Big Easy Escapade Read Online Free Page B

approached her. “It’s
made of recycled television parts.”
    Kate traced her fingers across the back of
the couch. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”
    He smiled at her. “I’m a little far out with
my designs.” He handed her a business card.
    “You win first prize on this patio,” Lucy
said. “No doubt.”
    They chatted with him a bit, Kate and Lucy
mostly, then moved on to the other vendors. Kate tried on hats and
ended up buying a black, wide-brimmed number that made her look
like a movie star, especially when she pulled a Corey Hart and wore
her sunglasses at night.
    They walked toward Esplanade and Kate pointed
out a place called Mojito’s.
    Vivian heard the strum of a guitar coming
from the patio. “Sure, let’s do it.”
    They walked inside and Vivian was immediately
drawn to a life-sized cutout of The Most Interesting Man In The
World.
    “Oh my god, it’s a sign,” Lucy said, nudging
Vivian. “This place is gonna be great!”
    Vivian threw an arm around the distinguished,
bearded gentleman who was the spokesperson for Dos Equis. “Take our
picture together!”
    “You’re aware he’s not real, right?” Kate
asked.
    “Shhh!” Vivian covered his cardboard ears.
“You’ll hurt his feelings.”
    “Goofy girls,” Wendy said. “I’ll see you on
the patio.”
    The three took turns taking pictures with Mr.
Dos Equis as Wendy headed outside. Vivian picked him up and tucked
him under her arm. “Think I could sneak him out?”
    “Uh, no. I think they’d notice a 6-foot fake
man protruding from your armpit,” Lucy said. “It may be every day
for you, but around here…actually, wait a second.”
    Vivian carefully propped him back up and
kissed her pointer finger and placed it on his lips. The girls
laughed as Kate pushed open the door leading to the patio. Wendy
was relaxed underneath a dark green umbrella, feet kicked up into a
chair. The courtyard had a three-tiered fountain centerpiece and a
small elevated stage offset to the right where a three-piece band
played “The Girl from Ipanema.”
    Kate tugged on Wendy’s foot chair. “Excuse me
ma’am, is this seat taken?”
    Wendy put her feet on the ground. “Y’all are
gonna love these guys. They’re from Brazil and they’re really
good.”
    “Let’s make a request!” Vivian said, sitting
in the wrought-iron chair next to Wendy. She pulled out a pen and
grabbed the napkin that was on the table. “What do we want to
hear?”
    “Something jazzy, don’t you think?” Kate
asked.
    Lucy snapped. “Let’s request ‘Damn Right I’ve
Got the Blues.’ ”
    “Never heard of it.” Vivian asked.
    “It’s a Buddy Guy classic. You’ve got to
branch out!”
    Wendy gave Lucy a sad puppy-dog face. “Do you
have the blues?”
    Lucy snatched the pen and beverage napkin
from Vivian. “I’m requesting it.”
    “ I’ll
take it to the band,” Wendy said. “I’ve gotta hit el
baño anyway.”
    Lucy finished writing and handed Wendy the
napkin. “Let’s see if these Brazilians can sing the blues!”
    Wendy handed the singer the request and a
five and he gave her a wink. She joined the girls back at the table
after using the facilities and picked up a menu. “What looks good?
I have a feeling this is gonna be a late night and we need
sustenance.”
    Kate put her menu down. “And alcohol
absorbers. Mmmm, lobster mac-n-cheese.”
    “Oh, I need some of that. Wanna share?”
Vivian asked. “And I need some gumbo.”
    “I second all of that,” Lucy said.
    “I’m in!” Wendy said, tucking her menu
between the umbrella post and the condiments.
    While waiting for their food, the band broke
into their request. The girls clapped and Lucy sang along, saying
she, too, had the blues from her head down to her shoes. The
adjacent table gave her a standing ovation and the singer blew her
a kiss. Dinner was served, and by the end they were sopping up the
last of the gumbo with French bread.
    “I do believe that was the best macaroni