Listen to Your Heart - Fern Michaels [44]
Josie stepped gingerly over the threshold. It was everything Jack said it was, maybe a little dirtier. Kitty would throw up her hands in horror. She just knew there would be paper plates and hard plastic glasses for the beer and paper napkins.
He was laughing at her, enjoying her discomfort. “Guess you’ve never been to a place like this, huh?”
“When I was in college, I went to a few places like this. Standing room only and the food was wonderful. I’m taking you at your word.” He was good-looking, with an infectious smile. It was hard not to respond to his light-heartedness. Before she knew it, she was giggling and laughing and having the time of her life.
“So the dogs are safe?”
“My sister is watching them. I can’t explain the attraction the two of them have for each other. Zip is a really good dog. I don’t know what’s going to happen when Paul finally takes him home. Rosie will have a broken heart.”
“Speaking of Paul, did you get a message?”
“Yes,” Josie said curtly.
“Is Paul Brouillette something we shouldn’t be talking about? I see something in your face and in your eyes that tells me this is a no-win zone.”
“What might that be?” Josie asked lightly.
“That your heart belongs to the big Cajun. Hey, that’s okay. Paul is a great guy. We’ve been friends forever. I think your ego was a bit bruised when I came by and asked you to dinner, and that’s why you accepted. That’s okay, too. I’m more or less involved with someone right now. Let’s just have a good time and then head over to Bourbon Street. I want to take you to Port Orleans to hear Butterfunck. I could listen to those guys all night long. Anytime I have visitors, that’s the first place I take them.”
Josie smiled. “Johnny Pappas, guitar and lead vocals, Réné Richard on bass, and Trey Crain on drums, right? How can you forget a name like Butterfunck?”
Jack’s eyebrows shot upward. “How’d you know?”
“My sister Kitty goes to listen to them all the time. They’re friends. I bet you didn’t know Johnny is marrying Jeanne. He is. She’s cute as a button. I asked Paul to take me one night. You’re right—they’re great. We went to Preservation Hall that night, too. It poured rain the whole time.”
An hour later Josie leaned back in her chair. “You were right. That’s some of the best food I’ve ever eaten. I’ll have to come here again. Do you have any idea when Paul will be back?”
“No, I’m sorry, I don’t. Paul never does anything without a reason, so whatever it is that’s keeping him away, it must be important. He’s a kind, considerate guy. You’re hung up on him, aren’t you?”
“Now where did you get an idea like that?” Josie mumbled.
“From you. It’s written all over your face. Do you want to talk about it?”
“No. Yes. Maybe. No. No, I don’t.”
“Then why don’t I pay the bill so we can get out of here?”
“He’s here. I saw him sleeping in his bed. I went over to the house to look for some of Zip’s things, and there he was, sound asleep, while I was taking care of his dog. He didn’t call the way he said he would. I let it get out of hand. He just wanted someone to take care of his dog, and I’m a real sucker when it comes to animals.”
Jack fished in his wallet for his credit card. “When was this?”
“Yesterday.”
“That was me! I slept at Paul’s house. It’s a long story. I partied a little too hearty and had to leave my car behind. It was one of those going-away parties with lots of guys and good wishes, that kind of thing. I’m telling you, it was me.”
The relief on Josie’s face was so apparent, Jack burst out laughing. “Yep, that really tells me you’re not hung up on the guy. Okay, we’re outta here. Butterfunck, here we come.” Josie linked her arm with Jack’s. Now she could enjoy the evening.
Paul Brouillette shook the doctor’s hand before he accepted a short list of instructions.
“Just take it a little easy for a few weeks. No mountain climbing, no jogging or running. No lifting. Everything else in moderation. I’d like you to check back with me in a month for a follow-up. Make the appointment when you leave. We’ll call the day before as a reminder.”
Paul