Page 43 of Lulu’s Recipe for Cajun Sass

“Patti’s second cousin, Simone Sonnier, who lives in Biloxi, has a great-aunt who lives in Houma.”

“And that great-aunt belongs to the Altar and Rosary Society,” Justin guessed.

“Oh, no! That great-aunt’s third cousin is the one I know. Beulah Ann Sonnier. Remember her? She has a hairy wart on her chin the size of a cherry. You kids allus thought she was a witch.”

Justin rolled his eyes at the convoluted relationships on the bayou which were perfectly understandable to Cajuns, but no one else.

“Mebbe you could meet up with Beulah Ann, kind of accidental, and mention that you, bein’ a doctor and all, could cut that big ol’ wart off, lickety-split.”

He looked at his mother with horror. “First of all, how in the world do you imagine that I could just run into Beulah Ann Sonnier?”

“At church?”

He ignored that suggestion and went on, “Secondly, I am not quite a doctor yet. And third, you don’t just cut off a wart that size. We’re talking anesthetic and stitches, and—”

His mother waved a hand dismissively. “You’ll be a doctor in a couple weeks. Have I mentioned how proud I am of you?” She beamed at him.

“Mama! Can you stop changing the subject? You started by saying you’re worried about Louise.”

She nodded and gave him a look of disapproval.

So much for her motherly pride.

“I’m afraid you’re going to hurt Louise.”

“How?’

“Justin, it’s obvious to me, if it’s not to everyone else, that you do not want to come back to the bayou.”

“I wouldn’t say that, exactly.”

“Is it Dr. Clovis that’s put you off? I know he’s a lot to handle.”

He shook his head. “I like Dr. Clovis, despite all his warts.”

She didn’t even smile at his joke.

“It’s family medicine that I’m not sure about,” he explained.

She tilted her head to the side.

“I’m thinking about specializing.”

“In what?”

He shrugged, as if uncertain, although he was more than certain.

“Oh, good Lord! That would mean more schooling, wouldn’t it?”

He nodded. “Possibly three more years.” At the expression of worry on her face, he patted her arm. “Don’t worry. I wouldn’t do it unless I got a scholarship. I wouldn’t ask you and Dad for more help.”

“It’s not that. We’re happy to help when we can.”

“And you’ve done plenty. Anyhow, Mama, nothing is decided.”

“Does Louise know about all this?”

“Hmm. Not exactly.”