7:48pm Maison Dupuy Hotel

We got back to the hotel around six o'clock after we finished going where Lydia wanted. I had to say, she wasn't the only one completely mesmerized when we visited the St. Louis Cathedral. The large white building and its triple steeples was almost archaic and classic. We learned about the historical significance of it, going all the way back to 1727. It was named after the sainted King of France, Louis IX and was the first building in New Orleans that was made of "brick between posts".

The St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 was also a sight worth seeing. Almost as old as the St. Louis Cathedral, it was established in 1789. We got to see the crypt of Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau and even the future tomb for Nicholas Cage, which was a large white pyramid.

Now, it was time for our dinner. I couldn't help but feel nervous as I looked at my reflection in the mirror. Even though I told Lydia this wasn't a "date" date, it still felt that way. When we first met, I was looking for a friend. Not only did I finally find a real one who saw me as Sean Williams and not just a rich guy, but one who, to me at least, was pure with a good heart and an amazing spirit.

I still didn't know what I felt for her or what it meant. I didn't want to force anything or try to figure it out. We were friends and if anything was going to happen, it would be naturally. Aside from the almost-kiss, I sometimes caught her when her gaze lingered on me with hidden interest. I know it scared her. Hell, it scared me too. But I had no intention of making her feel any more uncomfortable than she already was. Most importantly, I didn't want to push her away. When it comes down to it, if we only stayed friends, that was fine with me. She was an amazing friend.

Taking a final look in the mirror, I straightened my collar on my white dress shirt. I was wearing one of my Armani suits, hoping I looked okay. Grabbing my wallet and room key, I headed to Lydia's room.

When I told her I wanted to take her to a nice dinner, she was adamant about going out and getting something nice to wear. I was itching with anticipation to see what she purchased as I knocked on her hotel room door.

When she opened it, I felt my jaw drop slightly as I took in her appearance. She was wearing a dark red dress that fit her perfectly. It went down to her thighs and was longer in the back. She wore her hair loose and curly this time, with light makeup on her face.

"Sean?" She said with a grin.

"Sorry, it's just-You look beautiful."

"Thank you," she said as she looked away. That was a nervous habit she had, and I loved seeing it.

When she took a step back to turn the light off, I noticed she wasn't wearing her boot. Instead, she was wearing a pair of red strappy heels. Damn. Clearing my throat, I asked, "No boot?"

"Nope. I think it was just twisted or something. It's way better now. A couple twinges here and there."

"Good, I'm glad." She came back to the door and I offered her my arm. "Shall we?"

"Absolutely," she said with a smile, linking her arm in mine."

It took us about ten minutes to walk to Brennan's and since I made a reservation, we didn't have to wait long. They sat us on the terrace, and I watched as Lydia looked around at all the lights and people.

"Good evening, I'm Sam and I'll be taking care of you tonight," the waiter said. "May I start you off with some wine?"

I glanced to Lydia, waiting for her answer.

She smiled to the young man and answered, "Yes, can we have some Moscato, please?"

"Yes, ma'am. I'll be right back with that."

"Moscato, huh?" I asked curiously after the waiter left. She usually ordered red.

She shrugged in her seat with an innocent smile. "I'm craving something sweet tonight."

"Then sweet it is," I replied, mesmerized by this amazing brunette I've gotten to know.

"Dinner was lovely, thank you," Lydia said as we left the restaurant. It took a little insistence on my part, but she finally agreed to let me pay for dinner.

We had a great evening as we talked and laughed, retelling memories from our previous adventures today. We were walking back to our hotel when I heard the wonderful sounds of a saxophone again. Glancing down the street, I noticed it was the same man as earlier today.

I stopped walking, causing Lydia to stop and turn towards me. "Sean? You okay?"

I looked from the sax player back to her. "Dance with me," I said, holding out my hand to her.

I could see the surprise on her face with a hint of uncertainty I've grown familiar with.

I waited patiently, letting her decide if she wanted to dance. A few minutes went by before she placed her hand in mine. I pulled her towards me, wrapping my other hand around her waist as she rested her hand on my shoulder.

I took the lead and swayed with her to the music slowly. I honestly couldn't remember the last time I danced, let alone with someone I actually cared about.

"I'm a terrible dancer," she said with a shaky voice.

