Tiana

by Helen Perelman

  He walked over to her. “I really hope so,” he said. “I wouldn’t want Tiana’s Palace to open without Louis’s music.”

  “We’ll find her,” Tiana said.

  The sky was growing dark as the sun began to sink lower in the sky. With heavy hearts, Naveen and Tiana went back to the restaurant.

  Louis was sitting outside Tiana’s Palace, waiting for Tiana and Naveen. He leaped up when he saw them coming. Then he noticed their sad faces. He knew that they hadn’t found his trumpet. His tail flopped on the ground.

  “I’m so sorry,” Tiana said to Louis. “We looked everywhere.”

  “Maybe we should check inside again,” Naveen said.

  “It’s no use,” Louis said. “Maybe it just wasn’t meant to be.” Covering his eyes with his arm, he tried to hide his sad face.

  Tiana rushed to his side. “Louis, you can’t give up hope!” she exclaimed. “Remember when Naveen and I were frogs? If we had given up hope, we never would have made it here. You need to have some faith.”

  Naveen took his cue from Tiana and chimed in. “Louis, please come inside,” he said.

  Louis raised his head. “It’s late, Tiana. You need to get back to your cooking,” he told her. He sniffled. “I’ll be fine. Please go back to the kitchen. If Jono La Crème comes and there is no food on his plate, then the night will truly be a disaster!”

  “I’ll stay here with him,” Naveen told Tiana. “You go inside and start the gumbo.”

  Even though she didn’t want to leave, Tiana knew that she had to get back to cooking. “I’ll keep searching,” Tiana said. “Giselle has got to show up!”

  Back inside her kitchen, Tiana took a deep breath. She looked under the table and by the shelves in a corner of the room. These were places she had checked before, but she remembered seeing Louis and Giselle there.

  Her mother came over to her. “Tiana, the time!” she exclaimed. “You need to get that gumbo on the stove.” She pointed to the kitchen clock. “Lottie will be here soon to help you get ready. And you still have a few dishes to prepare!”

  Tiana glanced over at the counter where her father’s old gumbo pot was sitting.

  Nothing meant more to Tiana than having that pot in her restaurant. She had so many memories of cooking with her dad. She remembered the joy he had gotten from watching friends and family enjoy his food.

  Tiana knew that was the heart of her restaurant. Even if there was no music, she would still serve up good food. She took the pot in her hands and hugged it tight.

  Glancing down, she saw a glimmer of gold. She let out a scream. Naveen and Louis came rushing into the kitchen.

  “Giselle!” Tiana cried. She held up the trumpet in her hand. “Louis, you put her in my father’s gumbo pot!”

  Louis leaped toward Tiana, nearly toppling some cooling beignets. He hugged the instrument and then played a song. Tiana recognized it as the one that he had played earlier.

  “You must have put her down when I asked you to get the pot,” Tiana said. She smiled at Louis. “I guess that was a pretty safe place.”

  Naveen laughed. “You mean a secret place!” He slapped Louis playfully on his back. “Glad that you have reunited with Giselle. You are the perfect pair.”

  “And now y’all need to leave,” Tiana teased. “I have some cooking to do here.”

  Louis bowed his head. “Thank you, Tiana,” he said. “And Giselle and I would be pleased as punch to play tonight. In fact, we’re going to play some new songs. We’re going to show Jono La Crème a good old New Orleans time!”

  Tiana loved the sound of that! “A party fit for a princess and a prince?” she kidded as she shooed Louis and Naveen out the door.

  “Yes!” Louis exclaimed.

  Tiana was feeling good about the night, even though she’d had a couple mishaps. She threw some ingredients into the pot—one at a time, just as her mom had advised. Everything was going to be fine. That is, if she got that gumbo going! The doors to the restaurant would open in a couple hours, and she had a lot to do.

