A Sweet and Spicy Kind Of Love

by Minx Charmer

  ~~~

  The three hours were almost up and most of the meals were prepared. At the sound of the timer, all contestants stepped aside and prepared to be judged. As each contestant’s chili was tasted and the scores written down, the audience clapped with delight. The entire crowd was having a wonderful time and a festive atmosphere lingered within.

  Since the judging began with the last contestant working their way down to the first, Molly still had a few minutes to collect her thoughts. As the judges got closer, she thought for the millionth time if it was right to do what she had planned. But it was now or never. With quick deft movements, she held her breath, placed the secret ingredient in the chili and stirred it quickly. As Yolanda had predicted, it blended it well with no outward signs that anything had been added at the last minute.

  When the judges got to her table all of them smiled, except for stoned faced Julian, and Judge number one asked her to describe her ingredients before the taste test could begin. Molly complied dutifully and the judges prepared to taste the meal. But, before the first judge could act, Molly found her courage and spoke up firmly ““Respectfully Judges, I would like Mr. Chambers to be the first to taste my dish as there is one secret ingredient I think only he can identify.”

  The room grew quiet and then whispers surfaced through the crowds, as the remaining judges looked at her with an odd expression.

  Molly refused to flinch. Smiling as gracefully as she could, she repeated her request in a firm voice “Mr. Chambers, would you please taste my dish and then I will reveal the last secret ingredient?”

  Not bothering to hide his surprise, Julian came forward and did as she requested. Molly waited as calmly as she could for his reaction. It wasn’t long in coming. First he coughed, then his eyes watered as he looked at her in astonishment. A moment later he turned multiple shades of red, as beads of sweat peppered his brow and then he doubled over.

  The other judges were torn between looking at Molly and watching Julian. Stunned, Judge Number four inquired “Julian, are you all right? Surely the chili can’t be that hot, can it?” Julian did not respond to that question other than to gasp as he begged for some milk.

  Judge number three couldn’t help herself and started to laugh. “Good gracious Man. I have never seen such an odd reaction to perfectly good chili. Milk? We are used to this sort of thing and you told us you could handle any kind of chili no matter how how hot it was. What is wrong with you?”

  Molly fought to keep still. She knew exactly what was wrong with him. The Moruga pepper that was a part of her chili was one of the hottest on the market. Guaranteed to get a reaction, no matter how professional a taster was.

  Springing into plan B she acted swiftly. “Oh my goodness. I am so sorry. It seems as though my Chili is a little warmer that I had intended. I will take Mr. Chambers with me and make sure that he gets the milk he desperately needs. I respectfully withdraw from the competition as it is my dish that has caused this violent upset.”

  Amidst the scatterings of laughter and stunned expressions from both the judges and the audience, Molly led a gasping Julian to the manor kitchen to get some relief.

  ~~~

  Yolanda jumped with glee and ran behind Molly and Julian. Things were falling into place and now just one final part to make the plan complete. When she got to the kitchen Julian was still doubled over, sweating like a bull and begging for some milk. Molly’s face was white and her lips pinched, but her eyes reflected determination. The staff was staring in horror and even Belinda did not look pleased.

  “Molly, I certainly hope you have nothing to do with Julian in this appalling state. What is wrong with him pray tell? What have you done and why does he want milk when we don’t have a drop in the house? The children drank it all and I just sent to the village for some more. Speak up young lady.”

  Rose came running in with a horrified look and tried to get Julian to sit up, but he was incapable of moving as the pain was so great.

  Turning to Molly with tears in her eyes she demanded immediate reparation of the damage “My goodness gracious Molly. What did you give him to eat? Undo what you have done immediately. My poor darling is in pain.”

  Yolanda moved into action and ordered everyone out “All of you leave. This is between Molly and Julian. To tell the truth if you had all left them alone to be themselves, none of this would have happened. Too many hands in the same dish make a spoilt mess, if I do say so. Now everybody out and leave them alone. Come on, scram, scram, that includes you too Belinda even if you’re her mama… shoo, shoo.”

  In splendid fashion, Yolanda cleared the room in record time and gave Molly the brew to cure Julian’s sufferings. “Here is the liquid antidote my dear. Get that down his throat and he will be well in no time. Hopefully he will see the humor of the situation and I wish you the best.” With a quick kiss to Molly’s forehead Yolanda was gone, leaving Molly behind with an aching Julian, in an empty kitchen.

  Taking her time, Molly raised Julian’s head and noted his dilated pupils and strained face. Softly she poured the brew down his throat and watched his expression slowly return to normal.

  With loving hands she smoothed the hair from his brow and kissed him tenderly on the forehead. When he could finally speak, he whispered “What in the world did you put into that chili? Betsy –boot- something or other was it?”

  Molly’s smile was contrite “Actually it was the moruga pepper. I knew that would get some kind of reaction.”

  Julian touched his throat and swallowed painfully “Yes it certainly did, but why in the world would you do that?”

