Page 63 of The Rebel

“Sure.” I was keeping my fingers crossed that she wouldn’t want something outlandish like going to the Voodoo Museum. Zachary took her there some time ago, and the guy still had nightmares. Everyone thought New Orleans was all magic and fantasy-like, but most of those “magical” elements were downright macabre. “Want to go to the zoo?” It used to be one of her favorite hangouts in the past.

Bella sucked in a breath and put her hands behind her back. “Can we go to Bourbon Street?”

I blinked. “Sorry. What?”

“There’s a dare at school.”

Fuck my life!What was it with these kids and the dares? “Go on.”

“No one’s parents really allow them to go to Bourbon, let alone in any of the bars there. I told them I can do it.”

“Bella, this is something your dad has to approve.”

“Why is no one fun anymore? Why does Dad have to approve everything?”

I cleared my throat. “Because he’s your father, and if we keep secrets from him, he won’t trust us anymore.” I wanted Bella to know that she was spoiled and cared for and loved. But this was a line I never crossed.

“Fine,” she sighed. “Let’s call Dad.”

Chad answered right away. “She’s trying to sell you on Bourbon.”

“You know, then. Good.”

“I heard her talk to some friends at drop-off this morning.”

“Listen. I have a good plan.”

“That’s fine. It’s daytime, and she’s with you.”

“We’ll go to Julian’s newest establishment.” Bella all but yelped. “And then we’ll be done. See you tonight at Mom’s gallery?”

“We’ll be there. I’m just convincing Scarlett to let the sous-chef take the reins for the evening so she can join us too. Everyone else is coming with their significant others, and I want Scarlett there. I’ve got a babysitter for Simone, since I don’t want to keep her out late.”

“Good luck.” After hanging up, I looked at Bella. “He agreed.”

“Yes! Daddy’s getting cooler, isn’t he?”

Chadwaschoosing his battles very wisely lately.

As Bella and I headed to Bourbon, Chad’s words came back to me.“Everyone else is coming with their significant others.”The craziest idea popped into my mind, and not just because Mom mentioned it. What if I asked Daisy to join us? She seemed to have an appetite for the arts and food and everything else. I wascertain she’d enjoy herself, although the family would butt in. That didn’t stop me from texting her.

Anthony: Do you have plans this evening?

Daisy: Yes. I’m out exploring.

The disappointment rolling through me was fucking surreal.

Anthony: Have fun.

Daisy: Why are you asking?

Anthony: I’ll tell you tomorrow.

Maybe this was for the best, and yet the temptation to flirt the panties off her until she agreed to come was fucking huge. But again, it wasn’t the weekend yet. And I’d promised her that I’d be on my best behavior.

“Uncle Anthony, are you listening to me?” Bella asked.

I immediately tucked my phone away. “No, sorry. I was caught up with work.”