Page 39 of The Grump

“This way,” she said, pointing to an alley, and I followed her lead. Even though many were headed here tonight, it wasn’t overly crowded.

“I wonder if Jasmine needs any help. We could go by the stand.”

“No,” I said firmly. “We are not going anywhere near there.”

“Why?” She eyed me suspiciously.

“I’m sure you’d jump to help them whether they needed it or not.”

She shrugged. “Guilty as charged, but I know how these things are. You’re always like ‘Oh, we have a big team,’ but then it turns out that there’s a huge line or something.”

“Bailey, you work long hours. You need to rest a bit from time to time.”

“Not during the Christmas season, I don’t. That’s the busiest time. I look forward to it all year. Isn’t it the same for you?”

“It is busy, but not in a good way.”

“Is that why you haven’t been here in so many years?” she asked.

“Something like that.”

“Please tell me you don’t forsake all New Orleans traditions, or I’ll stop liking you right here, right now.”

I brought my mouth to her ear. “I sincerely doubt that. I’m certain I can make you like me again in a matter of seconds.” I was close enough to hear her sharp inhale.

“You don’t mince words, huh?”

“Not with you.” Straightening up, I added, “I actually do go caroling in Jackson Square with the entire family.”

Her eyes widened. “You participate in that? It really is one of my favorite things to do. I’m so happy that New Orleans keeps up these traditions. We’re so lucky to live in this city. Not many really do stuff like this anymore. At least not as much as we do.”

“It’s good for tourists.”

She looked exasperated. “Oh, Xander, it’s like we’re from different planets.”

That made me laugh. “I’m a practical man.”

“Yes, I got that. Don’t you do anything at all that isn’t practical or useful?”

“I go fishing with my grandfathers from time to time, mostly because they need some adult supervision.”

The surprise on Bailey’s face was vivid.

“I love hanging out with them. They have a lot of wisdom to impart, and I like to listen to them. And the bayou is a perfect place to recharge. I used to go fishing with them when I was a kid, too, and with Dad as well. He seemed to notice that we wanted time alone with our grandparents, so he often stays home. I’ve learned a lot from them during our fishing days. I think they instilled in me this love I have for legacy as well.”

“You always knew that you wanted to be involved with the Orleans Conglomerate?”

“Yes. There was never any doubt about it.”

“And the same goes for all your brothers?” she asked.

“Yes—at least I think so. None of us ever even wanted to work anywhere else.”

“I wonder what that must feel like. To know exactly what you want to do. I mean, I thought I did too. That’s why I became a software developer. But things turned out differently. Working at the confectionery is the happiest I’ve ever been.”

“Bailey...,” I started.

She shook her head. “No. This evening, we’re strolling and admiring the lights. We’re not talking about anything unpleasant.”

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