When They Were Young in the Crescent City, by Jack Caldwell

Greetings everyone. Jack Caldwell here.

Sorry I’ve been gone for a while. I’m working on three projects at once, and we just got over Carnival Season and Mardi Gras.

The theme for this month is When They Were Young. There is only one book I’ve written in which my characters could be considered young: BOURBON STREET NIGHTS – Volume One of CRESCENT CITY, my Pride & Prejudice/Sense & Sensibility/Emma crossover set in New Orleans.

Now, you’ll notice a few unfamiliar names. I had to change a few of the names, being this is set in New Orleans in 1998, but you’ll catch on. If not, just ask in the comments below. Excuse the rough language, but this is a modern. Sit back with a coffee & chicory and enjoy yourself.

New Orleans is a fun town if you’re young and in college. Dangerous, too…

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Saturday, October 24, 1998

The Tulane football team was playing in New Jersey that week, so what better way was there to pass a good time on a hot Saturday night than to go bowling New Orleans style at the Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘N Bowl on Carrollton?

At least that was the argument Marianne gave Elizabeth as she talked her into accompanying her to the joint. Elizabeth thought it might have something more to do with certain Alpha Iotas who might be there, but she was willing to tag along. But she was not willing to ride in Marianne’s rusty Corolla again. They took Elizabeth’s Civic instead.

Arguably one of the most unusual clubs in New Orleans or anywhere, for that matter, Mid-City Lanes threw a New Orleans party like no one else. Where else could you find college students, local working folks, seniors, and trendy club-goers dancing and going for the 7-10 split at the same time? The place was a combination dance hall and bowling alley. This unlikely live music venue attracted all kinds. Locals of all ages came to Cajun two-step on the large, wooden dance floor. Tourists generally stood at the protruding half-circle bar and eyed the dancers. Some patrons just came to bowl with great background music, not the usual repetitious drone heard in more traditional alleys. Rock ‘N Bowl focused on regional roots styles, from Cajun and Zydeco to swing and rockabilly, blues, rock and R&B.

Elizabeth pulled into the parking lot of a strip shopping center that had seen better days. Already, the lot was almost filled with cars, trucks, and SUVs as the crowd streamed towards the door. Entering, they paid the cover charge and walked up the stairs to the bowling alley. A downstairs performance space, cheekily named Bowl Me Under, hosted special events and local acts during busy times such as Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest.

Making their way through the Saturday evening crowd, rock and blues music blaring, the girls saw a large group of AIs and Emma as she waved her arms.

“Elizabeth! Mari! Over here!” Chuck was seated next to her, waving as well. To his left was John Waguespack.

“Hi, everybody!” said Marianne as she hugged Emma. Her eyes were on John.

After exchanging greetings, Cathy Moreland grabbed their hands. “C’mon, let’s get your bowling shoes.”

Elizabeth was hesitant. “Uhh, I don’t bowl.”

“Scared, Boudreaux?” asked a deep voice behind her. She turned around and saw William Darcy.

Elizabeth’s eyes flashed at the challenge. She wasn’t used to being teased. She usually dished it out; it was a new experience for her to be on the receiving end.

“Are you bowling?” she demanded.

William grinned and pointed at his shoes. She saw the ugly two-tone things on his feet. With a snort, she followed the other girls to the counter. Minutes later, they were back with the god-awful footwear.

“Okay,” said Emma, “it’s just for fun. Girls versus guys. Y’all have your balls? They’re over there,” she pointed.

“I hope you mean bowling balls, Em,” quipped Chuck.

“Chuuuck!” cried Emma was she swatted him.

The girls laughed as they walked to the counter and got their shoes. When they returned, Chuck started writing on the score sheet. This was no high-tech bowling palace with automatic scoring machines. This was an old score-sheet-and-pencil kind of alley.

Chuck’s work was interrupted by William’s muttered oath, “Aw, crap!” He looked at his friend’s pained expression and then turned in the direction of his stare. He blanched.

“Sorry, dude,” he whispered.

“What’s wrong?” asked Emma.

Elizabeth turned. All she could see were two tall, fashionably dressed women walking through the crowd towards them. One was black, the other a redhead. The redhead was waving at Chuck. “Who are they?”

“My sister and her best friend,” moaned Chuck.

“Why didn’t you tell me she was coming?” demanded William in a low voice.

“It’s news to me, man!”

Elizabeth looked blankly at both men as the newcomers joined them.

“Hey, Charles! Surprise!” cried the redhead.

