“So,” he says, eyes sparkling after he sets a mug and saucer before me and sinks a tea bag in it. “How’s NOLA treating you? How’s life in Mary’s world?”

I laugh. “It’s been…interesting.”

“I can only imagine.”

“It’s not all bad though,” I confess. “I met someone.”

“Really?”

I pull my phone out and show him a picture of Daniel. “He’s actually really great.”

Eric takes the phone and gives Daniel a thorough inspection. “Mmmhmm, he looks pretty great.”

We sip our tea and make small talk for a while. I tell him all about hanging out with Daniel, our place in the Quarter, and my new job. I tell him about Gary and a few of mom’s clients. He hangs on every word. And then he tells me about the new couple moving in next door. They’re young, buying a starter house. Fell in love with the property the second they laid eyes on it. “They sell essential oils or something online,” he says with a dismissive wave of his hand.

“That’s good,” I say, unable to hide the sting in my voice completely. “Some new life in there will be good for the place.”

“Oh, honey,” Eric says, reaching for me. “I know it’s hard. She was your whole world for many years.”

The tears come unbidden then. But as soon as I can, I wipe at my face and take a deep breath. I didn’t come here to cry on Eric’s shoulder. I need his help. “Actually, I wanted to talk to you about something,” I confess.

“What is it? Anything for our little Catbird, huh, Deena?”

On cue, Deena jumps on my knee and gives a small bark.

“It’s just, since I’ve been living with my mom, some things aren’t making sense. I mean, I’ve learned a few things, and I get the feeling that there’s a lot more under the surface, but she’s not exactly forthcoming, and Moony isn’t here to ask.” And apparently couldn’t be trusted to tell the truth anyway, I think before continuing. “I know you haven’t lived here as long as some people, but you’ve always had your finger on the town’s pulse. I just thought, if anyone knew anything, it would be you.”

“Catbird, you have come to the right place,” he confirms. “And I am nothing if not discreet. This little convo will stay right here between you, me, Deena, and Polly Esther.”

I’m pretty sure the dog and the dining table aren’t gonna spill. And as long as Eric doesn’t tell my mom we spoke, I don’t really care who else he talks to about it. “Thank you.”

“Of course,” he says with a hungry grin.