Tiana Read Online Free Page B

much!”
    Tiana walked slowly toward the table. As she got closer, she saw that next to Mr. La Crème was a pad of paper and a pen. What would he write? Would he tell people to come to her restaurant?
    Tiana took a deep breath and walked up to Mr. La Crème. Charlotte was still standing across the room, watching. She waved encouragingly.
    Tiana waited until the song ended. Charlotte was right about Mr. La Crème liking music. He seemed to be enjoying the band. When Louis blew a long note to end the song, Tiana walked up to the critic.
    â€œWelcome to Tiana’s Palace, Mr. La Crème,” she said boldly. She extended her hand. “I am Tiana, and I’m so glad that you could be with us this evening.”
    Her heart was racing! She was trying to sound calm, but she wondered if he could tell how nervous she was to have him in her restaurant.
    â€œLovely to meet you, Princess,” he said in a slow Southern drawl. “I’m looking forward to tasting your food. The LaBouffs speak very highly of you.” He leaned back in his chair and sniffed the air. “Something in that kitchen of yours smells good.”
    â€œWell, I sure hope you enjoy the food,” she said. She backed away and scurried into the kitchen. Her mother was loading up the tray for Mr. La Crème. A waiter was standing by to take the food to him, but Tiana put her hand up.
    â€œI’d like to take this tray,” she said.
    Her mother smiled at her. “I’m sure Mr. La Crème would like that,” she said sweetly.
    Tiana carried a tray with her gumbo, a basket of homemade biscuits, and skillet corn bread. She placed the dishes on the table in front of Mr. La Crème.
    â€œI was raised on my granddaddy’s gumbo,” Mr. La Crème told her. He opened his napkin and tucked it into his collar. “But I’m looking forward to trying yours.”

    Tiana smiled. “Thank you,” she said. “The recipe is my daddy’s, and it was passed down to him. I hope you have a great time here tonight. Please enjoy.”
    As she walked back to the kitchen, Tiana wasn’t sure what to think. Would Mr. La Crème like the gumbo? Was it too spicy? Not spicy enough? Knowing that he grew up with a favorite gumbo worried Tiana. She ducked into the kitchen and then peered through the small round window in the door.
    Charlotte and Tiana’s mother also tried to get a glimpse of Mr. La Crème. The three of them wondered what he was thinking.
    First, Mr. La Crème sniffed the gumbo. Then he took his spoon and made swirls in the bowl. After a few moments, he lifted a spoonful up to his nose.
    â€œOh, the suspense!” Charlotte cried.
    â€œHeavens!” Tiana’s mother said. She wiped her forehead with a handkerchief. “I wish he’d taste the food already!”
    â€œI know,” Tiana said with a heavy sigh. “I wish he would eat!”
    As soon as the spoon hit Mr. La Crème’s lips, Tiana got a huge surprise! The kitchen door flung open and pushed her, Charlotte, and her mother clear across the room!
    â€œOh, no!” Naveen cried. “Are you all right?” He hurried toward them. One at a time, he helped them up. When they were all standing, he looked at them inquisitively. “What were you doing there, anyway?”
    Tiana blushed. She was embarrassed to admit that she’d been trying to spy on the food critic. “We were just trying to get a glimpse of Mr. La Crème as he tried my gumbo,” she said sheepishly. She felt silly getting caught. She looked up at Naveen.
    â€œThe fate of this restaurant is in his hands,” she blurted out.
    â€œYou mean his mouth,” Charlotte said, giggling. She ran over and peered through the door again. She started to jump up and down. “Now he’s trying the biscuits!”
    Naveen grabbed Tiana’s hand. “Ma cherie, he is one person. You are worrying about him too much. Come