Finding the Dragon (Dásreach Council Book 1) by Josette Reuel Page B

“Maybe we should stay at the Melrose today. We could check in with the Book Worms, just hang out, and maybe get some sun. They have that beautiful pool and I would love to use it while we’re here.”
    “I was thinkin’ we could go to Jackson Square today. We can see Saint Louis Cathedral, it is Sunday after all. And, there are artists and psychics too.” Rogue gushed, obviously excited by the idea.
    “I don’t know if I’m up to it, Rogue.” Al looked at her friends sadly, even more depressed because she was ruining their vacation.
    “Aw, sweetie, I know you’re freaked out by what happened yesterday, but Jackson Square will have a lot of people. It will be completely safe.” Rogue shifted her chair closer to Al and wrapped her in a one arm hug.
    Nat gave Rogue a look, “Maybe we shouldn’t press her, Rogue. Al took it really hard yesterday. She barely touched the beignets we stopped for last night and has hardly touched her breakfast this morning. Not to mention how tired she looks.”
    “But, Nat, that’s just it. She needs to get back out there and not let this get to her. If she changes her plans because of those assholes, then she lets them win.”
    “Still…” Nat began, but Al interrupted.
    “No, no. I don’t want to ruin either of your vacations. I’ll be okay. If both of you want to do something, then I’ll come along."
    “Al, you are not ruining my vacation, and yesterday would throw anyone off.” Nat reassured her.
    “I don’t want to bring you down.”
    “Al, you’re not bringin’ us down, but do you want to let those men win?” Rogue looked at her intently.
    “No.”
    “Well, then snap out of it.” Nat said from Al’s other side. “We kicked their asses, and now they’re gone.”
    “No, Nat, you and Rogue kicked their asses.” Al said softly.
    “Oh, Al.“ Rogue said as she pulled Al into a hard hug. “You don’t give yourself enough credit. You fought hard.”
    “Yeah, Al, you fought hard and didn’t let that man drag you off. It’s not always about taking them down. Sometimes it’s about giving them hell until help arrives.” Nat backed Rogue up.
    “So, let’s put yesterday behind us, right?” Rogue looked at Al hopefully.
    “I’m trying.” Al gave her friends a weak smile.
    “In that case, you up for seein’ a physic today? It’s another one of the things I’ve always wanted to do in New Orleans.” Rogue gave Al a pleading face.
    She couldn’t help but giggle at her friend. These women made her feel stronger than she thought she could be and she couldn’t stay sad for very long with them around.
    “You know, you might be right Rogue. Maybe that’s what I need, to get back out there and take my life back.”
    “Yes.” Rogue jumped up. “So let’s go have our fortunes told.”
    “Okay.” Al gave her friends a smile as they pulled her to her feet. “So, what are you going to ask the physic about?”
    “Not that I believe, but my future.” Nat answered.
    “Love of course.” Rogue added with a wicked grin.
    *
    By lunch time, the women sat around a table at a cafe in Jackson Square, Cafe Pontalba. They were having some delicious Cajun-Creole classics while people watching. Al loved the view of the square from the restaurant and was so glad that Rogue had talked her out of the motel. After breakfast they had taken their time getting ready to head out. She had posted a few pictures of their trip to the Book Worms page. There was a great one of Rogue at Marie Laveau’s tomb; she had taken it right before the men had grabbed them. Rogue stood with a wistful look on her face, her hand covering one of the X’s that had been marked on the white washed crypt walls. At first she had almost not posted it, she had actually thought of deleting it when she had remembered what Rogue had said, that if she changed the good things about this trip because of those men, she in essence let them win. She wasn’t willing to do that, so she had posted the