Tiana Read Online Free Page A

chairs.
    Her mother sat beside her. “It is a palace,” her mom said.
    Tiana looked up at her mother. All of the problems that day had finally gotten to her. “Thanks,” she mumbled. “But I don’t feel so royal now. I wanted everything to be perfect for the opening and to impress Jono La Crème.”
    Shaking her head, Eudora laughed. “Oh, Tiana,” she said, “you don’t need to impress anyone. Remember that your dream was to open a restaurant so other people could enjoy your food. You have a gift—just like your father did.”
    Tiana’s shoulders were still slumped. Her sparkly tiara slipped off her head and clunked down on the table.
    â€œI have two people working on the lighting problem. It looks like a fuse blew,” Naveen reported as he came into the kitchen.
    When he noticed that Tiana was looking sad, he went to her and draped his arm around her shoulders. “Don’t worry, we’ll get this fixed in no time.” He smiled at her. “I promise.”
    Tiana wanted to believe Naveen, but she couldn’t help feeling sad. “First Louis loses his trumpet, and now this! What next?”
    â€œCome here,” Naveen said, holding out his hand. He guided Tiana over to the window and pointed outside. “Look up at the stars,” he told her. “Remember how you once wished on a star?”
    Tiana nodded her head. How could she forget? That was the night she had met Naveen.
    â€œYou have your restaurant and so much more. This is just one small problem. It’ll be just fine.” Naveen grinned. “Now can we please have some of your amazing gumbo?”
    â€œThanks, Naveen,” Tiana whispered.

    Eudora came up behind them. “And no one would be prouder of you than your father,” she added. “In candlelight or in the light of a fancy chandelier.”
    Tiana nodded. She had a restaurant full of people and a kitchen full of food. If this was her dream, she had better start serving it up!
    â€œYou’re right,” she said. “But what will Jono La Crème think?” She looked at Naveen and her mother. “Big Daddy got him to come, and I don’t want to disappoint him.”
    â€œYou’ll find out soon enough,” Charlotte said, sneaking up on them. “Mr. La Crème just walked in! He’s sitting at a table right now.”
    â€œOh, no!” Tiana said in a panic.
    â€œOh, he’s peachy keen,” Charlotte explained. “The maître d’ escorted him to his table with a candle in his hand. He seems very happy. He’s already tapping his fingers to Louis’s music.”
    Tiana turned to Naveen. “You better get out there and play!” she said. “Louis will be wondering where you are. I’ll be all right, I promise.”
    Lottie went over to the table and picked up the tiara. “Here, Tia,” she said. “Now go introduce yourself to your newest guest. I just know he is looking forward to meeting you.”
    A smile spread across Tiana’s face. As she put on the tiara, the lights flickered back on.
    Naveen gave Tiana a quick kiss on her cheek. Then he held up his ukulele. “Now I am off to play a good old piece of jazz.”
    Tiana smiled and walked out of the kitchen to meet the famous Mr. Jono La Crème.

F rom across the room, Tiana saw Jono La Crème. He was sitting at a table near the front of the restaurant. He wore a pin-striped brown suit with a white shirt and a yellow tie. He was mostly bald with a little bit of dark hair, and he had a small mustache that curled up at the ends. His large belly spilled over his pants. Tiana thought he definitely looked like a man who loved food.
    â€œGo ahead.” Charlotte had seen her friend hesitate. She gave Tiana a little push forward. “Introduce yourself to him.” She smiled warmly. “He’s going to rave about your food; don’t worry so