Chloe headed to the French Quarter, strolling down the street, musing about how life had a knack for throwing people together in the weirdest ways. A band was set up in the corner; piano, saxophone, trombone, the works. A cardboard sign taped to the piano read “The Dirty Viper Band.” She cracked a smile and stopped to listen. People were dancing, but she just swayed a little, letting the rhythm move her.
James leaned against a balcony railing, watching the crowd below. He liked doing that, studying faces, imagining their lives, their secrets. This city was a mess, but it was his mess. Then he spotted her. She was standing there, watching the band, smiling like she didn’t have a care in the world. The piano guy caught her eye and winked. James rolled his eyes. Down, boy.
It started to rai
