Page 31 of Beau
“More likely on the fast path to get a girl pregnant,” Marcel murmured.
“Marcel!” Beau’s mother held up her spatula. “We have company.”
“And what? Don’t let her know how we really are when it’s just family?” Marcel said. “Shouldn’t we be ourselves and let her know what she’s getting into if she takes up with Beau?”
His mother glared at him. “You shouldn’t be so sassy to anyone. Especially not your family. You’re supposed to love family, not pick on dem.”
Beau turned to Aurelie. “Just another day in the Boyette family.”
She smiled at the people in the kitchen. “It’s wonderful. I love that you’re all comfortable enough to pick on each other. At least you have each other.”
“Do you not pick at your siblings, Aurelie?” Beau’s mother asked.
Aurelie shook her head.
“Maman,” Beau said. “Aurelie is an only child.”
His mother frowned. “An only child? I’m so sorry. Was it lonely growing up?”
Aurelie smiled. “You don’t miss what you never had. But I always wished I had a brother or sister.”
“And we have enough to share,” Elise said.
“Yes, you do,” Aurelie said. “You’re very fortunate.”
Jacque ruffled Elise’s hair. “Did you hear that? You’re very fortunate to have me as your brother.”
Elise slapped at Jacque’s hand. “She has no idea how much of a pain it can be havin’ multiple siblings.”
“Maman,” Beau cut through the teasing. “Are you still doing your real estate sales?”
“Oui, mon cher,” she said as she scraped the scrambled eggs into a large serving dish. “Why? Are you ready to settle down in your own home?”
“Maybe,” Beau hedged. “Miss Anderson needs a place to stay for a day or two where she won’t be bothered.”
Beau’s mother had just lifted the big serving bowl of fluffy-yellow eggs. “I just listed Robbie Pearson’s place yesterday.”
“I thought Robbie Pearson died,” Beau said.
“He did, but he left a fully furnished cottage on de other side of Bayou Mambaloa. His children all live in other cities. They want me to sell da cottage so they can split da proceeds.”
“Fully furnished?” Beau asked.
“Yes,” his mother said. “Older furniture, quite dated. Da good thing is dat Robbie was meticulous about his home. He kept it clean and neat. Not a lot of personal belongings to sort t’rough.” She set the bowl of eggs on the table. “T’inkin’ of buyin’ a house? You know I’d love to have all my children livin’ close.”
Beau shook his head, hating the disappointment obvious on his mother’s sad frown. “Miss Anderson needs a safe place to stay out of the public eye for a few days to a couple weeks, max.”
“If you want somet’ing not too close to other houses and ready to use immediately, Mr. Pearson’s home would be da place. I can ask da family members if they’d be willing to rent for a few weeks. Dey might be more willing if you promise to help organize and categorize items for an estate sale or donation to da local women’s shelter thrift store.”
“I don’t mind doing some work to help out,” Aurelie said.
“Then I’ll call dem now,” Beau’s mother said with a smile. She laid the platter of scrambled eggs on the table. “Sit. Eat,” she ordered and dug her cell phone out of her apron pocket. “Excuse me for a few.”
Beau held a chair out for Aurelie.
As she sat, she murmured for his ears only, “I could go stay with my father.”
“He’s busy campaigning,” Beau whispered. “His home would be the next place they’ll look to find you.”