One Love by Lynn Emery Page A

truth, Alex.”
Shauntelle brushed back her long auburn hair.” You never got over
Lanessa Thomas.”
    “ We’re talking about you
and—who is this guy anyway?”
    “ Charles Auguste Metoyer,
IV.” Shauntelle shrugged at the look he gave her.” We met at a
charity luncheon two months ago.”
    Alex let out a whistle. “They’re
bigger snobs than my family. And that’s saying
something.”
    “ He is not. Charles is a
very kind man,” Shauntelle countered.
    “ He’s got a reputation.”
Alex shook his head.” Be careful, Shaun.”
    “ Charles treats me with
nothing but respect. He took me on a romantic dinner cruise last
weekend.”
    ” I see.” Alex knew that
meant Shauntelle’s every whim was catered to.
    “ He knows how to treat a
woman, unlike most men.” Shauntelle brushed back a long tendril of
hair.
    Alex was unaffected by her
implication. “Uh-huh. Let me guess, he took you to Lac Des
Allemands.”
    “ How did you know
that?”
    “ The Metoyers own beaucoup
land in St. James Parish, cher. Everybody knows that. He’s got a
nice boat they say.”
    “ He’s hosted quite a few
very elegant parties there,” Shauntelle said with a superior note
in her voice.
    “ I hear those parties didn’t
stay so elegant in the wee hours.” Alex gazed at her.” Be sure you
don’t get in too deep with the brother, and I don’t mean
water.”
    “ That’s just nasty gossip
from a few people jealous because they didn’t get invitations,”
Shauntelle said, her dark eyes flashing anger.” I’m surprised you’d
pay attention to it.”
    “ Okay, we’re cool. I won’t
say another word about the man.”
    Shauntelle gave him a dark look.” And
anyway, don’t change the subject. We’re talking about you and
Lanessa Thomas.”
    ” There is no me and Lanessa
Thomas. Our relationship ended a long time ago,” Alex said with
force. He picked up a paper napkin then threw it down on the
counter again.” The woman hasn’t changed one bit. Still on the town
and on the prowl.”
    “ I hear she went through
treatment and pulled herself together. Even some who thought it
wouldn’t happen say she’s new person.” Shauntelle got up to pour
them both more tea.
    “ Well she’s got them fooled.
Something Lanessa is very good at,” Alex said.
    “ So you’ve must have seen
her recently.” Shauntelle let the inflection in her voice go
up.
    “ In New Orleans doing what
she does best, partying.” Alex felt a surge of anger.
    “ Was the man anyone we
know?”Shauntelle leaned against the counter.
    She held out the glass but Alex did
not see it. What he saw was a dark bronze man with gleaming white
teeth grinning.” No.” Suddenly he noticed the way Shauntelle was
gazing at him.” Not that I care.”
    “ Sure you don’t,” she
murmured.” When we got married you tried hard. We both
did.”
    “ I didn’t leave because of
Lanessa--” Alex burst out.
    ” You’ve been in love with
her since you met in college. Or was it high school?”Shauntelle
shook her head.” She’s still in your system, babe.”
    “ No way.”
    Alex turned away from her. He gazed
out at gathering dusk. He did not want to hear more. It cut too
close to something he wanted to keep buried. A long silence
followed before Shauntelle spoke.
    “ Sorry I touched such a
tender spot. One last thing, such a strong reaction means it’s not
over.”
    “ I moved on a long time ago,
Shaun. Believe me.” Alex faced her with a firm set to his
jaw.
    “ Okay. Then you should be
able to see her with the same ease you see me.” Shauntelle tilted
her head back to gaze at him.” Right?”
    “ If it happens, but there’s
no reason to see her.” Alex tossed out the response in blasé
manner.” Now I really have to go.”
    He made his way out stopping only for
one last kiss from the girls. Alex felt as though he were coming up
for air after being submerged. Once outside in his car, he took a
deep breath. He had to get a grip on this stupid