  As the evening stars appeared in the night sky, Tiana was bustling around the kitchen. Her hair was twisted up in a fancy bun on top of her head. The dress her mother had made for her fit perfectly. Her fancy apron shielded her from any splats or spurts from the pots simmering on the stove.

  Louis was playing his beloved trumpet in the dining room, along with Naveen and the band. Once again, Tiana hummed happily. She felt like a princess in her palace. And tonight it was as if the ball she had always dreamed about would finally happen.

  “Why, it smells and sounds like a grand ole party in here!” Charlotte said as she burst into the kitchen.

  Tiana looked over at her good friend. Charlotte was wearing a pink dress that looked delicious enough to eat. “You look beautiful, Lottie!” Tiana called. “I love your dress!”

  “My favorite dressmaker and sous-chef made this for me,” Charlotte said, beaming at Tiana’s mother.

  Eudora laughed and looked down at her hands. “Yes, if I’m not sewing, then I’m chopping vegetables!” she said, laughing. She blew Charlotte a kiss and then turned her attention back to her work.

  “Daddy is already at our table,” Charlotte said to Tiana. She gestured to the dining room. “But I had to come in and see you! I’m so excited about your grand opening.”

  “Me, too,” Tiana gushed. “It’s been a crazy day, but now I think we’re all set.”

  Charlotte peered under a cloth on the counter. She licked her lips when she saw what was underneath.

  “Can I sample of one the princess’s famous beignets?” she asked. The freshly fried dough squares sprinkled with powdered sugar were too tempting!

  Tiana laughed. “Sure,” she said. “Help yourself!”

  “Oh, these are simply the best!” Charlotte declared.

  As Tiana watched her friend enjoy the treat, she couldn’t help but sigh. Leaning against the counter, she checked her list of things to do for opening night. “I can’t believe it—we’re right on schedule,” she told her friend. “I’ve been checking my list, and everything is going well. Now we just have to wait for Jono La Crème to arrive.”

  Licking the sugar off her fingers, Charlotte nodded. “I had no doubt that you’d have a schedule. You’ve always had a plan, Tiana. And that plan involved opening this very restaurant. Don’t worry, Jono is going to love this place. It’ll be the best party New Orleans has seen since Mardi Gras!”

  She spun around joyfully, accidentally knocking the plateful of beignets to the floor.

  “Oh, sugar sticks!” Charlotte cried. “Look what I’ve done!” She bent down to gather up the beignets. “I’m so sorry, Tiana! Now you won’t have any beignets for opening night.”

  Tiana patted her friend’s arm. “Don’t worry,” she said. “I think I still have time to make some more. Nothing is going to ruin this night!”

  She tossed the fallen beignets in the garbage. “I’m concentrating on one thing at a time. All the food is being warmed up. The music is playing, and friends are arriving.”

  But Tiana was worried. What else could go wrong? she wondered.

  Just then, the kitchen door swung open. Naveen entered with his parents, the king and queen of Maldonia. Tiana rushed over to greet her in-laws with a formal bow, but they both reached out to give her a hug.

  “We’re thrilled to be here,” the king said, grinning. “I’ve been dreaming of your gumbo our whole trip.”

  “And your delicious corn bread,” the queen added. “Everything looks wonderful, Tiana. Well done!”

  Tiana blushed. “Thank you for coming. This night means so much to me, and to Naveen. He and the band have prepared a special song in your honor.”

  Naveen nodded. “Yes, it’s true,” he said. “We’ve come up with a few new numbers for this evening. We hope that you’ll dance and enjoy.”

  Lottie clapped her hands together and did a little jump. “I am just so excited to be here for this party.”

&n
bsp; “Come out and greet our guests,” Naveen said, taking Tiana’s hand. “You should see all the people. Everyone is anxious to meet the princess behind the food!”

  He saw Tiana’s eyes flash.

  “No, Jono La Crème isn’t here yet,” he said, assuring her. “But don’t worry, he’ll have a great time—and a great meal—once he arrives.”

