"I'm over here at the Signature Suites on Bleecker and Broadway in Green Wich-just until I can find a room somewhere" I stifled my laughter at the way she'd pronounced Greenwich. "So what do ya think?"
"Actually, I live in Greenwich Village too."
"Oh" She released a nervous laugh. "Is that the way y'all say it? Why is it spelled Greenwich?"
"Probably to confuse out-of-towners like you. Seriously, I don't know. Can you find your way to the Broadway and Fourteenth Street subway entrance?"
"Yes, ma'am, I've had a little time to explore."
"Good. Let's meet there" I checked my watch. "How does six o'clock sound?"
"Okay. Thank you, Cassie"
We ended our call, and I began to wonder if getting together with a prospective employee was a smart thing to do, and then I thought about Megan and me being friends. I'd never worked with her before, but after living together for so many years, I figured working with her wouldn't be much different. I shrugged it off and headed for the subway. Getting together for one night was no big deal. Allie was new to the city, and from the sound of things, she probably hadn't made any New York friends yet.
I-MELT-TO-PIECES MAC AND CHEESE
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Cook the macaroni according to the manufacturer's directions. When it reaches al dente, drain and set aside. Try draining that negative attitude of yours too. You really did it now, girl. You make no sense. One minute you're falling all over him, and then that mouth of yours opens, and there's no telling what will come out. Unfortunately, this time, you cut him off at the knees.
In a 2-quart saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, just like he makes you melt every time he's around. Add the flour, whisking until completely combined and bubbly. Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the milk; blend before returning to low heat. Continue stirring until it thickens just the way a romance should. Add the package of cheese sauce and half the cheddar cheese, stirring until melted. Remove from stove and add salt and pepper to taste.
Pour the drained macaroni back into the same pot you cooked it in, breaking up the macaroni with a spoon if necessary, and pour the cheese mixture over top. Toss to coat the pasta. Spray the bottom of a large baking dish. Layer as you would lasagna: place half the macaroni on the bottom; spread evenly and cover with half the remaining cheddar cheese. Repeat.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the 3 tablespoons of butter and toss with the bread crumbs. Sprinkle the mixture over the mac and cheese, spreading evenly, and place in a 350-degree oven to bake for 20-25 minutes. Serves 4 as an entree; serves 8 as a side dish.
Arlie was waiting by the entrance to the subway. When she saw me, she rushed down the stairs toward me and latched on to my arm and literally ran back up the stairs. "It stinks in there," she said when we reached the top.
"You'll get used to it."
"I don't think so" We walked arm in arm down the busy sidewalk, with her dragging me through the crowds at a fast pace. There were people everywhere.
"Are the streets always crowded like this, or is something special going on?"
"They're always busy like this."
"Wow. Back home, this much traffic and sidewalks cluttered with people like this, there'd be something happening at church."
I smiled, wondering how she'd survive in the city. "Okay, what kind of food do you want?"
"Surprise me"
"I'll do just that." We crossed the street and entered The Pub. Inside, there were a few people sitting at the bar and one or two tables filled with customers. The popular night spot was slow at this hour but would be hopping when the late-night crowd arrived. Millie, my favorite hostess, greeted us. "Where have you been?" she asked.
"Now that Megan is married, she's not so inclined to go out at night, and I've been busy with culinary school, and now Cafe Francoise, where I'm doing my externship."
"Sounds like you've been pretty busy. We're looking for a cook, if you're interested."
"Thanks, but I'll be opening my own business," I bragged.
"A restaurant?"
"No. A kitchen shop with cooking classes."
"Ooh, let me know when you open. I love learning new things when it comes to cooking."
"Absolutely. I'll put you on the mailing list."
"You guys can sit anywhere," she said, handing over our menus.
I spotted an empty booth and pointed in that direction. Allie nodded, and we sashayed over and slid across the seats on opposite sides.
"Sounds like you and Megan were regulars in this place."
"Yeah, we were, especially since neither one of us wanted to cook. Mostly everything in here is good, but the burgers and fries are awesome"
"Then that's what I'll have"
"Me too" I motioned to Millie.
