“What’s the least spicy thing?” Lila stared down at the laminated menu at Guidry’s. The front was a complete listing of everything the restaurant served, but the back contained the story of how the family restaurant had come into being. It talked about the love between Remy’s grandparents and their adoration for their town. While waiting for her sister, she’d sat and stared at the two photos, one of a large family standing in front of the restaurant as it had been back in the early eighties. There was a newer photo where Remy had his arm around Lisa. They were surrounded by his family and the men and women who worked at Guidry’s. Her sister was a Guidry. Not a Daley. Lisa had a new family and they adored her. Her sister practically glowed in that photo.

Damn but she was jealous of her sister. Not because she wanted Remy. She didn’t understand her brother-in-law, but she wanted to feel that way about a man. About anything, really. She wanted to understand why Lisa lit up when Remy walked into a room, why there was a smile on her sister’s face, like she had a secret no one else knew.

“Try the jambalaya. I’ll make sure they give you the one they make at the tourist heat level. They make two big pots fresh every morning. One is for the locals. You do not want that one. It can clear your sinuses just by walking by that sucker,” her sister replied, sitting back in her chair. Lisa’s dark hair was up in a bun and she wore her uniform of jeans, sneakers, and a Guidry’s T-shirt. “You’re looking at me like you do when you don’t understand what I’m doing with my life.”

She winced. When Lisa had first gotten involved with Remy, she hadn’t been so sure it would work out. “I wasn’t thinking that. Not exactly.” She set the menu down. She’d had a salad for lunch and she’d skipped breakfast. This was her little sister’s restaurant. It was time to let her lead the way. “I was thinking about this place and how I never thought you would end up here. I never thought I would end up here. But you look happy and I was wondering how you got so happy.”

It wasn’t a question she would have asked before. Not even to herself.

Lisa leaned forward and reached for her hand. “Oh, sweetie, was it a rough day?”

“It wasn’t what I thought it would be. I managed to treat two elderly gentlemen who used the foulest language I’ve ever heard. Not at me. At each other.”