Meal Preparation

Chapter Twenty

“Frieda, help!”

         In the Kaffee Klatch, Goldie whispered the words as she approached the cashier counter. She glanced around the dining room, hoping none of the diners noticed her.

         Frieda placed her hands on her wide hips. “What is it you need?”

         “I have to make a gourmet meal for Ryan next Friday, and I…well, I don’t know how to cook.”

         Frieda chuckled. “How did you get yourself in that pickle?”

         “It’s a long story.” Goldie touched her friend’s arm. “Could you help?”

         “Of course.” Frieda smiled. “Warms my heart to hear you say Ryan, not Brian.”

         Goldie nodded. “Me, too.” Her heart was definitely involved. “I need a good meal that’s not too hard or time consuming. Something, you know, easy.”

         “Yes, yes. I get the picture.” Frieda pulled a planning book from underneath the counter and looked at her calendar. “How about if I come to your house next Tuesday afternoon? We’ll make a practice dinner. You buy the food, and I’ll show you how to cook it.”

         “That would be great! But what should I buy?”

“Let’s make a simple meal. A beef roast, mashed potatoes, and broccoli with cheese sauce.”

“Hmm…that sounds good.” Goldie snapped her fingers. “Hey! I could invite Mike and Anna over for supper. I’ll make my practice meal for them.”

On Tuesday evening, Mike and Anna sat at Goldie’s kitchen table. She presented the food on some of her favorite pottery, carefully placing a piece of roast beef, several spears of broccoli, and a good-sized dollop of mashed potatoes on each plate. After her brother said the blessing, Goldie held her breath as they started eating.

“This meal is delicious, Goldie.” Anna speared a piece of broccoli. “You did a great job.”

“Thanks.” Goldie smiled at her sister-in-law. “I must admit—Frieda made the dinner. I just helped her.”

Mike raised an eyebrow. “Do you think this same entrée will satisfy the palate on Friday evening?”

“I certainly hope so!” It was a valid question. After all, Mike remembered that school kitchen fiasco. “On Thursday, Frieda and Dirk are coming to dinner. It will be another test—my final exam, so to speak.”

Anna smiled. “I’m sure Frieda will make you cook the entire meal by yourself.”

“Unfortunately, yes.” Goldie laughed. “Hopefully it will be this good when I cook it for Ryan.”

Mike shook his head. “I cannot believe you’re dating the Imposter.”

“You haven’t even met Ryan. You might like him.”

“Brian still talks about you, Goldie. You should give him another chance.”

She rolled her eyes. “Brian is not my Prince Charming.”

“I don’t see why not.” Mike spread out his hands. “Brian’s a charming guy.”

Anna looked at her husband. “Goldie’s not attracted to him, Mike. Can’t you understand that?”

Goldie leaned forward. “I wish you could meet Ryan. You would see how wonderful and handsome he is.”

Mike raised his eyebrows. “Doesn’t he live down the street? We could make a visit after supper.”

“He’s not home right now.” In fact, he was seldom home in the evenings. Goldie wasn’t sure where he went. It couldn’t be a job—didn’t architects work during the day?

Frieda and Dirk came over on Thursday evening. Dirk hovered around the kitchen, giving Goldie pointers, until Frieda made him sit down at the table. Once again, Goldie presented the dinner on her pottery, and the meal was a success.

Frieda pronounced her ready. “You can do this, Goldie. The third time’s a charm.”

Goldie took a deep breath. “I hope you’re right.”

* * *

Come back tomorrow, and we’ll see what happens.

Until then, God bless!