Page 47 of A Tempting Seduction

“Did you buy flowers for the table?”

“What about candles?”

“Ladies!” I held up my hands to stop the barrage of questions. “One at a time, please.”

Miss Gladiola took charge with the efficiency of a field general. “First, the outfit. What are you planning to wear?”

“I bought a new dress,” I said. “It's a maxi dress, flowy and comfortable but still pretty. Navy blue with little white flowers.”

“Good choice,” Little Grandma approved. “Comfortable but feminine. What about shoes?”

“Sandals with a small heel. Nothing too fancy since we're staying in.”

“Perfect,” Miss Gladiola said. “Now, the menu. What are you cooking?”

“Chicken and cheese enchiladas with red sauce,” I began, ticking off items on my fingers. “Tamales filled with pork and green chiles that I made a couple days ago and froze. Fresh guacamole with avocados I picked out myself this morning. Pico de gallo with tomatoes from my garden. Cilantro lime rice. Black beans with cumin and garlic. And tres leches cake for dessert.”

Both women sat back with impressed expressions.

“Mercy,” Little Grandma breathed. “That sounds like a restaurant meal.”

“Where did you learn to cook like that?” Miss Gladiola asked.

“I worked in a Mexican restaurant in Los Angeles for a while,” I said, deliberately keeping the details vague. “The chef taught me his family recipes.”

“Ford's going to think he died and went to heaven,” Little Grandma said with satisfaction.

“But what if he doesn't like it?” I asked, voicing the fear that had been gnawing at me all day. “What if I mess something up? What if⁠—”

“Ruby Miller,” Miss Gladiola interrupted with steel in her voice. “You stop that right now. You're a beautiful, intelligent, talented woman who can probably cook circles around most people in this town. Ford Larson would be lucky to have you, and if he doesn't appreciate what you're offering, then he's not worth your time.”

“She's right,” Little Grandma said firmly. “But just to be safe, make sure you have some music playing softly in the background. Nothing too romantic, just something pleasant.”

“And light some candles,” Miss Gladiola added. “Not too many, you don't want it to look like a seduction scene.”

I felt my face flame red. “It's not a seduction!”

“Of course not, dear,” Little Grandma said soothingly. “But there's nothing wrong with creating a nice atmosphere.”

“Wear perfume,” Miss Gladiola continued. “Something light and feminine.”

“Put fresh flowers on the table,” Little Grandma added.

“Make sure you eat something before he arrives so you're not starving during dinner,” Miss Gladiola said. “Are you wearing nice underwear?”

“Gladdie! It’s only their fourth date,” Little Grandma reprimanded.

“The way I hear it, she’s already behind. People get naked on their third date, these days.”

“Oh. So, are you wearing nice underwear?” Little Grandma asked.

It felt like my face was on fire. I was afraid I might start hyperventilating and pass out.

“Breathe, honey,” Little Grandma chuckled. “You'll be fine.”

The two of them laughed and I finally joined in, the tension popped like bubblegum.

“We should probably let you get home and start preparing,” Miss Gladiola said, pushing herself out of her chair. “What time is Ford coming over?”