“It’s okay,” Michelle said. “I can’t believe we’re flying to New Orleans for lunch.” She laughed, shaking her head. “I’ve never been on a plane before in my life. The takeoff was so cool!” she recalled, remembering the burst of speed, the clouds coming closer, the land falling away under the plane as she looked out the window. They’d given her the window seat, so that she had a better view.

“It was fun, seeing it through your eyes,” Sara replied, smiling. “I tend to take it for granted. So does he.” She indicated Gabriel, who laughed.

“I spend most of my life on airplanes, of one type or another,” Gabriel confessed. “I must admit, my flights aren’t usually this relaxed.”

“You never did tell me what you do,” Michelle said.

“I’m sort of a government contractor,” he said easily. “An advisor. I go lots of places in that capacity. I deal with foreign governments.” He made it sound conventional. It really wasn’t.

“Oh. Like businessmen do.”

“Something like that,” he lied. He smiled. “You have your first driving lesson tomorrow,” he reminded her.

“Sure you wouldn’t like to do it instead?” she asked. “I could try really hard to avoid ditches.”

He shook his head. “You need somebody better qualified than I am.”

“I hope he’s got a good heart.”

“I’m sure he’ll be personable...”

“I hope he’s in very good health,” she amended.

Gabriel just chuckled.

They ate at a five-star restaurant downtown. The food was the most exquisite Michelle had ever tasted, with a Cajun spiced fare that teased the tongue, and desserts that almost made her cry they were so delicious.

“This is one of the best restaurants I’ve ever frequented,” Gabriel said as they finished second cups of coffee. “I always stop by when I’m in the area.” He looked around at the elegant decor. “They had some problems during Hurricane Katrina, but they’ve remodeled and regrouped. It’s better than ever.”

“It was delicious,” Michelle said, smiling. “You guys are spoiling me rotten.”

“We’re enjoying it,” Sara replied. “And there’s an even bigger surprise waiting when we get home,” she added.

“Another one? But this was the best present I’ve ever had! You didn’t need to...”

“Oh, but we did,” Gabriel replied. He leaned back in his chair, elegant in a navy blue jacket with a black turtleneck and dark slacks. Sara was wearing a simple black dress with pearls that made her look both expensive and beautiful. Michelle, in contrast, was wearing the only good dress she had, a simple sheath of off-white, with her mother’s pearls. She felt dowdy compared to her companions, but they didn’t even seem to notice that the dress was old. They made her feel beautiful.

“What is it?” Michelle asked suddenly.

She was met with bland smiles.