I laughed. "Not at all. I'm in a good mood-a really good mood."
"Oh, do you have anything you want to tell me?"
"No" I grinned and continued toward the station. "I wish I did, Charlie."
Anxious to see Josh, I burst into the shop with gusto-only to find him kissing Allie. My gasp alerted Allie I'd seen them. I was overwrought with emotion and can only imagine the expression on my face.
"I'm sorry," Allie said. "I wasn't expectin' you so early." I could see that the side of Josh's face was crimson. He never looked my way, but Allie couldn't hide her guilty expression. I wasn't sure how long I could play by the rules I'd set for myself, but it was a crash course in reality for me.
I excused myself and made my way to the bathroom and closed the door behind me. What was I thinking? A tight hug, a promise-what was that all about? It certainly didn't constitute a change of heart-at least, not his. The tears flooded down my cheeks like hot lava. I'd been so stupid to think this could work out, and even more stupid to want to get involved with anyone again. Marriage? I was delusional. I'd set myself up for failure.
After the reeling stopped, I splashed water on my face. I heard their raised voices and left through the back door, unable to handle anything more. I was finished with ever thinking about becoming involved with anyone-ever.
ALL-I-NEED-IS-A-MIRACLE VEGETARIAN CHILI
Using medium heat, coat the bottom of a 5-quart pot with the olive oil and add the carrots, onions, peppers, and garlic. Saute the vegetables until slightly cooked but not brown-in chef lingo, this is called "sweating" the vegetables. You've got major explaining to do, sir. You tell the woman she's it, and you're kissing another woman when she walks in early? That's major bad news, buddy. It's going to take more than an apology to get out of this one.
Okay, so add the tomatoes, tomato paste, beer, and all the spices and stir to blend thoroughly. Cook for 40-45 minutes. Add the cooked beans and chocolate and simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together for another 30 minutes. Now drown your sorrows in a hot bowl of chili served with the shredded cheese of your choice sprinkled over top and a dollop of sour cream, and if you're really daring, add more jalapenos or cayenne and see whether the smoke comes out of your ears. You need to burn the memory of Cassie seeing you and Allie kissing. Now, if only that were possible for Cassie to do, because you just trampled on her heart. Makes 6-8 servings.
I entered the apartment and slumped down on the sofa. The phone rang and I ignored it, not even looking at the screen to see who was calling. I didn't care. I had to shut the world out and everyone in it. The cramps in my stomach came more readily. I clutched my gut to stop the pain that took my breath away, to no avail. Trying to calm myself from the anger ripping me apart only served to make me angrier with myself for allowing him to infiltrate the barriers I'd built. What made me think I wanted this? Why had I allowed myself to dream about something so beyond my grasp?
A vision of their kiss came into view. I closed my eyes, willing it to go away, but it didn't stop, and neither did the pain now squeezing my heart. Was he holding her in as tight an embrace as he held me yesterday? What difference did it make? It was obvious I'd read way too much into our kiss.
"Stupid, stupid, stupid," I shouted, and then the tears erupted like a broken dam. Later, when all the tears had subsided, I walked to the kitchen and filled a glass with cool water and headed back to the sofa. I needed to think about this more objectively; and this time, Allie would hear my wrath about interfering with Josh's progress, and it had nothing to do with my jealousy. If they wanted to neck, it would have to be on their own time.
My head was pounding. I popped some aspirin from the bottle on the end table and washed them down with the water. Remembering I had an ice pack in my tiny freezer, I walked back to the kitchen and removed it, thinking the ice would relieve the pain in my head faster than the aspirin could. I lay back down on the sofa and positioned the ice pack over my closed eyes, willing my body to sleep.
I was jolted awake by someone pounding on my door. I tiptoed to the door and looked through the peephole. It was Allie. The last person on earth I wanted to see. She pounded her fist harder.
"Cassie, please. I know you're in there. Please open the door. I really need to talk to you"
I took a deep breath and unlocked the door, pulling it open.
"Phew, thank you" She entered without being invited. "I've been calling you all afternoon"
"What do you want, Allie?" I said firmly.
