Page 31 of Girl Between
“Where are we going?” she asked when George reached for her hand.
“Mom’s,” he replied, leading her down the sidewalk toward the music.
“You mean Mother’s?” Even Dana had heard of the famous red beans and rice establishment. It was another on her list of places to visit while in New Orleans.
George grinned. “No. Just Mom’s, as in my mom’s place. And it’s way better than Mother’s.”
Dana stopped walking. “You’re taking me to your mother’s house!”
“Technically, I’m taking you to my sister’s fais do-do. It’s a Haitian wedding tradition, so naturally, the bride’s mother is hosting.”
Dana tried to protest, but George had a hand on her lower back, already escorting her through the creaking front gate. Once inside the white picket fence, an assortment of Creole greetings rained down on them from the people crowding the front porch. “Bonswa! Sa k pase?”
Before Dana knew it, she was being passed around like a shiny new toy.
After way too many hugs and double cheek kisses, George rescued her, pulling her away from one of his overly inquisitive aunties.
“Alright, alright. Let’s not smother the good doctor,” George said, taking Dana by one hand and placing a cold beer in the other. He led her through the house, making more introductions to an endless number of family members and what seemed like every cop in New Orleans, until they finally reached the backyard.
“George, I shouldn’t be here,” Dana whisper-hissed as they descended the steps and joined the fray.
“Why not?”
“Because this is your sister’s rehearsal dinner!”
“And?”
“And she doesn’t know me.”
“That’s something I think we should change,” came a smooth female voice.
Dana was met face-to-face with whom she could only describe as George’s twin. Albeit she was shorter and female, but there was no mistaking the relation. The woman had inherited the same flawless café au lait complexion and sparkling whiskey-brown eyes.
“Dr. Dana Gray, this is my baby sister, Cadence George.”
“Call me, Cadie,” the beautiful bride-to-be said, shaking Dana’s hand. “Dr. FBI, you’re famous ‘round these parts.”
Dana raised her eyebrows, both at the nickname and the fact that Cadie seemed to know who she was. “Am I?”
She laughed. “Don’t let the size of our city fool ya. We still gossip like a one stop light town. Besides, my brother and Alphonse haven’t shut up about you since the bachelor party.”
“Did I hear my name?” A dashing young Hispanic man in a straw fedora said as he sauntered over and draped an arm around Cadie.
George made the introductions. “Dr. Dana Gray, meet my soon-to-be brother-in-law, Officer Alphonse Neville.”
“Dr. FBI!” Neville greeted, giving Dana an enthusiastic hug. “Have I got some questions for you!”
“Ignore my friend,” George said.
“Bestfriend,” Neville corrected. “And I will not be ignored. It’s my party!”
“I’m sorry for crashing by the way,” Dana added.
Neville waved Dana’s worry away. “This is Nawlins, baby. There ain’t no such thing as party crashin’. Everyone’s welcome.”
Cadie nodded her agreement and clinked her beer bottle against Neville’s. George raised his and Dana did the same. She took a swig, reveling in the relief the cold beverage offered.
“We’re honored to have you working the Casquette Girl case with us,” Neville said.