"You have any of that Cheese Wiz for my fries?" Allie asked.
"Ah, a real Southern belle. Yes, we do. Want it on the side or poured over top?"
"A large bowl"-Allie formed her hand in a circle to indicate the size-"so I can dip to my heart's content."
"Coming right up" Millie turned and walked through the double doors of the kitchen.
Allie looked around the room and noticed the raised floor in the corner. "Oh, wow, it looks like they have live music in here!"
"They do-every night except Monday-but they don't play until much later."
Allie leaned toward me. "So, Cassie, tell me why Josh isn't your fella."
"Whoa," I said with surprise, "you get right to the point, don't you?"
"I do, don't I?" She laughed. "Well, he's so good-lookin', and he seems to like you a whole lot, so I'm just wonderin' what's wrong with him."
"Oh, there's nothing wrong with him. I'm too busy and don't have time for a boyfriend"
"But I can see you're real sweet on him."
"He's okay," I said. "My focus is on my business and-"
"Rein' stupid?" Her eyes opened wide. "Now you know that's just crazy dumb, don't you?"
"Maybe" Her in-the-face directness was overbearing. I wasn't about to confide my personal life to a stranger on the street, so why would I reveal it to her?
"How old are ya?"
"Twenty-eight. Why?"
"Time's a-wastin', girl. You should be getting hitched at your age or you'll miss out on having kids."
"It's all a matter of priorities.
"Okay, but I think you're makin' a big mistake. Someone else sure as shootin' will come along and swoop his hide right off his feet"
I wanted to believe this sweet little thing was being sincere, but could I trust her? "So tell me more about you, Allie," I said, to change the subject.
The ride home seemed longer than usual. The train was crowded and noisy, but I blocked out the sound of chatter. I had other things on my mind-like giving myself a good kick in the butt. After listening to Allie, I couldn't shake the tumultuous feelings working their way through my insides. I really did want a relationship with Josh. What was stopping me? Why did I put on the brakes just when he tried to heat things up?
Loud shouting between two men in the back of the train took my mind off my issues. As the fight grew louder, the train stopped, and I exited the car before my usual stop to avoid what I feared might turn into a major brawl and walked the five blocks to the apartment. My phone rang.
"Hi, Dad"
"Your loan was approved"
Excitement shot through me. Now I had another excuse to call Josh. Had my prayers been answered in another way? Was this a sign the door had opened for my first step toward reconciliation?
"How do you know?" I said, surprised. "They haven't called 'me.
"I happened to be at the bank this afternoon and saw the manager, who told me you were approved. He said they sent you a letter. It's probably in today's mail."
My spirits lifted. "Oh, thank God. Now what happens?"
"The letter will tell you what to do, but you'll have to go into the bank to sign the papers, then they'll give you a check and,
of course, the payment book. After that, it's you getting on the phone to order your supplies."
I groaned. "A payment book." My stomach did a flip-flop as I wondered what I'd gotten myself into. "Geez, I hope my business does well enough to pay this loan back."
"Stop. You'll do fine," he reassured me. "The word is out about the store. Every time I run into people, someone asks about it."
"Yeah, but that doesn't mean they're going to become my customers"
"They'll tell their family and friends. If you treat your customers right, they'll keep coming back for more. Now, go celebrate with Josh"
"Dad, I'm not going to celebrate with Josh." Anguish twisted around my heart. "But I will call and let him know he can start work"
"You sure he's still available?"
"Yes. He knows I'm hiring him."
"You sure? When was the last time you saw him?"
I looked at my watch. "This afternoon."
"Oh" I could hear relief in his voice. "That's good, honey. Okay, you call him tonight." I could hear my mother in the background and what sounded like her grabbing the phone from Dad.
"Cassie, congratulations," she said. "So, when is that fine young man going to start work on the deli?"
"As soon as I have the money in hand." I unlocked the door to my apartment and walked inside. The red light on the house phone was blinking, indicating messages were waiting.
