Henri - 16
They left the restaurant, walking toward Bourbon Street. "Definitely crowded," Henri commented, as they dodged around people while looking into the various clubs lining the street.
"When isn't it?" Taegan said with a good-humored laugh.
"Four in the morning?"
"Don't bet on it. This is New Orleans during tourist season." After barely avoiding getting beer spilled on him by one intoxicated young man, Taegan suggested they head down toward the river.
"This I recognize," Henri said when they strolled by Saint Louis Cathedral. "Mind you, only from photos, but still… It's quite impressive."
"Now you get to see it up close and personal." From there, Taegan took Henri down to the edge of the river.
It was dark between the scattered lampposts along the path, and yet there were enough people for Henri to feel safe. He gazed across the wide expanse of the river to the lights on the far shore. "Can you imagine what this must have been like a hundred years ago?"
"Much calmer, for starters," Taegan replied, pointing to steps leading down to the river's edge. "Let's sit and watch the moon come up."
Henri had no problem with that idea. When they reached the bottom step, he sat, wrapping his arms around his knees. Taegan dropped down beside him, leaning back on his hands.
"I think," Henri said quietly, "I could learn to love this city."
"There's much to be said in its favor," Taegan responded, smiling at him.
The fact you live here being one of them. Henri turned away from Taegan's gaze to watch a boat moving slowly down the river. "I wonder where it's going," he said, pointing.
"It's one of the steamboats, so at this point, given the direction it's heading, I'd say it's returning to shore. The one farther out is a tanker—probably heading to the Gulf."
"It would be fun to go on one."
"A tanker?"
"No a..." Henri looked at Taegan, saw he was grinning and shook his head. "You like teasing."
"I do if it gets you to relax," Taegan replied.
"I'm relaxed. In fact," Henri realized, "I'm close to falling asleep, what with the sound of the water and quiet."
"Then let's get you home."
"I didn't mean that," Henri protested.
"I know. Still, it's been a busy day. I suspect you'll sleep like a log tonight." Taegan stood, offering his hand to Henri.
Henri took it, allowing Taegan to pull him to his feet. For a long moment they looked at each other, then with a smile, Taegan put his arm around Henri's shoulders. "Car…then your apartment."
They walked back to where Taegan's SUV was parked behind his gallery. By the time they'd made it to Henri's place, Henri really was almost asleep.
"When will I see you again?" Henri asked as he got out of the car.
"Right now. I'm walking you up so we can check the place out."
"You think…?" Henri whispered, a frisson of fear running down his spine.
"Not really, but it pays to be careful." Taegan led the way up the stairs to the porch, asked Henri for the keys, and unlocked the door. Staying slightly ahead of Henri, they walked through the apartment.
"Looks like it did when we left," Henri said with relief.
"I agree. Like a small hurricane hit the living room, since you haven't arranged the furniture yet."
"I'll do it in the morning."
"I'm sure. Then what?"
"I saw a bus stop a block over. Hopefully I can get one into the Quarter."
Taegan nodded. "Call me first, so I know you've left—and when you get off the bus."
"With what? In case you forgot, I don't own a phone at the moment."
"That's right. So you know what you're first stop is," Taegan said. "Do you have paper and a pen somewhere?"
"Doubtful. I don't think it was on Miranda's list of what I needed. Wait." Henri hurried into the bedroom, returning a moment later. "The gallery's number is on my copy of the rental forms, so I'm good."
"That works. If I'm not there, leave a message."
For a moment they stood, looking at each other. Then Taegan gave Henri a fast hug. "I'll see you sometime tomorrow?"
"You will," Henri replied once he got over his surprise.
"Lock the door after me and don't open it to anyone," Taegan cautioned. "We need to get you in touch with my security company to install an alarm system. Okay, I shouldn't have said that. You went as pale as a ghost."
Henri smiled grimly. "I'll mover the dresser in front of the bedroom door tonight. Anyone tries to break in I'll…teleport to your place."
"I'll look forward to that," Taegan told him, slowly grinning. "Not a break in, but…" He gave Henri another hug before stepping onto the porch. "I want to hear the deadbolt click in," he said.
"Yes, sir." Henri replied.
"Sorry. My bossy gene kicking in again."
"It's all right. I'm getting used to it." Chuckling, Henri closed the door, and made certain he actually did turn the deadbolt. For a moment he felt a wave of loneliness when he heard Taegan's footsteps going down the stairs. Then, reminding himself he'd see him tomorrow, Henri got ready for bed. He did slide the dresser in front of the bedroom door. And hope I don't have a sudden need to use the bathroom until morning.