"I need to talk to you about what you saw or think you saw when you barged into the shop"
"I `barged' into the shop because it's my business. And yes, we do need to talk. I know you care for Josh, but I'm disappointed you broke your promise to me and interfered with him working-the man I'm paying good money to get my shop ready for business"
"You do love him, don't you?"
"Allie, this isn't about me, this is about you. You seem to have your own set of rules. Well, I've got news for you: if you want to work for me, I get to make the rules. You are to stay away from the shop until I tell you when to begin working. I don't want you phoning Josh while he's working, or bringing lunch to him. Do you understand?" She nodded and opened her mouth to speak. "I'm not finished."
"Okay"
"If you want to smooch it up with your boyfriend, you do it on your own time, not mine. Third, if you mess up again, I will fire you"
"I understand exactly what you're saying, and I agree. I came here to apologize and tell you that I'm going back home where I belong. Josh didn't kiss me this afternoon-I kissed him. We'd had a big of argument, and I wanted to see if he cared for me and found out it isn't me he cares for. Like I was sayin' yesterday, we have nothing in common. I'm ready to go back home an' git hitched to Cyle. My mama said he's been miserable without me. And I know I let you down, ma'am, and I'm real sorry 'bout that. I don't know why I got all hung up on Josh." She gestured with her hands. "Probably 'cause he's so handsome. But he's not like any of the guys I've ever dated back home. Y'all are used to that kind of treatment. I'm not and I don't wanna be, so Mama wired me some money, and I'm going home"-she caught her breath-"on the first bus out in the mornin'. So, please don't be mad at me, or Josh. I think he's crazy about you, because he sure isn't crazy about me:"
"Fine" I was relieved she was leaving. Not because I was going to rush into Josh's arms, but because ever since Allie had taken the job, I'd been thinking she'd be the one to get the Academy Award for her performance in a drama.
DING-DONG, THE-DRAMA'S-GONE CORN BREAD
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
Using a preseasoned 10-inch cast-iron skillet-as in, you've used it before and it's not brand-new-spray bottom and sides with baking spray, and place on center rack in preheated oven for no less than 10 minutes. This is what gives the corn bread a yummy golden color and is the method used in the South, although with less sugar.
In a large bowl, mix together the dry ingredients, breaking lumps with your fingers. Set aside.
Mix wet ingredients together in a small bowl and whisk until creamy. Combine the two together and whisk until you reach the consistency of a thick batter.
Pour batter into the preheated skillet, place it in the oven, and bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown. Insert a tester into the center of the corn bread-if it comes out clean, it's done. Makes 8-10 servings.
Okay, chalk up another obstacle blasted out of the way. It's time for you to breathe a sigh of relief and move forward-wherever that is. You're crazy about him; Allie thinks he crazy about you-wave the magic wand, and let the real dreams begin.
You finished your externship yesterday," Mom said when I entered the shop. "Are you excited to be here full-time now?"
"Yes, I am"
Josh turned his head slightly when he heard my voice and continued to screw the last cabinet into place. I had planned to avoid him unless it was business-related. I wasn't sure I believed Allie, and actually ... I didn't know what to think. It
had nothing to do with being jealous-not much, anyway.
"Looks pretty good, doesn't it?" Dad said, gesturing toward the kitchen.
"It does," I said, taking in the full picture. "He's done an amazing job. I guess Charlie knew what he was talking about when he recommended him."
"Where's Allie today?" Mom asked, moving closer to join the conversation.
"Oh, she decided she didn't fit in with the New York lifestyle and she was missing home, so she decided to leave."
"Thank God." She grinned from ear to ear, then broke into song. "'Oh happy day, oh happy day."'
"Mother, why, you little devil." I grinned.
"So now we can focus on getting you and Josh togetherwithout any distractions."
"No, no. That's not how this is going to play out at all. I'm not interested in becoming involved with him or anyone else. So let's just leave it alone, shall we?"
"Do I have to?"