“Hi, Carrie. I didn’t know you were in town.” He got up and hugged her, her eyes never leaving William’s body. “How did you find us?”

“I called the AI house. William! It’s so good to see you again,” she cooed.

“Carrie,” he said in a neutral voice.

Carrie gestured to her companion, a tall light-skinned black woman. “Everybody, let me introduce my friend, Anna Elliot. She’s on the Golden Girls with me.” Both were dressed in tight tops and hip-hugging jeans, exposing their well-defined abs. “Anna, you know my brother, Charles. This handsome man is his friend, William, and this is … Emma?”

Elizabeth picked up on Carrie’s vibe right away. Emma smiled. “Hi, Carrie. I’m with Chuck.” She stepped closer to Chuck.

Carrie’s smile grew frosty. “Well, Emma, I’m glad to see you.” She turned to her brother as the other girls returned. “This is certainly news. Does Mom know you’re dating again?”

“I don’t tell her everything, Carrie.”

“Of course you don’t.” She turned to the others. “Henry, Cathy, and umm … John, right?” she named some of the other AIs before she turned to the two girls from Loyola. “And, oh, I don’t know y’all.”

Elizabeth and Marianne introduced themselves. Anna acknowledged the greetings and stood around, bored.

“Where are you staying, Carrie?” asked her brother.

“We’re staying with Anna’s folks in town. So, William, are you ready to hear some blues?”

“We’re bowling, Carrie.”

Carrie and Anna looked on with astonishment then shared a look. “Wait—do you mind if we joined you?” Carrie asked.

Chuck shrugged. “Shoes are that-a-way,” he pointed.

As the two dancers scurried towards the counter, Marianne sided up to John. “What’s up with her?”

“Chuck’s sister from LSU? Word is she’s hot for Darcy.”

Elizabeth flashed an impertinent smile at William, who just shrugged.

Marianne asked, “Golden Girl? What’s that?”

“LSU dance squad. Very competitive.” Elizabeth turned to William again. “Looks like you’re the hunted tonight.”

“Hey,” said Cathy. “Are we bowling or what?”

“Go get it started,” said William.

Cathy gave Henry a kiss, retrieved her ball and took her stance. As the game commenced, William moved close to Elizabeth.

“Looks can be deceiving, Boudreaux.”

“Oh, I don’t know.” She returned as she watched Carrie and Anna rent their shoes. “It looks like she’s loaded for bear.”

“Maybe so, but that won’t help to catch a coyote, will it?”

Elizabeth looked at him and giggled. “So that’s how to see yourself? As a coyote?”

“You tell me, Boudreaux.”

She looked at him closely and shook her head. His dark look was disconcerting. “No, definitely not a coyote. A big, bad timber wolf, maybe. Poor Carrie.”

“She should be used to disappointment.” William saw the two returning. “I think you’re up.”

She turned to see Marianne make a 7-10 split. High-fiving her teammate, Elizabeth took her turn and promptly rolled a gutter ball. Her second ball knocked down four pins.

“You’ve played before,” she said to Marianne as she took her seat.

“We do more than gig frogs in Mississippi, darlin’,” she drawled. They watched Carrie make a valiant attempt, scoring seven pins, and Anna put two in the gutter.

It was now the men’s turn. John was first. “Now I’ll show y’all how it’s done,” he bragged. He eyed the lane before hurling a mighty roll—right into the gutter.

“Yeah, that’s how’s it’s done!” Marianne laughed as the girls hooted. John retrieved his ball and rolled an easier ball that got seven pins.

Carrie had taken the seat next to Elizabeth. They sat quietly until it was William’s turn. He confidently took his position and rolled a strike. Carrie cheered almost as loudly as the men. As he prepared to bowl his second ball, Elizabeth noticed Carrie eying William’s tight jeans. She couldn’t blame her. William did have a world-class ass. He threw another strike.

“No fair!” cried Marianne. “He’s a ringer!”

“All’s fair in love, war, and bowling, Mari.” Chuck laughed. William accepted high-fives from his teammates.

“Will’s a natural athlete,” added Emma.

“You got that right,” agreed Chuck as he got up to bowl. “I remember the first time I took him bowling. He never touched a ball before in his life, and he bowls a 205. Pissed me right off! Never bowled against him again.”

He then proceeded to show why. While William’s form was flawless, Chuck’s was not. Only the force of his throws allowed him to score at all. He returned to the scorer’s table, sat next to Emma, and marked his six pins.

