Page 19 of The Killer Cupcake
“Yes, you are,” Kathy agreed warmly.
“I can’t ever go back, Kathy. Ever. This place was made for us—for Coloreds. We should stay. Nothin in Butts to go home to. The Tremé is the sweet life!”
Kathy blinked, her stomach tightening anxiously. This wasn’t the plan. Yes, she wanted Willa to experience the joy and dignity she’d never known back home, where she was treated barely better than the mules on the farm. But she had promised the Jensens she’d bring Willa back safely and assured Big Mama no trouble would come to Willa. Though they'd offered Willa little in her life but labor and chores, the Jensens’ attachment to Willa’s gentle spirit ran deep, having reared her since she was six or seven.
“Willa, let’s not think about that right now. We just got here. There’s so much to see and do.”
Willa grinned brightly, pointing to the opposite side of the room, which was filled with shopping bags and boxes. “I’m nervous to open them. Aunt Janey said to throw away my old suitcase. I ain’t never had a real present before in my life.”
Kathy took Willa’s hand and guided her toward the pile. “Well, welcome to Christmas, then. Let’s see what you got.”
After several minutes of admiring pretty dresses and evening wear, the parlor door opened abruptly. Both girls quickly stood.
Carmine Boanno entered slowly, leaning on his cane. His pale blue eyes swept sharply over them, lingering in surprise on Willa’s transformation before shifting to Kathy.
“This is Janey’s doing, I presume,” he said.
“Yes, sir,” Willa replied nervously, lowering her head as though caught misbehaving.
Kathy frowned slightly.
“Where is Janey?” he asked.
“I—I dunno, sir,” Willa stammered, voice trembling.
“It’s alright, Willa,” Kathy reassured her. “She left us here, Mr. Boanno.”
Carmine paused thoughtfully. Perhaps seeing Willa’s anxious expression softened his demeanor. He nodded respectfully, adding gently, “You look very beautiful, Willa. Enjoy your stay. And please call me Carmine—not sir.”
“Yes, sir!” Willa blurted, covering her mouth immediately after.
Carmine nodded once, then slipped out, his cane tapping softly against the hardwood floor.
The moment the door clicked shut, the girls erupted into giggles, clutching each other like schoolgirls with a secret. Willa plucked at the delicate fabric of the dress in her hands, suddenly self-conscious. “Maybe I oughta change into somethin’ less… fancy,” she murmured. “Ain’t like we goin’ out. She got me a pair of pants and a nice shirt.”
Kathy grinned, mischief lighting her eyes. “Oh, we’re goin’ out alright. Tonight, we’re hittin’La Reine Noire.”
Willa’s eyes stretched wide. “The Lawhatnow?”
“Janey told me in her letter,” Kathy said, lowering her voice like they might be overheard. “It’s a mob-run speakeasy—one of them hidden juke joints, but fancier. Now it’s where the big shots go to hear jazz and pretend they ain’t crooked.” She leaned in. “It’s tucked under some café on Royal Street. And tonight? It’s where they’re throwin’ Carmelo’s fight party.”
Willa’s mouth fell open. “You mean we gon’ be rubbin’ elbows withgangsters?”
Kathy laughed.“I think we get to see him get his announcement, and then we leave. No funny business.”
Willa swallowed hard. “Lord… I ain’t never evenseena place like that. Just read about it in the books you gave me.”
“Me neither,” Kathy admitted. She picked up a modest yellow cotton shirtwaist dress—perfect for daytime—and handed it to her friend. It reminded her of the dresses Janey had given her upstairs.
Gathering all of Willa’s new belongings, they headed toward the stairs. As they passed the hallway, they glimpsed Janey wrapped in Carmine’s arms, swaying gently as he whispered softly to her. Janey lifted her face to his and kissed him tenderly. Kathy noticed the usually stern Carmine almost smiling, kissing Janey in return before leading her away, one arm around her waist, the other hand on his cane.
“They seem so in love,” Willa observed. “Strange seeing it. I mean, I know your Carmelo is like him, but it is still strange to see it.”
“I think they truly are,” Kathy agreed softly. “They are made for each other. I can feel it.”
“And your Carmelo—is he here?” Willa asked eagerly.
Kathy smiled. “Yes. We had our reunion when you were gone.”