"He's really a hunk, you know that?"
"Yes, Mom, he's a nice-looking guy."
"Okay," she said jubilantly, "go call him." She paused as Dad mumbled something. "Oh, okay, Dad told me you just saw him. Ooh, honey, that's terrific. Is he with you now?"
"No, Mother, he's an employee." Is it any wonder I keep things from my family?
"Right, but he doesn't have to be just an employee. He could be so much more"
"Good night, Mother."
"Oh, I thought we could talk a little longer."
"Why? So you can harass me?"
She giggled. "Okay, go celebrate with that hunky guy"
"I'm hanging up now, Mother."
I shook my head. I blew out a deep breath, dreading a call to Josh after the way we'd left things. I unlocked the front door and flipped the wall switch on. The lamp on the end table flooded the room with a warm glow. Kicking off my shoes, I stooped down to pick up the mail. Leafing through the envelopes, I found the one from the bank. The pounding in my head was unbearable; I tried to remember when it had started but couldn't. I ambled my way down the hall for aspirin, then returned and flopped down on the sofa. I closed my eyes, hoping the aspirin would kick in soon.
I blinked my eyes open to the musical notes of "Can't Get You Out of My Head," a ringtone I'd downloaded from my carrier's site, hoping to get Josh out of my head. In hindsight, I realized it only made me think of him more. I stretched to reach over to the end table for the phone. It was Jamie.
"Have you heard anything from the bank?" she asked.
"I got notification today."
"Are you as excited as I am?" She laughed. "That's a silly question. Of course you are"
"It is, and yes, I am. Listen, Megan will be ordering the supplies so we can get those shelves stocked. I'm assuming it will take a while for it all to arrive, so once my carpenter builds those shelves, you and Allie, whom I've just hired, can get to work" I yawned and stretched my arms over my head. "By the way, I've been thinking about our workshops. I'd like to see a sample from you, so please write something up and e-mail it to me"
"Absolutely. Do you have any idea of how soon you'll want me? I haven't given my notice yet because I don't want to be without a paycheck"
"I'm not sure yet. Megan will give you a call after she orders everything. The supplier should be able to give her an estimated delivery date"
"Okay, Cass. Thanks. I'll get that workshop done and send it to you"
We ended our conversation, and I dialed Megan's number, thankful my headache had subsided."Hey, Meg. The loan went through. Is Ralph still on board?"
"Yes, he thinks it'll be fine, but baby comes first."
"Of course. I wouldn't have it any other way."
"Can we meet some evening this week?" she asked. "I'd like to go over the pricing you gave me for the supplies."
"Sure, any night is good for me"
"Wednesday? Meet at The Pub?"
"Okay"
We gabbed for a while, catching up on each other's lives. But twenty minutes after I'd hung up, I was still trying to build up the courage to call Josh. But first I needed what always helped me think better-chocolate. I walked to the refrigerator and pulled out the box of chocolate truffles I'd stashed, hiding them so I wouldn't be tempted to feast on the whole box in one sitting. At a time like this, though, all bets were off.
I sashayed back to the sofa, pressing my nose against the opened box to savor the smell of Belgian chocolate. I tossed a candy into my mouth and allowed it to linger on my tongue to enjoy what I called the "nectar of the chocolate gods" My affinity for chocolate had not dimmed over the years. If anything, it had intensified. Hey, I've had a lot of letdowns.
Five truffles later, I was ready to call Josh. He answered on the second ring. This was my chance to make amends. --
"I was just calling to tell you the loan has been approved."
"That's good." His tone was less than friendly, more businesslike than ever. "Should I go ahead and order the supplies tomorrow?"
"I'll be going to the bank tomorrow on my lunch hour. Hopefully, it won't go beyond the hour, but I'll be putting the money into my account. I'll text you when it's safe to order, and I can have Dad drop off a check to you."
"Okay, thanks. How will I get the key to the building?"
"My father, unless you want to meet me at the bank." Oh, please, please, please, let him say yes.
