Page 62 of The Rebel

Mom laughed. “Know what? It’s fine if you don’t want to tell me anything. It’s a good sign that your grandmothers thinkyou’ve met someone worthy of lilac. I always thought it was all a bit of hogwash. But now I’m not so sure. Don’t tell them I said that.”

I burst out laughing. “Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me.”

As we finished the muffuletta, I looked around. “You need help here?”

“No. Besides, you’re due to pick Bella up, aren’t you?”

“I’ve still got a bit of time.”

“No, you go ahead. I have an entire team to terrorize around here. They just went to lunch. And about tonight… Why don’t you tell Daisy to come too? Maybe she’ll enjoy this.”

I narrowed my eyes. “You think I’d invite her to the lion’s den knowing full well they’ll pounce on her?”

“You’re right. I didn’t think about that. You’re protective of her.” Mom sounded surprised and then gave me another smile. “I won’t ask anything else. I promise. I think love finds its way mysteriously into everyone’s lives. And I also think it happens when you least expect it.”

“Really?”

“Yes. Even for your dad and me. I mean, I was so set on a completely different path.”

I stopped in my tracks. “And that was?”

“I was dead set on studying in New York. I wanted to get out of New Orleans for a bit, maybe even travel the rest of the world and discover what art had to offer everywhere. But I fell for him hook, line, and sinker. Ended up studying art at Loyola.”

“Did you ever regret not going to New York?”

“Not at all. The thing about dreams and plans is they can change at a moment’s notice. Especially when the heart wants something else. I’ve never looked back.”

“You’ve never told me that story.”

She shrugged. “I don’t want you to think that I feel like I’ve missed out on anything. Because your dad is a great husband.”

I always had mad respect for my parents’ relationship. Theyrespected each other and had each other’s back 100 percent of the time.

“Don’t be late for Bella or she’ll stop asking you to pick her up at all.”

I bristled. “That’s not possible.”

“She’s negotiating with Chad to let her go home by herself.”

“She’s too young!” I protested.

She nodded. “That’s what Chad thinks too. My guess is Bella wants to be more independent.”

Damn! I had to get used to this. She was growing up fast.

After bidding Mom goodbye, I left the gallery. I always felt wiser after chatting with her or any of the other elders in my family.

I wondered how they’d react if they knew I called them elders.

Bella was already outside the school gate when I arrived. “Sorry I’m late, cricket.”

“No, you’re not, Uncle Anthony. I just ran out as soon as the bell rang because I didn’t want to be late.”

Ha! Independence be damned. She couldn’t wait to leave school to spend time with me.

“What do you want to do? Beignets at Café Du Monde?” I suggested.

“Can we do something else today?”