  Tiana followed Naveen, his parents, and Lottie out the door. The dining room looked beautiful. The golden tablecloths glistened in the warm light of the chandelier. The lilies and birds-of-paradise smelled wonderful. And the delicious aroma from the kitchen wafted through the room. Tiana smiled and greeted her guests.

  “Tia!” someone shouted from across the room. A girl came rushing toward Tiana.

  “Georgia!” Tiana blurted out. She hugged her friend tightly. “I’m so glad you came!”

  Georgia smiled. “Girl, you know I never miss a good party,” she said, grinning. Her short curly hair was styled in a bob, and her purple and black dress fit her perfectly. “Tia, this place is gorgeous,” she gushed. “You’ve come a long way from waiting tables at Duke’s Diner!”

  Smiling, Tiana thanked her old friend. When Tiana was first starting out, she had worked double shifts waiting tables in restaurants. She had big dreams but no money. While Georgia and many of her friends were out on the town, Tiana always had to work. She was thankful that her hard work had paid off, and that she could share this opening night with her old and new friends.

  “Enjoy,” Tiana told Georgia.

  “I will, My Royal Highness…I mean, Your Royal Highness!” Georgia said, giggling. Then she said, “I still can’t get used to that.”

  “I can’t either!” Tiana responded. She touched the tiara on her head and moved on to the next table to greet more guests.

  Just at that moment, the lights flickered. Tiana looked up, and in a flash, the lights in the chandelier flicked off.

  An opening-night blackout?

  That was not on the menu!

  Tiana took a deep breath. Instead of seeing the golden glow of the chandelier in the dining room, all she saw was darkness. Her heart began to race. What happened? she thought. Everything was going so well!

  “Sorry about that,” Tiana announced to the restaurant guests. “We’ll get everything sorted out before you know it.”

  In an instant, Naveen was at Tiana’s side. He squeezed her hand and escorted her back to the kitchen. “We’ll fix this,” he whispered in her ear. “Remember, we’ve been in worse situations!”

  Lottie and Georgia came through the kitchen door, holding candles. “Whatever happened, we’re here to help,” Lottie said.

  Her mother walked over, holding a candle. “Are all the lights out?”

  “Yes,” Tiana answered. “But we’re going to get this fixed in no time. We have to make sure the candles on all the tables are lit.” She was grateful for the tall golden candelabras with four long, tapered candles on each table. At least people wouldn’t be sitting in the dark!

  Lottie, Georgia, and Tiana’s mother grabbed some matches and went to light up the dining room.

  “Tell Louis to start playing,” Tiana called after Lottie. “Music will keep everyone calm.”

  “I’ll tell him,” Lottie promised.

  Tiana turned to face Naveen. “Maybe this has something to do with the new chandelier?” she said.

  “I’ll check on that,” Naveen said. “Do you want to make sure that there are enough candles?”

  Holding up a candle to light her way, Tiana went into the storage closet.

  Of all the nights for this to happen, she thought. What a royal mess!

  “The food is all ready,” Eudora said to her daughter. “And it will stay hot on the gas stove!” She peered out the kitchen door. “You know, Tia, the dining room looks beautiful in candlelight. Maybe this isn’t such a bad thing.”

  Tiana wasn’t so sure about that. She was sure Jono La Crème was expecting to see a well-lit restaurant. What would he report about a dark dining room? She hung her head.

  “Maybe the chandelier was a bad idea,” she said glumly. “I just thought it would really make this place into a palace, you know?” She sank down into one of the kitchen 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.

  “I 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?”

  “Come 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.

  “You 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?”

  “Thanks, 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!

  “You’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.”

  “You’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.”

  “Oh, no!” Tiana said in a panic.

  “Oh, 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.

  From 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.

  “Go 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 much!”

  Tiana walked slowly toward the table. As she got closer, she saw that next t
o 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.

  “Welcome 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.

  “Lovely 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.”

  “Well, 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.

  “I’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.

  “I 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.