"Absolutely." I noticed some of the shelves stocked with supplies. "Did you do this?"
"Yes. Dad and I did. Do you like the way they're displayed?"
"I do"
I noticed Josh glancing my way, but I ignored him and pretended to be involved in my conversation with Mom. "Okay, shall we get started?"
"Well, we have to go"
"Oh, Mom, please don't leave me alone."
"I have a doctor's appointment for my annual checkup."
"Okay. Will you be back?"
"It depends on how long I have to wait in the doctor's office. Why don't you stop by the apartment for dinner?"
"Sure. What are you making me?"
"I'll think of something." She slipped her arms inside her sweater and zipped up the front. "Hey, Josh, want to come for dinner tonight?" she said in a raised voice, and then hiked the shoulder strap of her handbag higher. I made a face. "It'll only be the four of us just like family." She grinned. A queasy feeling swirled around inside my body.
411 d love to, Lucy" He glanced my way. "What time?"
"How's five thirty or six o'clock, if your slave-driver boss doesn't make you stay later." She turned to me. "Is that okay with you, boss lady?"
"Sure. I don't have control over what time he stops working.'-'
She laughed when she saw my frustrated expression. "Cassie, you are so transparent" She turned to look for Dad. "Work it out before dinner, okay?" She brushed me off and began to head for the door.
"Come with me for a minute," I said, pulling on her arm and dragging her toward the back. "Hey, what do you think about me turning this room into a nursery for mothers who want to take my classes?"
She didn't respond. Instead, she called out to Dad. "Hey, Michael!"
Dad grunted when he stood upright after flattening the box the exhaust hood came in. "What, Lucy?"
"Cassie wants to turn the back room into a nursery." I watched Mom give Josh a wink just before she and Dad strutted out the door.
MAMA'S-DREAMIN'-TINY-TOES
MOLTEN LAVA CAKES
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
Cut the chocolate in half and chop one half into uniform pieces. Break the remaining half into 4 one-inch squares and set aside for later. Using a pastry brush, grease the inside of four ramekins with melted butter.
Melt the chocolate chunks in the top of a double boiler or use a microwave-safe bowl at 50 percent power, estimating 1 minute per ounce as a guide. Check at 2-minute intervals to avoid burning. Once the chocolate is melted, stir in the chunks of butter with a wire whisk until smooth. Add the liqueur and thoroughly incorporate. Set aside.
But don't set the romance aside. You keep that heat on. Knowing Cassie wants to set up a nursery means she doesn't dislike childrenand might be open to the idea of having them herself someday. Who cares if she claims she's setting it up for her customers-we see right through that, don't we?
But for right now, although we know subtlety has never been one of your attributes, don't rush to the reception hall just yet. Secretly make the call and schedule something, but don't announce it until later. These two kids need to make up and make out first. We know you've been waiting a long time, but your patience is imperative right now. One wrong move could push Cassie in the opposite direction, especially if she thinks this is what you want. You know how she is. Whatever you want, she wants just the opposite. Although we must admit she's giddy when she's around him-all positive signs. Now, that being said, if things come to a standstill, all bets are off. Forget what I said about slowing down-it's full speed ahead, Lucy.
Yeah, we're just as anxious as you to hear those tiny feet running down the hallway. It will happen; of this we're sure. And don't forget, once they're married, you have carte blanche to nudge all you want. She'll just roll her eyes, but if you can get the husband on your side, and we know you can, she'll have more than you hounding her.
Place the eggs, yolks, sugar, vanilla and instant coffee powder in a bowl, and beat with an electric mixer on high speed until the batter is thickened. Sift the flour over the mixture and blend. Now add in the melted chocolate and fold until mixed thoroughly. Fill each ramekin to within a 1/2 inch from the top. Place a 1-inch square of chocolate in the center of each ramekin.
Bake for approximately 15 minutes, until puffed. Cool cakes for 5 minutes before plating, bottom side up, and watch that chocolate center ooze out onto the plate.
