Tiana by Helen Perelman

Author:Helen Perelman
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Fiction - Young Adult
Publisher: Disney Publishing Worldwide
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Just then, the kitchen door swung open. Naveen entered with his parents, the king and queen of Maldonia. Tiana rushed over to greet her in-laws with a formal bow, but they both reached out to give her a hug.

“We’re thrilled to be here,” the king said, grinning. “I’ve been dreaming of your gumbo our whole trip.”

“And your delicious corn bread,” the queen added. “Everything looks wonderful, Tiana. Well done!”

Tiana blushed. “Thank you for coming. This night means so much to me, and to Naveen. He and the band have prepared a special song in your honor.”

Naveen nodded. “Yes, it’s true,” he said. “We’ve come up with a few new numbers for this evening. We hope that you’ll dance and enjoy.”

Lottie clapped her hands together and did a little jump. “I am just so excited to be here for this party.”

“Come out and greet our guests,” Naveen said, taking Tiana’s hand. “You should see all the people. Everyone is anxious to meet the princess behind the food!”

He saw Tiana’s eyes flash.

“No, Jono La Crème isn’t here yet,” he said, assuring her. “But don’t worry, he’ll have a great time—and a great meal—once he arrives.”

Tiana followed Naveen, his parents, and Lottie out the door. The dining room looked beautiful. The golden tablecloths glistened in the warm light of the chandelier. The lilies and birds-of-paradise smelled wonderful. And the delicious aroma from the kitchen wafted through the room. Tiana smiled and greeted her guests.

“Tia!” someone shouted from across the room. A girl came rushing toward Tiana.

“Georgia!” Tiana blurted out. She hugged her friend tightly. “I’m so glad you came!”

Georgia smiled. “Girl, you know I never miss a good party,” she said, grinning. Her short curly hair was styled in a bob, and her purple and black dress fit her perfectly. “Tia, this place is gorgeous,” she gushed. “You’ve come a long way from waiting tables at Duke’s Diner!”

Smiling, Tiana thanked her old friend. When Tiana was first starting out, she had worked double shifts waiting tables in restaurants. She had big dreams but no money. While Georgia and many of her friends were out on the town, Tiana always had to work. She was thankful that her hard work had paid off, and that she could share this opening night with her old and new friends.

“Enjoy,” Tiana told Georgia.

“I will, My Royal Highness…I mean, Your Royal Highness!” Georgia said, giggling. Then she said, “I still can’t get used to that.”

“I can’t either!” Tiana responded. She touched the tiara on her head and moved on to the next table to greet more guests.

Just at that moment, the lights flickered. Tiana looked up, and in a flash, the lights in the chandelier flicked off.

An opening-night blackout?

That was not on the menu!

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