In Bloom

Chapter 4: Home Comforts

Avery pulled into the driveway of his parents’ house, cutting the engine and letting out a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding. The familiar sight of the old family home always brought a sense of calm to him, no matter how hectic his life became. The stately house, with its white shutters and brick exterior, stood like a comforting reminder of simpler times. The smell of magnolias from the garden his mother tended religiously drifted through the open window of his car.

Pushing open the door, Avery glanced up at the house, hearing the faint sounds of the Saints game filtering through the walls. It was Sunday—of course his father was watching football. With a small smile, he grabbed the box of pastries he’d picked up on the way and headed toward the door.

Just as he expected, his mother was already standing there, opening the door before he could knock.

"Mon fils," Marie Laurent greeted him warmly, her smile wide and welcoming. Her silver-streaked hair was tied up in a scarf, and her apron was dusted with flour—undoubtedly from the gumbo simmering in the kitchen.

Avery leaned down to kiss her cheek. "Mama, you been cooking again?"

"You know I always cook when my babies come home." She winked at him and waved him inside, the smell of her gumbo thick in the air.

Avery stepped into the house, the warmth immediately washing over him. The familiar sounds of his father’s voice mingling with the television came from the den, and Avery could already picture Deon Laurent glued to his recliner, eyes fixed on the screen.

"Papa in his cave?" Avery asked with a knowing chuckle.

Marie nodded, shaking her head but smiling fondly. "Where else would he be on a Saints Sunday?"

Avery grinned and made his way through the living room to the den, where, as expected, Deon was fully absorbed in the game, leaning forward with the remote in one hand and a bowl of chips in the other. The Saints were down by three points, and from the look on his father’s face, it wasn’t looking good.

"Ayy, there he is!" Deon bellowed as soon as he noticed Avery standing in the doorway. "Come see this mess. Saints can’t catch a damn break today!"

Avery laughed, stepping in and giving his father a quick hug before sinking into the couch. "What else is new?" He glanced at the TV, watching the Saints botch another play. "They still got a chance."

Deon shook his head, muting the TV for a moment. "I don’t know, son. It’s gon' be one of those games."

Before Avery could respond, Izzy strolled into the den, her bright yellow sundress and oversized earrings swinging as she flopped into the armchair across from him. Her curls bounced as she sat, her energy filling the room.

"Okay, so listen," she started, clearly excited. "I gotta tell y’all about this new guy I’m talkin’ to."

Avery’s head snapped in her direction, his protective instincts immediately flaring up. "New guy?" He raised an eyebrow. "Who is this dude, and why am I just now hearing about him?"

Izzy rolled her eyes dramatically, already anticipating her brother’s reaction. "Relax, Avery. His name is Marcus, and he’s sweet. I think you’d actually like him."

Avery frowned, leaning forward. "Sweet how?"

Before Izzy could respond, their father chimed in, his attention now fully off the game. "Sweet how?" Deon repeated, his deep voice carrying the same protective tone as Avery’s.

Izzy groaned, throwing her hands up. "Oh, come on, not you too, Papa."

Marie, now stirring the pot of gumbo in the kitchen but clearly listening in, called out in her soft, melodic French. "Hush, vous deux. Let the girl live."