“Okay, the guys are up by ten pins in the first frame. Bowl on!”

As the contest continued, hunger made its appearance. This was no ordinary bowling alley when it came to the food—no pizza at all. The kitchen offered po’boys as well as the Cajun standards of gumbo, jambalaya, and alligator sausage. The female bartenders were an entertainment all by themselves.

Munching on half of an oyster loaf she was sharing with Marianne, Elizabeth found herself sitting next to Carrie Bingley again. They watched the bowling, waiting for their turn. Elizabeth decided to start a conversation.

“So, what are you studying at LSU?”

Carrie looked at her as though she had grown two heads. “Political science.” Remembering her manners, she added, “And you?”

“Journalism.”

“And where did you say you were from?”

“Chackbay. I went to school at E.D. White.”

Carrie thought for a moment. Her eyebrows went up. “Do you know Ashley Robichaux?”

Elizabeth nodded, surprised at the warmth in Carrie’s voice. “Yes, she was a couple of years ahead of me in high school.”

“I know Ashley real well. She’s one of my best friends. She’s one of the captains on the Golden Girls!” Carrie smiled at her companion. It was as though Elizabeth had passed a test and was deemed worthy of having a conversation with her. Carrie leaned back. “So, how did you meet up with these guys, since you’re attending Loyola?”

Elizabeth was amused at Carrie’s change of demeanor but decided to go along. “My roomie, Mari, knows Emma.” She pointed to where Marianne was sitting next to John.

Carrie laughed. “And Emma knows everybody.” As her gaze fell on Emma and Chuck, her look became thoughtful. “I didn’t know Chuck was dating Emma. How long has that been going on?”

“Maybe a month.”

“Mom’ll love that,” Carrie mumbled.

“Pardon me?” It was automatic. Elizabeth had overheard Carrie’s comment and was confused.

“Oh! Umm.” Carrie sat flustered. “Look, I’ve got nothing against Emma. It’s just,” she whispered in Elizabeth’s ear, “not everyone’s tolerant, you know? Different generation, different expectations.”

“I see,” Elizabeth whispered back. “Your mom wouldn’t be too fired up about having a Jew in the family, huh?”

“Is it that serious?” Carrie’s eyes grew wide.

“No, no. They just started dating.”

“Good. Chuck falls in love at the drop of a hat. He was dating this one girl—well, never mind. I hope you’re right. I don’t need any more crap from Mom right now.”

Their attention was drawn to the ball return as William prepared to bowl again. Carrie leaned in. “He’s gorgeous, isn’t he?”

“He’s best friends with your brother, so you must have known him for a while.”

“Ever since Chuck pledged AI.”

And you’ve been chasing him ever since. “Any family rivalry with you at LSU and Chuck at Tulane?”

“Not since we kick their ass every year.”

“Not in baseball.”

Carrie gave Elizabeth a pitying look. “Baseball doesn’t count.”

“Why is a Baton Rouge boy at Tulane, anyhow?”

“He said it was because Tulane had a better business program, but that’s just talk. Getting out from under Mommy-dear’s wings—that’s the real reason.”

“Your mother sounds like something else.”

Carrie rolled her eyes. “You have no idea.”

“So how do you deal with her?”

Carrie grinned. “I just smile and listen and say, ‘Yes, Mother,’ and do what the hell I want.” Her attention went back to her brother and his date.

Emma giggled as she watched Chuck add up the score. “Hey, stop it! I can’t write if you keep tickling me!” he cried.

“Just trying to win, Chuck! All’s fair in love, war, and bowling, you said!”

“Well, you can do all you want, we’re still kicking your asses!”

Emma looked at the scorecard. It was ugly. “Okay, that’s enough!” She stood up. “Bowling’s over! Let’s go dance!”

***

The crowd was grooving to a rock & blues band. Marianne was swaying to the sounds when John leaned in close.

“Having a good time, Mari?”

“Yeah,” she shouted over the music. “The band’s great.”

“Wanna go take the edge off?”

“What?”

John pantomimed taking a hit on a joint.

“Ummm … no thanks, John. I don’t do that. It’s bad for my throat.”

“What is?”

“The smoke. You go ahead if you want. It’s cool.”

Before he could answer, Emma parted the crowd and grabbed John with one hand, her other one in Chuck’s. “C’mon, let’s get this party going! Dance!” She released him and began two-stepping with Chuck. The other couples joined right in. Carrie saw her chance and grabbed William for herself. A new pledge, Nick Patel, claimed Elizabeth.

