Run Wild Horses

Chapter 37

I could definitely get used to this." Chase grinned and let out a contented sigh as he took a swallow of his Hurricane while we sat in the courtyard at Pat O'Briens. It was a beautiful night in New Orleans. Warm, but not suffocatingly hot, and there was a slight breeze in the air. The nightlife and atmosphere of Bourbon Street could not be beat.

"I wish we could've gotten into the piano bar, but it was packed." I said with a slight pout, taking a sip of my own Hurricane, the potent rum based cocktail going straight to my head, making me feel warm and fuzzy and a slight bit tipsy.

"No, this is perfect out here. It's too hot inside to be packed in like sardines." Courtney said, looking around the vast courtyard and the iconic "flaming fountain."

It really was nice, but it was a little tame, and I was looking for more. This was New Orleans after all. We had arrived this morning, and after checking into our hotel, we planned out our day. We started off with a visit to the The Aquarium Of The Americas, then a riverboat cruise to the Audubon Zoo for some lighthearted fun. We then took the riverboat back to where we began, and enjoyed strolling the river walk mall for a little shopping, snacks and cocktails. Sure it was touristy, but Ryan and Chase had never explored the city before, and there was so much to do.

We toured The French Quarter, Jackson Square, St. Louis cathedral and Jax Brewery, stopped by Cafe Du Monde for coffee and beignets, then returned to the hotel briefly to drop off our packages, freshen up and take a little breather before setting out to enjoy the nightlife of Bourbon Street. After dinner at House Of Blues, we ended up at Pat O'Briens, where we were currently resting up and enjoying our Hurricanes and just chatting. We were already planning another trip back in a couple of months, during the off season where we could take in a Saints game. Yeah, I really had missed Louisiana. Not that I would even consider moving back here, but it really was nice to visit.

"I feel like cutting loose. Getting a little wild. I think we should hit The Cat's Meow next." I said, draining the last of my drink. I was feeling exhilarated.

"Fine, but only if you get up on stage with me." Courtney laughed, raising her eyebrows at me.

"On stage? What is The Cat's Meow?" Ryan asked, his own eyebrows raised, but he was grinning.

"Karaoke bar." Courtney explained. "If we're going, Sam and I are singing. No if's, ands or but's about it." She directed her gaze to me, her expression challenging, and I knew she was ready to cut loose too.

"Absolutely." I grinned.

********

"Alright. I've got us signed up. There's about six ahead of us though." Courtney said, taking a seat at the table. I flagged down a waitress walking by, passing out tube shots, and snagged four.

"What is it?" Chase asked, staring at the shot. I shrugged my shoulders and downed it.

"Mmmm. Tastes like watermelon." I smiled, savoring the sweet, fruity taste on my tongue. Everyone else downed their shots and we ordered another round.

We were all pretty buzzed after several rounds of tube shots, those things packed quite a punch. The karaoke was pretty bad, and we all couldn't stop laughing. We were having a blast, and finally Courtney and I were up to perform. We wanted to do something fun and a little bit silly.

Ryan's POV

I couldn't help but smile in amusement. I had no idea what the girls were up to. I swear every eye in the place was glued to the stage as Sam and Courtney stepped up to perform. I couldn't wait to see what they had come up with, they wouldn't tell us, said it was going to be a surprise. I glanced over at Chase, and he looked just as amused, eagerly anticipating what was to come.