A Bite of Magic

I got in bed and heard him in the bathroom scrubbing his teeth. He turned off the light and got into bed. I felt him slide his pillow over towards me and put his head on my shoulder. "So tell me about the pineapple squares," I murmured.

I felt him giggle against my arm. "Man, they went like wildfire. One of the secretaries saved a couple for me. She said McDowell was shoveling them in and the others were eating their share. Those little squares were really good. On the way home, I ate the ones Jane saved for me. They made me feel all warm inside." Then he proceeded to stroke my arm. That night we made love like we had never done in our twenty-five years of marriage.

After he had gone to sleep and I could hear him snoring, I lay awake looking up at the ceiling. I thought, that's what Mother meant by her statement, men really like them. Wow, what must it be like for Mrs. McDowell if her husband ate over a dozen! Then a really hideous thought struck me. Tonight when Mother and I were dining I mentioned the Presbyterian Session was meeting Monday night and I had to go, but they don't generally have visitors. She might like to stay home and keep Jeb company. Mother thought for a while and announced that since it was a church thing she'd make two desserts: Scottish Shortbread with rice flour since most Presbyterians were Scottish and a surprise chocolate cake! The word "surprise" bothered me. Judging from the past two experiences, surprise could be translated disaster. Dear Lord, were the Presbyterians ready for this? I stayed awake most of the night.

Chapter 4

Softly he whispered, "How did you know? Are you Greek?"

"No, but I love to cook and eat Greek food - good food that is and yours is extremely good. Really excellent." She smiled.

Mr. Nick ignored us and looked steadily only at her. "Your husband is a lucky man."

"I am a widow." Mother replied softly. "My husband died two months ago."

"Oh, I am so sorry." Mr. Nick didn't look one bit sorry. "But you must come and get your prize. One meal and I shall make it myself. In fact, I will come and drive you here to partake of it."

"Oh, you're too kind." Mother was flustered.

"Not at all. Here is my card and my private phone. Whenever you are ready for your meal please, please call me." He turned, gave her a last lingering look, and followed an amazed waiter from the room.

"Well!" For once I didn't know what to say. I had always thought of her as my mother, which meant not as a person, let alone a fascinating or desirable person, and here was Mr. Nepopolis getting all worked up.

Jeb smiled at Mother. "What a nice compliment. His is a four star restaurant. It looks like you've made another friend."

I didn't like this, not at all. Now I had not only the Presbyterians to worry about but a possible suitor for my mother and a suave Greek one at that.

Chapter Six

"Oh, by the way, I have the names of the women who called for the pineapple squares recipe." He reached into his briefcase and handed me about four typewritten pages with names, addresses, and telephone numbers.

"You're kidding! There must be over a hundred names here! I thought there were just three or four!" I was thunderstruck.

"Honey, I never kid about sex potions." He winked. "Tell you what, write down the recipe and take it to the library and make copies on their machine. Get your mother to address the envelopes. It'll give her something to do. Maybe we could sell the list to an adult's only magazine or one of those fancy nightgown places."

"Oh, Lordy, will this never stop? I am going to the library next week for a Friends of the Library meeting. I can copy it then." I gazed forlornly at the four pages of names.

"You might want to take that recipe in a brown paper bag to get it copied." Jeb laughed and ducked as I threw a sofa pillow at him and chased him upstairs. At least tonight was over. What could be worse? I tried not to hold that thought.

Chapter Seven

I turned, shocked. "What do you mean, booze?"

"Come on, Arden, didn't you taste or even smell those cookies? They had enough bourbon to get a donation out of old lady Caldingham. Surely you suspected!" She searched my face.

"No, I had no idea! I have a cold and can't smell anything and I never eat Mother's goodies." I was shocked.

"Why in heavens name not? They were delicious. By the way, tell your mother she was right, it was Pepys. I went out and looked it up. I think everyone has had enough coffee to get home safely, if they ever leave that is. Have you ever seen them so happy? Just look at Caldingham. Look at Edmond. He seems to have found a new idol."

Edmond was viewing Mother as if she were Aphrodite on the half shell. He was obviously drunk. And to think I was so sure these cookies were safe. That settled it! No more goodies. My father was right. I was going to have to get her out of here as soon as I could. "Mother, it's time to go," I almost snarled at her. Mrs. Caldingham, who was standing near Mother and speaking to her looked at me, surprised, then turned to Mother, "And I would love the recipe for your Lizzies. They remind me so much of my nana in Switzerland and Christmas there. I haven't felt so warm and safe for years. Do keep in touch."

I literally dragged Mother from the room, having hastily picked up my papers and her tin of cookies.