Chapter 29

“I think this marriage frenzy thing is making you assume things,” I said, “I only brought Autumn with me so my bed won’t be left cold tonight.”

She peered suspiciously at me for a while and then smiled. “How is Leon?”

“Fine.”

“And work?”

“Fine too.”

She hummed while I downed my champagne hurriedly. “Looks like so much has been happening over there. So much you’re refusing to talk about.”

I exhaled deeply.

“Ash,”

“Today is a joyous occasion. Your day. And I don’t want to ruin it by talking about the affairs of New Orleans.”

She shrugged. “I think I’ve already had my fill of today. Let’s deal with you.”

“Now you’re sounding like a therapist.”

“I am your therapist,” we both chuckled for a brief moment and then I stared into the sky, making shapes with the stars.

“It's hellish,” I started in oblivion, “after the old man died, handling the gang and the daily hurdles that came with it was killing more than I imagined,” I sighed. “I’m afraid my father may have picked the wrong per