Reynaud's Redemption, стр. 6

The dog barked and his tail started moving again.

“Well I’m glad we got that settled. Let’s go, Mel. The outdoor market should be opened now.”

Cameron and his new friend took the short walk down Decatur Street to the Moonwalk. The warm breeze from the Mississippi landed on Cameron’s face, pushing his bangs off his forehead. He smiled and breathed it in. Only two years had passed since he arrived in New Orleans, but it hadn’t taken him long to fall in love with the atmosphere, the people and the food. Cameron whistled happily, swinging his wicker basket as he moved along the Moonwalk from vendor to vendor, carefully looking over their goods. He came ready to start over. With New Orleans still rebuilding after Katrina, it turned out to be the perfect place for him to do exactly that. Finally, after years of looking over his shoulder, he had begun to exhale.

“Hey, Cameron, how are you today?” someone yelled.

Cameron smiled and walked toward the familiar voice. “Hi, Mr Dubois. I’m great, how are you?”

“I’m just fine, my boy. I see you’re up with the sun.”

“Oh, yes. You can get the best everyone has if you’re here first to choose it.”

Mr Dubois chuckled. “I knew you would be by today so I put some basil, oregano and parsley aside for you.” He reached behind him and pulled out a small paper bag.

“Thanks, Mr Dubois,” he said excitedly. “I’ll make something extra special with these and bring you some,” he promised, adding the contents to his basket.

Mr Dubois laughed cheerfully. “That would be wonderful, Cameron. When do you open officially?”

“Tomorrow,” he said, smiling wide.

“Excellent. I will bring the wife by for dinner one night next week. So, who is your friend?”

Cameron tilted his head in confusion then he turned to where Mr Dubois nodded. “Oh! Well, I think he’s a stray. I’m guessing I took over his home when I brought the place on St Louis for my bistro. He’s been always hanging around a lot so we’ve decided to be roommates.”

Mr Dubois inspected the animal closely. “Well, he doesn’t look like he’s missed too many meals. He’s very healthy looking for a stray, isn’t he? Have you named him?”

“I’ve decided to call him Mel. I just hope he answers when I try to call him,” Cameron said with a chuckle.

Mr Dubois nodded in agreement. “He seems well trained. He has been sitting still while you have been talking to me. Does he do any tricks?”

Cameron shrugged. “I have no idea.”

Mr Dubois reached behind his table again and pulled out a half-eaten sandwich. “Here, boy. Can you sit up or beg?” Mr Dubois dangled the sandwich before the dog.

Mel rose to his hind legs and hopped back and forth before returning to his seated position.

“Good boy.” Mr Dubois laughed then tossed the sandwich.

Mel caught and gobbled it up quickly.

Laughing, Cameron rubbed the dog’s head. “Wow. That was impressive, Mel.”

“You’ve got yourself a good dog there, Cameron. He likes you. Dogs are very loyal creatures, you know. If you take care of him, he’ll take care of you,” Mr Dubois told him, pointing a wrinkled finger. “Now, go.” He added a dismissive wave. “Mrs Anthony has something for you, too.”

Cameron handed the man some money and turned, lifting his hand in farewell. “Thanks, Mr Dubois. Come on, Mel.”

Mel followed Cameron dutifully over to Mrs Anthony’s cart where Cameron picked up fresh mint leaves, strawberries and peaches. He collected other items from vendors around the marketplace as it started to fill with people. By late morning, he had returned to his bistro twice to drop off his goods.

“All my fresh food will be delivered later today for our grand opening tomorrow, Mel,” he said, putting away the contents of the first bag. “I don’t mind freezing things or using frozen vegetables, but if you can get your veggies and herbs from the gardeners, I recommend it. They make your food taste so much better.”

He finished unloading another tote. Suddenly he stopped. Cameron blew out a breath and shook his head.

“Oh, my God. Am I seriously giving cooking tips to a dog?” He wiped his hand down his face and sighed. “Cam, my boy, you have officially crossed over into pitifulness.” He looked down at Mel. “Well, come on. It’s time for me to take a nap. It’s going to be a long day.”

Cameron walked to the back of the kitchen with Mel trotting behind him. He unlocked a white, wooden door that stood out among all of the stainless steel appliances, and entered a long, dark hallway. The corridor opened up into a small atrium in the backyard, the area flooded with sunlight. Cameron grabbed the doorknob leading out to the yard and shook it hard. Satisfied it wouldn’t open, he continued down the narrow pathway.

The passage led to another door, beyond that was a small one bedroom duplex attached to the building. Cameron passed through the tiny living room and kitchen to a staircase leading to his bedroom. Sitting on his bed, he changed the alarm setting on his clock then returned it to his nightstand. With an exaggerated stretch, he pulled the blanket up to cover the sheets and pillow.

“Come on up here, boy,” Cameron said, patting the bed. “No point in sleeping on the floor. This bed is big enough for the both of us. I’ll give you a bath later.”

* * * *

Cameron stood at the window looking out into the rain. His forehead and palm lay against the cold glass as the water ran down the other side in long streaks mimicking his tears.

“Hey, baby, there you are.”

Cameron couldn’t help but cringe as he squeezed his eyes tight at the sound of the masculine voice behind him. Once upon a time,