  Molly took a deep breath. It was now or never. “Because I love you, you large overbearing dolt. I have from the time we were in school together and I have done practically everything in my power to get you to notice me. So far the only thing I have gotten in return are icy glares, sarcastic comments and blank stares. I am tired of it Julian and I want to know right here and now, if we will ever have a future together. That is why I did what I did. I wanted your attention and by heavens I did get it, if only for a moment.”

  Julian’s expression was one of blanket disbelief. Molly sighed. Men were so obtuse sometimes. “Did you hear me Julian?”

  “Of course I heard you; I think the whole outdoors heard you. Are you aware that you just yelled every single word you said?”

  Molly laughed subconsciously as her cheeks flush a light pink “Sorry, I’ve had that on my chest for years and I wanted you to know. And frankly I don’t care if the whole outdoors heard me. I had to speak my heart. So what is your reply Mr. Chambers?”

  Julian’s eyes twinkled as he said “I only have one condition.”

  Molly held her breath “And that is?”

  “That you never, ever make that chili for me again.”

  Molly laughed. “Of course not. Does that mean you are willing to give us a try?”

  Julian nodded “Yes, Ms. Red head, carrot top, trouble maker!”

  Molly hugged Julian so hard he groaned “My stomach still hurts you know? I think you’ve destroyed the lining on my intestines for the rest of my life.”

  Molly giggled and hugged him tighter “Don’t worry my love. I have been told that food is the cure for all ills, and I happen to be an excellent cook.”

  When Yolanda burst into the kitchen a moment later, she whooped with delight and ran over to hug them both. Julian groaned even harder “Both of you will be the death of me.”

  ~~~

  The competition wrapped up the following day and Valeria won a prize of her own. ‘Most Original Flavor chili’ with her name on the plaque and a cash prize. It brought a sense of contentment she had never felt before, and a sense of fulfillment to have done something all by herself. Tommy was over the moon and begged her to come and meet his mother.

  “Please Val, come with me. Mother will love you now especially since you have a prize. I might even see you on TV. That will be great, right?”

  Valeria nodded in agreement. Th
ere was simply nothing else to do. There were no more viable candidates in Sunnyvale and Julian was irrevocably spoken for. In the end Molly had won through grit, determination and unfading hope.

  With an invisible salute, Valeria smiled bitterly. Perhaps she should have learned something from the red head all those years ago, but now it was simply too late. Goodbye Julian. Be happy always. I’ll never forget what could have been.

  Tommy held out his hand, as he watched Valeria struggle with her innermost feelings. When she put her hand in his, he sighed deeply and held on tight. He promised himself that he would make her happy. So happy, that soon Julian would be nothing but a distant and faded memory.

  Two weeks later

  Lionel hummed softly. He was taking a walk by the gardens and enjoying the perfumed scent of the blooms. As he viewed the estate and the grounds, he noted that Templeton manor was transforming under his very nose. The servants smiled more often, guests would stop by now and then to visit, and Rose’s face was not as strained as it had been in the past. All because of a red head named Molly Makepeace. She had brought joy and contentment to them all, with her feisty personality and kind heart. Lionel’s only regret was the time it took to realize the kind of woman that was needed at the manor.

  Making his way to the kitchen he reviewed the dinner menu in his mind. He wanted something special for Julian’s proposal so everything had to be perfect. When he arrived, the staff stared at him in horror. Lionel laughed and Rose’s gaping mouth made him laugh even harder. “Looks like you’ve seen a gargoyle or something.”

  Rose was the first to speak “Ummm, welcome Lionel, uh welcome to the kitchen. We haven’t seen you here in years, which is why we are a bit surprised. Would you like something special?”

  “Nah Rose, not for me. For Julian. Tonight he will propose to Molly and I wanted something nice for them both. As Molly is a great cook, I think that you should get something extraordinary that she would really enjoy. How about some seafood fare or something like that? Something exotic… I don’t know. You figure it out.”

  Rose nodded with a warm smile “I am so glad to hear that Lionel. She really is the one to bring life to us again. Not to worry. I will find something extra special. Leave it to us.”

  ~~~

  Belinda and Molly shared a quiet meal at the Inn, on Molly’s last day of work. “I can’t believe it my darling, after so long you finally got your man.”

  Molly giggled and held her hand over her chest “Oh mom! I never dreamed I could feel this good, but I am so scared. Suppose I mess up? Suppose I say the wrong thing? Do you think he really cares for me, or is it just that I’ve worn him to the ground?”

  Belinda reached over and placed both of Molly’s hands in her own “Molly do not start to second guess yourself. Be who you are and who you have always been. Trust that the love you have, will guide you through difficult days and sleepless nights. And if he feels the same way, you will be all right. I know you will.”

  Molly hugged her mother, as she wiped the tears away from the corners of her eyes “Mom, are you so happy for me that you’re crying or is it something else?”