"No, that's fine. I'll wait for your father. Thanks for letting me know."
"You're welcome." A quiver of nervous tension squeezed my stomach muscles. "Listen, Josh, I'm sorry for being abrupt this afternoon. I didn't mean to be so-"
He cut in. "Look, I get it, okay?"
He clicked off before I'd had a chance to say anything else, and it was back to the box of chocolate truffles for me. As I bit into the last truffle, I decided to make these beauties for Josh. The thought made me laugh out loud. It appeared I was looking for a gateway to his heart after all. Mom would be so proud.
REGRETTABLE-EDIBLE CHOCOLATE ESPRESSO TRUFFLES
If you want to rid your conscience of regrets, you can typically fix things with chocolate-for both the offender and the offendee. Even if he isn't a chocoholic like you, you'll make him want to be one. If you give him the full 48 pieces this recipe makes, it may take a little longer for him to see you're sorry, but that's okay, because he'll be thinking of you every time he pops one of these delectable little babies into his mouth. Of course, if none of this works, you'll have to come out and tell him the truth; or, if that doesn't work, maybe ask him out on a date. It's a good thing it's still a little cool outside, because these treats are too delicate for a summer day.
In a 2-quart saucepan, heat the heavy cream on medium heat. When you start to see the cream scorching the sides of the pan, add the 16 ounces of chocolate pieces to the mixture and stir until smooth. Scorching is such a relative term, and that's just what you did to him. Remove the pan from the burner to cool off; add the chunks of butter and espresso coffee. Stir until butter is melted and mixture is smooth.
Pour the chocolate into an 8-inch-square baking dish and place in the refrigerator for no less than one hour.
Remove from the refrigerator. Spray a half baking sheet and cover the base with waxed paper or parchment paper. Using a small ice cream scoop or your hands covered with latex gloves (without the powder, please), form the mixture into 1-inch balls. If you'd rather take the easy way out-you know, like the route you always take, you can cut even squares and place those on waxed paper. Refrigerate for another hour.
If you want
to cover these delectable treats in chocolate, you can melt another 16 ounces of chopped chocolate in the microwave using a microwave-safe bowl. Again, you'll want to chop the chocolate into uniform pieces. Depending on the wattage of your microwave, a good rule of thumb to follow is 1 ounce of chocolate melts per minute. In other words, melting 16 ounces should take 16 minutes. Use 50 percent power. Check the chocolate's progress in 3-minute intervals, stirring each time, to determine how quickly it's melting-or not.
You can also coat the outside of the truffles with chopped nuts, unsweetened cocoa, jimmies, or coconut. Roll the truffles in your choice of coating and place on the waxed paper. If dipping in melted chocolate, use a fork to remove the truffle-no, don't stab it; submerge it into the melted chocolate until it's coated and lift out with the fork, tapping the fork on the side of the bowl to remove excess chocolate, and place on the waxed paper. Store the truffles in the refrigerator until serving, and make sure you return any leftovers to the refrigerator-to keep no longer than 5 days, so eat up or share. Yeah, that's always a good thing.
Now cross your fingers and pray he doesn't give you the cold, refrigerated shoulder and hope his heart melts the way these babies do in his mouth.
Excitement coursed through me at the thought of actually being an official business owner. I was in a league with the big guys now.
But my excitement was cut short when thoughts of my conversation with Josh resurfaced. I wasn't sure how I could make amends and show him I'd changed my mind without coming right out with it. My ego wouldn't let me just say it. From the dismal sound of his voice, I might have done more damage than I'd thought, which would surely result in a rejection. That would shatter me. If Mom was correct about food being the gateway to a man's heart, maybe an onslaught of food was my answer. Of course, there was no guarantee anything would work. The fact that he'd be at the shop working every day made me hopeful I'd have enough time to show him.
Pascal's angry voice echoed against the walls as I entered the kitchen. I was already feeling down about Josh, and spending more time with Pascal was like getting hit on the head with a hammer. I bit my lip and continued through the kitchen to my station.
Dishing Up Romance Page 10