ReKaya Gibson Virtual Book Tour

Book Excerpt





THE FOOD TEMPTRESS by Rekaya Gibson

CHAPTER 1 – Down to the Nitty-Gritty

EXERPT

Ambrosia rushes over to take his order.
“Good morning, Mr. Richards!”
“I’ll take the usual.”
“Okay, no problem.”
Fifteen minutes later, Ambrosia returns with his order—and the grits.
“Here you go, sir. Enjoy.”
As usual, Norris arranges everything before diving in. He looks at the yellowish substance dotted with red specks, pokes his spoon into it, and examines the mysterious stuff.
“Cheesy grits, how nice,” he comments in his sardonic manner.
First, Norris eats his eggs and bacon together. He bites into his toast, and sips his coffee. He repeats this process until one piece of toast is gone. Norris picks up the last piece, but puts it down to try the grits instead. He feels someone watching him, so he looks toward the kitchen. Inez stares at him, anticipating disappointment. Ambrosia, washing down a table near the counter, expects a miracle. Of course, their intent looks do not faze him.
He nibbles on the grits and sets his spoon down on the table, picks up the plate and lowers his nose to get a whiff, inhaling like a serious pothead. His eyes twinkle. He grabs the spoon and licks it clean. He dives in and withdraws a heap of goodness. As he opens his mouth, Ambrosia studies his full lips, noticing them for the first time. The pepper sauce—that she stirred in before serving—explodes in his mouth. He closes his eyes for a moment. A teardrop falls from his left eye as the cheese tickles his tongue.
As long as Norris has been coming to the café, the serving staff has never seen him eat anything except eggs, bacon, unbuttered toast, and black coffee—until now.
“What the hell?” He chokes out, “This is actually good.” Then louder, “Waitress, oh waitress! Who made this?”
Ambrosia smiles shyly and says, “I did. Want more?”
He nods and says, “Sounds good to me.”
“You can have some every day when you come in.”
Norris places his money on the table, and as he turns to leave the restaurant, calls out, “I’ll see you tomorrow, Ambrosia.” He walks out with a little pep in his step. Ambrosia is proud of herself. She never knows how her food will affect men and for how long. She already notices a positive change in his behavior. She hopes to reap the benefits of future alterations. She cannot wait to see him again.
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The next morning, Norris sits down at his special table, smiling. The servers look at each other in amazement. Instantly, Ambrosia appears at his table.
“Good morning, Ambrosia!”
“Hello, Mr. Richards.”
“I’ll have the norm...um, and the cheese grits.”
“Certainly, sir.”
“Ambrosia?”
“Yes.” She thinks, This is it.
“I’ll have a small glass of orange juice with my meal today.”
“Why, Mr. Richards, you devil, you.” She heads toward the counter to pick up his food.
“Here you go. Enjoy.”
Norris eats his food like a typical man, without arranging it on the table and eating it in order. Ambrosia is happy that her plan seems to be working. She cannot wait to go on a date with Norris.
She watches him eat his food as she delivers a tray to the customers standing near the front door. He starts with the grits, alternating bites with the rest of his food. Norris closes his eyes and moves his head from side to side, similar to Stevie Wonder.
It’s really gone to his head.
Take it easy, big boy. That stuff is potent. Norris finishes his meal and motions Ambrosia to his table.
“Ambrosia, that was another great meal. Would you consider going out with me?”
She manages to say, “What?”
“Will you go out with me? You caught my eye when you fell with grace at the farmer’s market. I’ve been checking you out since then. So, what do you say?”
“Yes, I’ll go on a date with you.”
“Let’s meet at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday at Copeland’s. I hear they have a good champagne brunch. Here’s my phone number. Give me a call so we can get to know each other a little better before we go out.”
Ambrosia is almost speechless. “Okay, talk to you later.”
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