A Second Helping by Andria Gaskins

Author:Andria Gaskins
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: romance, cooking, food
Publisher: Andria Gaskins
Published: 2015-02-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-Six

Michelle looped her arm around his and huddled close as they strolled around to the front of Regina’s Kitchen. “It’s getting chilly out,” she said with a slight shiver. Good thing she’d yanked on a pair of brown tights at the last minute.

Damien rested his arm across her shoulders and snuggled her to his side. “How’s that?”

“Better. You’re such the gentleman.”

“Yes, I am.” He tightened his hold. “And you can thank me later by letting me sleep over.”

“Nice try, but no.” She’d love the company but a bet was a bet, and she refused to lose her money.

Only forty-seven days to go.

Damien held the door open for her. “We’ll see.”

They bypassed the large crowd waiting to be seated and made their way to a table in the back of the restaurant.

“The place looks great. I’m embarrassed to say I haven’t been here since the summer,” Michelle said as she took her seat.

Damien removed his jacket and sat across from her. “This is my first time here since I got back from Florida, so I’m sure I’ll hear about it before the night’s over.”

Seconds later Melinda appeared. “Hey, Cuz. Long time no see.” Damien stood to give her a hug. After he sat down, she turned her attention to Michelle. “Chopped barbecue and sweet potato pie, right?”

“You remembered that?”

“Sure do! It was the first day of renovations and the easiest forty bucks I—.”

Damien cut her off, “Michelle, this lovely young woman is Reggie’s granddaughter.”

“Good to see you again, Melinda. I love the new upscale-jazz-club vibe.” Michelle sniffed in the aroma of the smoked pork that permeated the air. “I’m glad y’all still have that glorious barbecue.”

“We have live music now, too. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. Stolen Hearts is performing later. They’re really good. Y’all should stay and check ‘em out. Get your dance on,” Melinda suggested, bumping her hip against Damien.

“Where’s Reggie?” he asked.

Melinda hooked her thumb over a shoulder. “Back in the kitchen fussing at everybody like always. She’s gunning for you, too.”

“I figured that.” He glanced at Michelle. “You mind if I go back and say hey real quick?”

“No, go. I’ll look over the menu while you’re gone.”

He leaned over and kissed her, then snaked his way through a maze of tables toward the kitchen.

On his return, he set a tall slender glass of iced tea in front of her. Michelle immediately sipped from the long skinny straw. “Whoa, that’s not regular sweet tea.” She took a second taste. “What’s in this?”

“Big Daddy Moonshine, suga.” This came from a strikingly beautiful woman with a stylish silver bob who stepped from behind Damien with her fists on her hips. She looked snazzy wearing a purple double-breasted chef coat with black buttons and piping. She said, “You must be Michelle. I’m Damien’s Aunt Regina. It’s so nice to finally meet you.” She shot a side stink eye at Damien. “I don’t know why my nephew’s been hiding you from me.”

“I wasn’t hiding her. I was in Florida

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