I begged to differ. Being this close to her was better than anything else. I pulled back a little, wanting her to see that I was being honest. "You are a beautiful dancer," I said, tucking her hair behind her ear.

She held my stare for a moment, and if I was lucky, she was thinking back to the night of our "almost kiss". Just as before, the urge to kiss her was almost overwhelming.

Just as I started to lean in towards her, someone asked, "Excuse me, can you take our picture?"

You've got to be fucking kidding me, I thought, annoyed that we got interrupted again. She pulled away from me and I looked to the couple standing next to us. I offered a genuine smile as I answered, "Yes, of course."

The older couple embraced as they posed and waited for me to take the picture with their cell phone. After snapping a few, I offered it back. "Here you go."

"Oh, thank you!" The woman exclaimed as she looked at the picture. "It's our anniversary."

"Happy anniversary," I said with a nod.

I turned back towards Lydia only to see she wasn't where she had been standing. Worry set in as I scanned the area. Finally spotting her at a bar called The Cat's Meow, I walked over.

"I was wondering what happened to you," I said as I stood next to her.

"Sorry," she said as she gestured to the singer on stage. "Do you hear this person? It's ridiculous!" She said with a laugh as the terrible singer on stage kept singing bad karaoke. Let's just say their rendition of B-52's Love Shack would put the band to shame.

"Yeah, they're pretty terrible," I said in agreement.

She was watching with amusement and, even though the singer was terrible, she applauded when they were done.

"Do you want to hang out here for a while?" I asked.

"Really? You don't mind?" She asked, clearly excited.

"Sure, it looks like fun," I answered honestly.

We were sitting at a table watching a new group of girls that went on stage and attempted to sing something by NSYNC. I cringed as they sang off-key. Lydia was laughing and had a bright smile on her face.

"Maybe you should go up there," I said in her ear over the music.

"Oh, hell no," she replied, shaking her head. "I do not sing."

I gave her a knowing look as I said, "Lydia, I've heard you sing. You have a great voice."

She seemed eager to do what I suggested and took her bottom lip beneath her teeth nervously. "I don't know. There's a lot of people here," she said looking around.

"So what? I'll be right here. Pretend it's just me."

She looked at me and seemed to be debating with herself. "Okay. Yeah, I'll do it."

I clapped my hands together, rubbing them with the eagerness I was feeling. "Oh, yeah. I'm ready for your debut, milady."

She ran her hands over her hair, trying to make sure it was just right. "How do I look?"

I couldn't help but answer honestly. "You look breathtaking."

She held my gaze for a second before looking back to the stage. "Ahhhhhh. Okay. I can do this."

"Yes, you can." I glanced to the bar. "I'm going to get drink while you sign up. I'll be front row center when you go up there."

She started for the stage as I headed to the bar. The bartender greeted me, and I replied, "Evening. Can I get a rum and coke, please?"

"Coming right up."

I pulled my phone out of my pocket to see if there were any messages from Anne. Besides Lydia, she was the only one who had this new number.

"Hi there, handsome."

I looked up at the unknown blonde who had walked up to me. "Sorry, but I'm here with someone." And not at all interested in you, I thought. The woman was attractive sure, but not my type at all. I knew why she headed over here. They could tell by my clothes or expensive watch that I was loaded and decided to try to take a shot.

Just as the bartender brought my drink, they announced Lydia on stage. I grabbed my drink and started to walk over to watch her when the woman grabbed my arm, stopping me.

"Come on, baby. I promise we can have some fun."

I looked from Lydia to the woman. "I'm sorry, but I'm not interested."

I took a gulp of my drink before I glanced back to Lydia. It was hard to tell this far back but it looked like she had a worried expression on her face as she sang. She could clearly see me, and I just hoped she didn't get the wrong idea.

I downed the rest of my drink and looked back to the blonde. "Look, I'm not available, okay. I'm with-" I couldn't even finish my sentence. Everything started getting hazy all of a sudden. "I'm-I'm with...someone."

My body started to feel like dead weight. I turned in Lydia's direction. She had gotten off stage and was pushing through the crowd of people, coming straight towards me. She had a look of horror on her face and it got worse as she got closer.

She was trying to yell something to me, but I couldn't hear her.

What the fuck is wrong with me?