. Grabbing it, I handed it to her before she got in the car.

Once she was settled, she said, “I’m ready to start our date. But don’t kiss me again.”

I jerked my head back. “Why not?”

“Because,” she whispered, “there are kids around.”

I looked up and down the street. True, there were, but I didn’t see what one thing had to do with the other. Then again, I didn’t want to make her uncomfortable.

I stepped closer, leaning slightly over her. “Just a quick one.”

“Okay.” She batted her eyelashes and gave me a quick peck. It wasn’t what I had in mind, but clearly she wasn’t ready for more.

“You smell amazing. You’ve changed your perfume.”

“Yes. I’m wearing the one from your grandmothers.”

And in that precise moment, I knew I was screwed. I couldn’t tell how I knew it, or what exactly I meant by that. I just knew I was.

We arrived in the Garden District a short while later and parked close to Commander’s Palace.

“I can’t believe I haven’t been here in years,” Grace said. “I love everything about it. The vibrant blue facade, the Victorian architecture, and the food, of course.”

It had Creole and Cajun specialties. It was widely considered to be one of the best in the South. Even my grandmothers respected the establishment. The place was already full of guests when we arrived. We were shown to our table in one of their outdoor spaces.

“It’s a good thing we’re sitting outside,” Grace said. “It was a bit stuffy in there, wasn’t it?”

I agreed. The weather was already hot and humid, but at least out here, there was a nice breeze. Jazz music played all around, and people were milling in and out with food.

Grace was glancing at everyone’s drinks.

“What are you doing?” I asked.

“When I was a kid, I always hoped my parents would get distracted so I could sneak around and grab a cocktail.”

“Full disclosure: last time I came, I was also not of drinking age. Let’s hit the bar.”

“Life with you is always an adventure, isn’t it?” she asked.