Charlotte had spotted him, too, and there was no welcoming expression on her face as he approached her with his best, most charming smile.

“Hello, Charlotte. Looks like the hotel is doing a brisk business today.” The lobby was filled with small groups of well-heeled patrons, sipping their complimentary coffee. He could see through the windows that the courtyard outside Chez Remy, the hotel restaurant, was already filling with an early lunch crowd.

“No thanks to you,” Charlotte said, but there was a hint of devilment in her eyes. He figured she must have softened since falling in love and marrying last year. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”

“Is Melanie available? Indigo is putting on a Cajun music festival in a few weeks, and a lot of fine restaurants from the area are participating. I have a special role I’d like Melanie to play, if she’s willing.” He’d stayed up half the night getting the wording of his request just right, so that it sounded like a terrific opportunity rather than a desperate request for charity. It was, in fact, a little of both.

“The festival’s had a lot of publicity,” Charlotte said. “It’s been written up everywhere. End of next month, right?”

“That’s right.”

“Isn’t it a little late to be lining up participants?”

“Yes, but the woman who’s coordinating the food has run into a snafu. She asked if I would help.”

Luc could see the wheels turning in Charlotte’s head. A keen businesswoman, she wasn’t one to let an opportunity for good public relations slip away.

“If Melanie does agree to help-and that’s up to her, of course-could the Hotel Marchand be listed as a sponsor?”

“I know we could arrange something. I can’t make promises because I’m not in charge, but I’ll bet Marjo-she’s the organizer-would be willing to work with you.”

“I’ll see if Melanie has a few minutes.”