Glory Be by Danielle Arceneaux

Author:Danielle Arceneaux
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Pegasus Books
Published: 2023-10-03T00:00:00+00:00

17

Like most people in Lafayette, Glory knew of the Pelican Club but had never had the occasion to walk through its storied doors. She felt a tiny thrill in her bones as she steered herself up the majestic road that led to the main house for the stockholder meeting. Ancient Spanish moss trees flanked both sides of the lane, their branches knitting together overhead and casting a shadow that looked like lace. Had she kept her eyes on the road instead of the trees, she would have noticed how her modest Honda stood out compared to all the other cars headed in the same direction. The Mercedes coupes, Saab convertibles, and Range Rovers.

The whole place reeked of money and racism. It may have been built in 1932, the same year as the Augusta National Golf Club, but it wasn’t until 1979 that any black person other than staff walked through its doors. Designed by the famed southern architect Hud MacKenzie, it was meant to be the ultimate winter destination for northern snowbirds, socialites, and golf lovers. It didn’t matter to the architect that slavery had long been abolished. He may have set out to build a golf course, but what he really created was a social plantation, something soothing and familiar to its moneyed membership.

The Big House stood proud, with large Greek Revival pillars that saluted guests as they arrived. Generously proportioned verandas framed both stories of the house, and much to Glory’s annoyance, there was a sweeping staircase that invited guests inside. The house and all its trim were painted in a crisp white, though nothing could whitewash the sins of the past. Glory parked her car and labored up the stairs, knowing her knees would pay the price tomorrow.

Delphine was on her way but had decided to come separately, hoping to work the phones calling her contacts back in New York a bit longer. Glory decided to venture inside on her own. An old white gentleman in a tuxedo with tails greeted her at the top of the stairs. He opened the door and allowed a wave of well-dressed people inside but intercepted Glory before she reached the door.

“Good afternoon. Are you here for the annual Benoit Investor Meeting?”

“Yes, I am,” said Glory. She had never been to a meeting like this before but thought she looked pulled together enough in a loose black cardigan with matching shell underneath and elegant flowy pants. If there was one thing that would give her away, she knew it would be her shoes, which were never chic but always sensible.

“Very good. That entrance is around the side and through the back.” He gestured. “Have a good day.”

Glory nodded. Women in expensive dresses and men with sharp jaws continued to flow in, people who looked like they belonged at an investor meeting. But what did Glory know, anyway. She had never been to a meeting like this. There were probably multiple meetings in a big old building like this. They didn’t make their money by just having one meeting at a time, she convinced herself.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.