Page 20 of Beautiful Harmonies

It wasn’t that I hadn’t been south before, but it seemed it was never this damn hot. It was fucking October. There was no reason for it to be this damn hot. We were flanked by security wearing all black, and I immediately felt sorry for them. Kamari reached over and grabbed my hand as we walked toward the gate.

“You okay?”

“It’s hot as hell out here.”

“Yeah, but it’s supposed to rain tonight and be in the sixties by morning.”

“Thank God.”

She smiled as we walked. “I forgot you were a northerner. I’m used to this weather. Detroit is cold this time of year. I’ll be wearing my fur-lined coat tomorrow.”

“I know you fucking lying.”

She giggled. “Yeah, I am, but I will definitely have on a thick jacket.”

“Well, you gon’ halfway freeze to death if you come to Detroit during the winter months.”

“This is true. So maybe you should visit me in the winter months, and I’ll visit you during the summer.”

I chuckled and slowly shook my head. “So where are we going first?”

“Get the two of you checked in at Louisiana Cajun Mansion Bed and Breakfast. Thankfully, they had a suite available. I know you like luxury. I would have been just fine at Drury Inn.”

I chuckled. I was sure it didn’t offer the type of luxury we had in LA, but I was sure it would be sufficient. When we finally got our luggage and had gotten to our car without incident, I asked, “Is everyone asleep?”

Kamari laughed. “No. We just don’t make a big deal about seeing celebrities. Now, going to a public restaurant or mall would be another story. Welcome to the bayou, baby.”

Her Louisiana accent came through so clearly, especially when she said baby. That shit was sexy as hell. I kissed her cheek.

“I just want some Louisiana food. I don’t think I’ve ever been to Louisiana,” Mi said.

“Yeah, you’ve been to New Orleans.”

“Oh yeah, right. I forgot.”

“Now hol’ on, you two,” Kamari said, scooting forward. “This is southwest Louisiana. Our food is a little different from some places in New Orleans. Depending on where you go, there areplaces that use tomato in their gumbo. You won’t get that kind of foolishness around these parts. Not that I really care, but I didn’t want the two of you to think something was off. From what everyone says, the food is delicious.”

I frowned slightly. “Kamari, what are you talking about? What do you mean from what everyone says?”

“I don’t eat it. I don’t like the food.”

Mi’Junae fell out laughing. “You have got to be kidding me! You were born and raised here, and you don’t like the food? Okay, sis. I think you may be a lil off. Cajun food is top tier. The seafood alone is so good.”

“I like seafood. I would just rather it be fried or grilled. I don’t want it in a sauce or roux. So while y’all are eating it, I’ll be enjoying something else. My mama is cooking a feast for y’all.”

“Yes! Home-cooked meals! I’m ready.”

I chuckled at Mi as I pulled Kamari close. “How do you feel about us meeting your parents?”

“I’m a little uncomfortable, but my mom insisted. Who am I to turn her down? Besides, it’s not her I’m worried about, especially since the two of you already met. It’s Caleb Carrier that gives me pause. He is straight country with a hint of hood in him. His tongue has never intentionally seen teeth marks, and he’s protective when it comes to his wife and only daughter.”

I nodded. This would be interesting. “Sounds like my type of man. Plus, I would like to think he played a huge role in who you became.”

“He’s the reason I sing country music. He loves country and blues. Blues was my first choice, but I didn’t think I had enough grit to be a blues singer.”

“Blues, huh? My mama loved blues too. Betty Wright was her girl.”

I smiled at the thought of her cleaning up listening to the “Clean Up Woman.” Kamari smiled up at me. “My dad lovesJohnny Taylor and Bobby Womack. He loves others too, but I think those two are among his favorites. I can’t tell you how often I heard ‘Last Two Dollars’ or ‘If You Think You’re Lonely Now.’”

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