Chapter 25

The soft morning sunlight filtered through the curtains of my room as I stood in front of the mirror, staring at myself in the borrowed clothes. Vanessa had left them folded neatly on the bed for me: sweatpants, a light blouse, and a pair of sneakers that, while a little snug, were comfortable. She’d said they’d be perfect for walking around town, but now, looking at myself, I wasn’t sure I was ready for this.

“Elizabeth!” Vanessa’s voice carried from the hallway. “Come on, let’s go! We’ve got a lot to see.”

I opened the door and stepped out. Vanessa stood there, her short curly hair shining in the sunlight, her energy infectious as always. She wore denim shorts and a cropped T-shirt, looking effortlessly cool. Her hazel eyes scanned me quickly, and she nodded approvingly.

“Nice,” she said. “You look comfy.”

“I feel comfy,” I admitted, though the idea of going out into the bustling world felt anything but.

“You’ll be fine,” she said as if reading my mind. “It’s just a little walk through town. Trust me, it’ll do you good.”

I nodded, taking a deep breath. If Vanessa was excited about it, maybe it wouldn’t be so bad.

The streets of New Orleans were alive in a way I didn’t think any place could be. Music floated through the air—jazz, rich and vibrant, coming from every corner. Street performers danced and played instruments, their energy lighting up the cobblestone streets. The people moved with a relaxed, happy rhythm, greeting each other with smiles as though there wasn’t a care in the world.

Vanessa led the way, pointing out different places with excitement. “That’s Café Du Monde,” she said, gesturing to a crowded spot where people sat at small tables. “Best beignets in the world. We’ll have to grab some one day.”

I nodded, soaking in the sights and sounds. Everything felt so new and yet oddly familiar, like I’d been here before but couldn’t quite place it.

Our first stop was an ice cream shop called Creole Creamery. Vanessa practically dragged me inside, her enthusiasm contagious. The scent of fresh waffle cones and sweet cream hit me as soon as we walked in, and I couldn’t help but smile.

“This place is legendary,” Vanessa said as she studied the menu. “Okay, you have to try the chocolate caramel.”

I hesitated. “What if I don’t like it?”

She grinned. “Then we’ll know you have terrible taste.”

I laughed softly and ordered the chocolate caramel. Vanessa went for a scoop of mango sorbet, claiming it was her go-to. When I took my first bite, the rich, creamy sweetness of the chocolate and the subtle saltiness of the caramel made me close my eyes in bliss.

“Good, right?” Vanessa asked, watching me closely.

I nodded. “Really good. I think this might be my favorite.”

“Well, there’s something we know about you now,” she said with a smirk. “Chocolate caramel ice cream. I, however, still think it’s way too sweet but I knew you would like it.”

As we continued through the streets, Vanessa pointed out landmarks with an almost tour guide-like energy. When we passed a large, elegant building with intricate ironwork and towering columns, she stopped and turned to me with a grin.

“This,” she said dramatically, “is the LaLaurie Mansion. It’s super famous and supposedly haunted.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Haunted?”

“Oh, totally,” she said with a shrug. “But also super historic. My family actually owned it for a while, way back in the day.”

I blinked in surprise. “Your family owned this?”

Vanessa grinned, clearly enjoying my reaction. “Yep. The Bennets go way back in New Orleans. We’ve got ties to all sorts of stuff. My mom’s always been big on history and keeping the family legacy alive.”

I couldn’t help but smile at her pride. “That’s impressive.”

“Eh, we’re just regular people,” she said with a wave of her hand. “But it’s cool to be connected to the city like that.”

Our next stop was the library, and as soon as we walked through the doors, I felt an odd sense of calm. The smell of old books and polished wood filled the air, and the soft glow of the sunlight streaming through the tall windows made the space feel timeless.

Vanessa led me through the rows of bookshelves, her voice low but full of excitement. “This place is one of my favorite spots in town. It’s got so much history. Back in the day, people used to say witches practiced here.”

I smiled. “Witches? Really?”

“Well, probably not real witches,” she admitted, “but it’s a good story, right?”

“It is,” I said, running my fingers along the spines of the books. “I like it here. It feels… peaceful.”

“See? Another thing we know about you. You like places with old charm.”

I laughed softly. “I guess I do.”

Vanessa smirked. “And chocolate caramel ice cream. Let’s not forget that.”

While Vanessa ran a quick errand, I wandered through the library, soaking in the quiet beauty of the place. The tall shelves, the worn wooden floors, the faint hum of activity from other visitors—it all felt so familiar. Like I’d been here before.

My head started to ache as I tried to dig deeper into the feeling. The harder I pushed, the worse the pain became, until I had to grab onto a nearby shelf for support. Warmth trickled from my nose, and I quickly wiped away the blood with the sleeve of my borrowed blouse.

“Are you alright?” a male voice asked, startling me.

I turned to see Officer Nicholas standing a few feet away, his expression filled with concern. He wasn’t in his uniform today, just a simple button-down shirt and jeans, but he still carried himself with the same calm authority.

“I’m fine,” I said quickly, though my voice wavered. “It’s just… my head hurts sometimes.”

He frowned but didn’t press. “How are you liking the town?”

“It’s lovely,” I said honestly. “I’ve never seen a place like it.”

Nicholas smiled, and for a moment, his blue eyes softened. “It’s got its charm, doesn’t it? Maybe sometime I could show you around a bit more, if you’d like.”

There was something about him—his kindness, his steady presence—that made me feel at ease. “I’d like that,” I said quietly.

His smile widened just a fraction, and he nodded before heading toward the exit. “Take care, Elizabeth.”

I watched him go, my cheeks unexpectedly warm. A moment later, Vanessa appeared, her face lit up like a Christmas tree.

“Oh my God,” she said, grabbing my arm. “He likes you.”

“What?” I said, startled.

“Officer Nic,” she said, practically squealing. “He totally likes you. And why wouldn’t he? He’s cute, you’re cute—it’s perfect.”

I rolled my eyes, though I couldn’t help but smile. “You’re imagining things.”

“Please,” she said with a dramatic wave of her hand. “Do you even know how many girls used to swoon over him in high school? He was the captain of the rugby team, top athlete, the whole package. And now he’s a cop. It’s like he’s straight out of a romance novel.”

I laughed. “Sounds like a lot of drama.”

“Oh, it is,” Vanessa said, grinning. “But don’t worry. Nic’s one of the good ones.”

We stayed at the library a little longer, much to my relief. Vanessa watched me browse the shelves with a thoughtful expression.

“You know,” she said, “they’re looking for an assistant here. If you’re interested.”

I blinked, caught off guard. “Me? Work here?”

“Why not?” she said with a shrug. “You love this place. Plus, it’s a good way to ease into things. Get a little independence, make some money… It’s a win-win.”

The idea both excited and terrified me. “You think I could do it?”

“I know you could,” Vanessa said firmly. “You’re smart and capable, Elizabeth. Don’t doubt yourself.”

Her words filled me with a warmth I couldn’t quite explain. For the first time , I felt a spark of hope.

“Okay,” I said, smiling. “I’d like that.”