  Belinda smiled through tears “Tears of joy for you my love and hoping that your dreams come true. Now, let us finish our desert and then we will get you ready for tonight. I think he might propose, don’t you?”

  Molly gasped “Mom, do you really think so? I would be over the moon if he did, but I don’t want to get my hopes up.”

  Belinda winked “I might have some inside knowledge about this, but let’s wait and see shall we?”

  Molly agreed. For once she did not press her mother to reveal what she knew. Too much excitement could be a bad thing, if the churning butterflies in her stomach were any indication.

  ~~~

  Yolanda arrived at the house, just before Molly and her mother left for Templeton Manor. In a bright, orange, jump suit with large neon, blue earrings, her smile was split from ear to ear. Molly shook her head and looked her up and down “And just precisely where are you going in that get up?”

  “With you of course. I am going to be there for every single word because I want to be sure that it’s done right.”

  Molly rolled her eyes and prayed for patience “And if Julian does not want you there?”

  Yolanda ignored her question and told her to hurry up. “We’re going to be late girl and I don’t intend to be. Now hurry up. I’m starving and want to get me some good grub.”

  “Yolanda, you will be on your best behavior” Molly cautioned “I really want this night to be perfect, just in case all right?”

  “Sure, sure girlfriend. Of course I will be on my best behavior. Have you noticed that my shoes are neon pink? You know that’s my favorite color and it brings good wishes when life is colored in pink. Now stop worrying and let’s go.”

  ~~~

  “Rose, thank you so much for that wonderful meal. It was really special.”

  Rose bloomed under Molly’s praise with a grateful smile “I am sure glad that you liked it. Just wait until I serve desert; I think you will be surprised as well.”

  Lionel agreed. “I am sure we will. Rose, it was a splendid meal, and now I think that my old bones will retire for the evening.” Turning to Molly’s mother he inquired “You know my dear, I have always wanted to get a tour of the gardens by the moonlight. Since you care for them, can you give me a small tour and show me what you’ve done in the past few weeks?”

  Belinda agreed and rose quickly as Lionel led the way. Yolanda stared up at the ceiling and wondered out loud what was happening in the kitchen. With a wink she jumped up and ran to the door “Hey guys, I will catch you later. Got to see what Rose is doing with that desert and make sure it is up to snuff.” With those words she disappeared leaving Molly and Julian all alone.

  Molly’s face flamed every shade of red, as she looked everywhere, but at Julian. She could just imagine the thoughts going through his mind. He probably felt she had orchestrated the whole thing and would no doubt be upset. When she heard him softly call her name, she still refused to look at him. Please ground, open up and swallow me. Anything to hide my shame.

  “Molly, look at me please?”

  When she mustered up the courage to obey, she saw his eyes were full of gentle laughter and his smile was warm and inviting. Feeling a bit more at ease, Molly sought to explain everyone’s strange behavior “I’m sorry about this…I think they feel you are going to propose to me or something and …-”

  “I am going to propose to you.”

  His words did not register on Molly at first and when it finally did, she stopped in mid sentence and gaped at Julian in the most inelegant manner. Watching him with wide open eyes, she saw him get up and walk over to her chair, as he got down on one knee. When he placed the diamond ring on her finger and looked into her eyes, Molly pinched herself.

  Julian shook his head and laughed with delight “You surely are one of a kind Molly Makepeace. Never let anyone tell you any different.”

  Molly nodded, but felt a lump in her throat that she couldn’t dislodge. She wanted to say so many things, but none of them came. When she couldn’t get the words out, she simply hugged him and sobbed on his chest.

  Julian smiled and kissed Molly’s head “I do love you my red head girl. I am so sorry that it took so long to figure that out.”

  At his words, Molly cried even harder and Julian sighed “This is not a funeral you know. It’s a declaration of love and a proposal of marriage. I should think you would be happier not sad.”

  Yolanda returned and caught the last part of Julian’s words. “Marriage? Oh my goodness did he actually propose?” she cried for joy as she flung herself at them both. She made such a scandal that the staff along with Rose came crashing into the room to see what was wrong.

  Yolanda responded before Julian could get a word in edgewise “He proposed! Can you believe it? He actually proposed. Molly is getting her man and it only took one hundred years! This is fabulous, fa
scinating, oh my, words actually fail me.”

  Julian sputtered in disbelief. Words would never fail Yolanda as far as he was concerned. She seemed to have an inexhaustible supply of things to say.

  “You won’t mind her exuberant personality, will you?”

  At Molly’s soft words, Julian leaned closer “What did you say my dear?”

  “You won’t mind Yolanda, will you? She really is the best of friend and the only one that remained true after so many years.”

  Julian shook his head “Your friends are my friends and that’s that. Except for a certain person named Ethan Brommel. I don’t ever want to see him again.”

  Molly smiled “Don’t worry. I don’t think you will, but please do not doubt my loyalty to you. You are and always have been, the only man in the world for me. I have the years and the scars to prove it.”