Untrusting Hearts: A Contemporary New Orleans Romance Read Free Page A

visit, and know I won’t be able to squeeze all them in. I’d love a longer visit, but it would be impossible.” She stared out the window at the darkening city.
    “Perhaps you’ll change your mind,” Maylene said brightly.
    Jade smiled at the woman’s optimism. She explained that she needed to hit the computer when she returned home to get her resume out to employers and be available for interviews. “The little bit of money I have put away won’t last long.”
    “It sounds tedious,” Maylene remarked.
    “Well, it’s a necessary evil,” Jade assured her with a small chuckle, “if I plan to eat, that is.”
    “I suppose you’re right.” Maylene shrugged.
    Jade couldn’t help but notice that Gage hadn’t participated much in the conversation. His face remained set and impassive as she and Maylene chatted. She didn’t know if he was usually this reticent, or if Maylene wasn’t giving him a chance to speak. The latter was most probable. Jade figured the man could be quite glib if the situation called for it. She was Maylene’s niece and he probably felt he shouldn’t insert himself into family discussions, so he ignored her for the most part.
    About twenty minutes into the drive, Gage exited the interstate, made a right onto Esplanade Avenue, and drove under the overpass. They had gone only a short distance before Gage turned into a drive and stopped to enter a code that opened the wide wrought iron gates. They swept past the entry, up a brick driveway, and stopped before an immense three-story white mansion, with three tall gables above. The beveled windows were adorned with deep gray shutters. “Here we are, ladies,” Gage said. He got out and walked around to open the passenger door for Jade and Maylene.
    Jade was confused. This couldn’t be Maylene’s house? Impossible. Jade had noticed that several of the large dwellings they’d passed were Bed & Breakfasts. Maybe she wasn’t going to Maylene’s. Maybe they’d reserved a room for her here. But, a place like this would be expensive. She mentally scanned her finances, thinking she might have to shorten her stay, but kept these thoughts to herself. She’d have to see how it all played out, but she was a bit thrown by this development.
    As Gage held Maylene’s arm, the three made their way up inlaid brick steps to a porch with fluted columns. She was introduced to Parker, the butler who greeted them at the door, accepted the keys from Gage, and stepped outside to bring in her suitcases from the car.
    They entered a small foyer with wide doorways on either side. The wood floors were polished to a soft glow. Straight ahead, a wide blue runner covered all but two feet on either side. A stunning crystal chandelier was the centerpiece of the hallway. Standing just inside a doorway was a thin quiet girl in a neat navy blue and white uniform. She allayed any doubts that this was Maylene’s home when she greeted the woman warmly. “Madam, will you be requiring dinner immediately?”
    “I believe so, Ciana. Jade? Would you like to freshen up? I had Philomene hold back our meal since we knew you’d be coming in rather late.”
    “No, I…I’m fine. Well, I would like to wash my hands first, if you could direct me to the restroom.”
    “Of course, dear.” She turned to Gage. “Would you show Jade to the downstairs lavatory?”
    “I certainly will,” he answered and gestured for Jade to follow him. He was silent as he led her down a long hallway and pointed out the correct door.
    When Jade returned, Maylene noticed the perplexed look on the girl’s face.
    “Jade,” Maylene exclaimed. “Are you alright?”
    “Yes, yes. I’m fine,” Jade finally managed. Before her trip, Jade had envisioned a much different setting. She’d assumed she’d be sleeping on a sofa, or perhaps an air mattress on the floor. She never imagined Maylene in this immense home. She’d figured the woman would live in an apartment or condo. “This house is magnificent.