Elizabeth was amused at Carrie’s determined pursuit of Darcy. She could see William was not happy, but he was being a good sport. Elizabeth actually felt a little sorry for the aggressive Carrie. The girl couldn’t see William just wasn’t into her. Elizabeth wondered how Darcy was going to get out of this.

Chuck whispered in Emma’s ear. She looked at William and Carrie and grinned. She nodded and moved towards Carrie.

“Time to change partners!” she cried.

Before Carrie could react, Emma cut in and danced away with William. Chuck began dancing with his sister in the opposite direction. As Carrie tried to break away, Chuck exchanged partners with Patel. Now she was with Nick, and Chuck was with Elizabeth. Emma was with John, and William was nowhere to be seen.

“That was pretty slick, Chuck,” said Elizabeth.

“I’ll deny it to my dying day.”

A minute later, partners were exchanged again, and Elizabeth found herself with William.

“Well, hello there, Boudreaux.”

Elizabeth saw him look away and followed where he was looking—Carrie on the other side of the floor with Henry.

“Shall we drift over there, Darcy?”

William blanched for a moment. “I’m fine right here, if you don’t mind.”

Elizabeth laughed. “I can handle you, as long as we aren’t bowling. You don’t scare me.”

“Somehow, I get the impression you don’t get scared easily.”

“Nope, but I think you’re a bit wary of a certain redhead.”

William shook his head. “If she weren’t Chuck’s sister, I would have blown her off. She’s not a bad person, she just tries too hard. I wish her well, really.”

The song ended and the crowd cheered. “Thanks for the assist, Boudreaux. If you ever need the favor returned, let me know.”

Elizabeth caught the finality in William’s voice. “You’re leaving?”

“Yeah, I got family business early tomorrow. Good night, Elizabeth.”

Elizabeth was faintly disappointed William was leaving and had no idea why she felt that way. “See you around, Darcy.” She watched him leave, waving to his friends. Her observation was disturbed by Marianne jostling her.

“Hey, Elizabeth. Where’s William going?”

“Home. Said he wanted to make it an early night.”

“Loser. Hey, have you seen John?”

***

John Waguespack looked at the amount of weed he had just scored. “What the f**k is this, man?”

Greg Wickham looked across the front seat of his red Camaro, his Glock nine-millimeter under the driver’s seat, within easy reach. “That, dude, is your merchandise.”

“You told me I’d get a discount!”

Greg looked around the parking lot of the Rock ‘N Bowl, making sure there weren’t any guards or cops prowling around. “Look, I said I would do something with the price, if there was an increase in my market share. So far, I ain’t seen sh*t.” He leaned closer. “Where’s all the customers you promised, dude?”

“I’m workin’ on it, man, but it takes time.”

Greg’s hand whipped across John’s windpipe. “I ain’t got time, f**ker! I make a business proposition, I expect to see some sugar. I need more than your brain-dead roommate! You come through or things get ugly.”

John gasped as Greg tightened his hand on his throat. “Be … be cool, man.”

Greg, satisfied he had gotten his point across, changed tactics. He released his hold. “It’s all copasetic, dude. Here.” Greg tossed a little baggie to him. “On the house, for my main man.”

John picked up the bag. “Wh … (cough) What is it?” he asked as he rubbed his throat.

“Just a little coke.” Little was right. It was so cut there was hardly anything in it.

“Th … thanks.”

“Forgetaboutit. Go back in there to your woman.”

John grimaced. “She ain’t my woman, yet.”

Greg frowned. Was this a**hole such a f**k-up he couldn’t get laid? “She puttin’ the freeze on ya, dude? I got somethin’ for that.”

John glanced at Greg. “I don’t need that sh*t.”

“Whatever. Ya need it, I got it. You get the word out. You’ll be everybody’s friend.”

John nodded as he opened the door. “See ya ’round, Greg.”

Greg started up the car and smiled a smile which didn’t reach his eyes. He pointed two fingers at him. “Damn right ya will.” With that, he sped out of the parking lot, leaving a frightened John Waguespack in his dust.

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Yikes! What will happen next? You can find out in BOURBON STREET NIGHTS – Volume One of CRESCENT CITY (shameless plug)!

NOW ON KINDLE UNLIMITED

As for what I’ve been working on, I can’t tell you yet, but here’s a clue:

Until next time, this has been the Cajun Cheesehead Chronicles.

It takes a real man to write historical romance, so let me tell you a story…