Serve warm with whipped cream. Ahh, this cake is enough to reel in the future son-in-law and seal the deal. Isn't this the best? The icing on the cake! You go, Mama! We've got your back on this one! Makes 4 servings.
I checked my watch. "When are you breaking for lunch?" I asked Josh.
"I was just thinking about calling in for another pizza"
"You must really love pizza! Aren't you getting tired of it?"
"When you live alone, what difference does it make? I usually buy a large pie and keep in it my fridge and eat two slices per meal. I bring it to work, and by the time I eat it, it's room temperature, so I don't even have to heat it up"
"Well, you're not having pizza today. I'll go out and get something. What would you like?"
There was a sudden eagerness in his eyes. "What I'd really like is to talk to you about what happened yesterday."
"Okay," I said, moving closer to where he stood. "Shoot. I'm listening."
"I apologize for what happened. I don't know what prompted her to kiss me. I certainly didn't do anything to provoke it"
I wanted to shout that he didn't have to do anything for a woman to want to kiss him, but I refrained. "Josh, it had nothing to do with you kissing her." Yeah, right. "It was simply because you were in a work environment, and I'm not paying you to neck with her"
"But I didn't start it. I was leaning over the worktable, measuring a piece of wood, when she planted a kiss right on my mouth"
"So, you're telling me that even though you were dating, you didn't instigate a kiss?"
He looked stunned. "What are you talking about? We weren't dating, Cass. Where the heck did you get that idea?"
"You told me you took her out"
"Yeah, I took her out for dinner a few times, and a Broadway show because she didn't know anyone." He closed his eyes. "She obviously thought it was much more than that. I guess my good deed made her think we were a couple." He held up his hand. "That's all it was-nothing more." He shook his head. "What does it matter to you, anyway? The only thing you care about is that I don't break the rules. So I'll say it one more time. I'm sorry. Now can we get past this and just move on?"
"Fine. It's done" He turned away, and I allowed my eyes to drink in his masculine physique. "So, what would you like for lunch?" He didn't respond. I walked in front of him and pushed my hand out. "Truce."
He grinned and met my hand. "Truce."
44Cmon," I whined, "remove your tool belt. I'm taking you to lunch."
His mouth quirked into a sexy grin. "Yes, ma'am." He saluted. "Where are you taking me?"
"There's a great little sandwich shop in downtown Nutley tha
t I think you'll enjoy. The sandwiches are huge. Of course, if you eat a whole one, you have to promise to leave room for whatever my mother is making for us tonight."
He laughed and patted his stomach. "I can fit a lot of food in here."
"Lucy will be thrilled"
"Want me to drive?" he asked.
"Nah, we're not that far from town. Let's walk. The weather is so nice today, it'll be a treat to get some fresh air."
"Okay."
We walked side by side in silence, passing by the shops on Main Street. It was as though neither of us knew what to say next. When we reached Franklin Avenue, we crossed over and walked the few blocks to Mile High. The restaurant was busy with workmen on their lunch hour and a few mothers with their children. Josh pulled the door open for me.
"Thank you." It felt so good to have someone treat me like a lady.
We ordered our sandwiches at the counter and meandered back to a table in the corner.
"Hey, do you like Broadway shows?" he asked, a smile creasing his handsome face.
"I adore Broadway shows," I responded, with more enthusiasm than I'd intended, and I reveled in knowing we had something else in common. "What was the last one you saw?"
"Billy Elliot," he said, and excitedly told me about the performance.
"I saw the movie, but I'll bet the play was even better"
"I loved it. Allie didn't like it."
"Well, to each his own" I sipped the water the waitress brought to our table. "I'd love to see The Addams Family."
"Then let's go." He stopped talking, a strange expression on his face as though he'd said something he shouldn't have. "That is, if you'd like to go with me ... not like a date or anything, but as friends. What do you say?"
"I would love to go. I can pick up the tickets," I said.
"That won't be necessary. My sister works in the theater. She can get them for us" He smiled when the waitress delivered our sandwiches. "Whoa," he said when he eyed the sandwich, "they aren't kidding here, are they?"
Dishing Up Romance Page 16