Page 91 of The Charmer

Ohhhh, the LeBlanc & Broussard pralines were famous in New Orleans. They were hands down the best ones around. They were also hard to get because they were only served at their restaurants or charity events.

"How did this even happen?"

"You tell me. Is there a possibility," she said, coming over to me and opening the box, "that a certain LeBlanc we both know has sent them?"

She put the open box on the cashier's desk, and I immediately took one and bit into it. This was filled with cherry liquor.

"How are they so good?" I mumbled.

"I know, right? I can't believe they don't sell them everywhere."

"I’d stock them." I figured every shop in the Quarter would. "So that was who, a delivery boy?"

"It was a kitchen boy, actually, from the LeBlanc & Broussard restaurant. Didn't give me many details, just that he was asked to bring us a box."

I was certain Julian had something to do with it. There was no other explanation.

"Now I'm starting to put two and two together," Zelda said, her smile fading a bit. "And also why you're not willing to share anything."

"It's not really a secret, just that—"

"Never mind. You don't have to give me any explanations."

She popped another praline into her mouth and then quickly said, "Right, I'm going back to work."

"I'll be there shortly."

"Take your time, boss."

She was clearly hiding a smile as she hurried to the back. I took my phone from my back pocket. Julian hadn't texted me anything, but I wanted to thank him for this. It was very thoughtful and exactly the pick-me-up I needed. Snapping a picture, I messaged it to him along with the caption Perfect snack.

He replied seconds later.

Julian: Glad you think so. Figured it would fit your requirements. Give you energy without making you drowsy.

Oh my God. I'd completely forgotten I’d told him that.

Georgie: These are my favorite pralines ever. I didn't think the restaurant would have any left.

Julian: They didn't have a lot. I had to fight for this box.

I wasn't sure if he really meant it, but either way, I appreciated it.

Georgie: Thanks. I'm going to call it a night in about an hour. Are we still on?

What if he said no? I'd hyped myself up all day for seeing him in the evening. He couldn't say no.

Julian: Of course. I'm a man of my word.

He kept repeating that, but it was true.

Julian: If you want, I can come even sooner and help you out.

I couldn't believe he was offering to help. He'd had a long night yesterday, and today he'd already helped his mom. Yet he still wanted to be here for me. This was completely unexpected.

I’d always wanted a relationship where we took care of each other. Having a family wasn’t an urgent thing for me, but it was a long-term goal. Julian made me think things I shouldn’t be thinking this early on, but I couldn’t help it. He was so kind and thoughtful and everything I'd ever hoped for in a guy. Everything Kyle wasn’t.

Georgie: No, we're good. I only need your muscle to protect me from possible wrongdoers on the way to the bus.

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