Dinner at Ryan's House

Chapter Nineteen

Sitting at Ryan’s kitchen table, Goldie stared at the plate of food he set in front of her.

         “Wow!” She looked up at him. “I thought you were making a Pennsylvania Dutch entrée. This looks like something you’d eat in a five-star restaurant.”

         He took a seat across from her. “I decided to cook something more, um, gourmet.”

         “No kidding! I’m impressed.”

         “Good.” He grinned. “Shall I ask the blessing?”

         “Please do. Although I’d say this food already looks blessed.”

         He laughed. Then he offered a heartfelt prayer that warmed Goldie down to her toes. Some of her dates had neglected to bless the food when she ate with them, and Brian Chodagumski—or whatever—had mumbled his prayer in such a low voice, the only word she heard was “amen.”

         After Ryan’s good prayer and strong “amen,” Goldie dug into her food. She could not believe how wonderful it tasted. After a few minutes of her praise, Ryan seemed embarrassed and changed the subject.

         “Have you sold any pottery at the Gallery Collection?”

         “Yes, I have. But Ryan, a terrible thing happened today.”

         He stopped chewing. “What?”

         “I discovered that one of my plates had a big crack running down the side.”

         “Oh.” He forked another bite. “Maybe someone dropped it.”

         “That’s what Carl said. But I examined that plate when I got home. It looked like someone hit it with something.”

         “Who’s Carl?”

         “Carl Trennen. He’s married to Noreen, another potter. Noreen didn’t have any damage to her pottery, and neither did Henry Nesbitt.”

Ryan’s eyes widened. “Henry Nesbitt?”

“Do you know him?”

“He’s the guy who ran into my car!”

“Henry did that?” Goldie laid down her fork. “Well, that doesn’t surprise me. I’ve never trusted him. He’s unfriendly—and very protective of his pottery.”

“Do you think he might have caused the crack in your plate?”

“I hope not! But I wouldn’t put it past him.”

“Yeah. He didn’t report the accident when he ran into my Sunfire.” Ryan cocked his eyebrow at her. “You’d better keep an eye on him, Goldie.”

“I will.” She picked up her fork. “Let’s not ruin this heavenly meal by talking about Henry. I have never eaten such tasty food.”

Ryan grinned. “I bet you’re a better cook than I am.”

“Me?”

“Sure. I can imagine you in the kitchen.” He leaned forward. “In fact, why don’t you make me a meal? Tomorrow night. I’ll be free for dinner, and I can’t wait for you to demonstrate your culinary skills.”

She stared at him wide-eyed. How could Goldie, also known as Miss Almost-Burned-Down-the-School-Kitchen, compete with Ryan Collins, Mr. Make-A-Fantastic-Dinner-Without-Even-Trying? He would take one bite of her culinary offering and gag.

“Are you up to the challenge?” He waggled his eyebrows. “Will you make dinner for me?”

She took a deep breath. “I’d love to.”

If was about time she got over her fear of the stove. She would cook him the best meal he’d ever eaten. “How about Friday?”

“Next Friday?” He frowned. “But that’s a week away.”

“Yes.”  

She would need an entire week to get ready.

* * *

Let’s hope Goldie can pull it off!

Until tomorrow, God bless!