That Old Black Magic by Mary Jane Clark Read Free Book Online Page A

Marguerite. “And from what we saw on your Web site, you certainly have a talent for it.”
    â€œI appreciate that.” Piper smiled. “I do enjoy it,” she said. “I guess I hadn’t realized how much I’d picked up from watching my mom and helping her at the bakery over the years.”
    As she sipped her cocktail, Piper had time to study the couple. They seemed very comfortable with each other. She also noted that Marguerite was quite attractive. Now, with makeup applied for the evening out, she looked far different from the plain-looking woman Piper had met at the bakery earlier in the day.
    â€œThe food here is as good as at the big-name restaurants in New Orleans,” commented Marguerite as they perused the menu offerings. “And many of the desserts come straight from our bakery.”
    Piper chose a pan-roasted and porcini-dusted chicken over a mushroom, artichoke, and Parmesan risotto, while Bertrand and Marguerite both ordered the sauté of Gulf shrimp in a pancetta, sun-dried tomato, and basil beurre blanc with goat-cheese grits. Piper turned her head away but managed not to wince when her hosts’ seafood was placed on the table.
    All three of them cleaned their plates. “Absolutely delicious,” said Piper as she put down her fork.
    When the waiter brought the dessert menu, she held up her hand and shook her head. “The flight down, the alcohol, the rich food. I’m done. I’m going to take a Tylenol PM tonight and sleep like the dead.”
    While the dining companions sipped espresso, a tall, attractive man with curly black hair and dark eyes came out from the kitchen. He rolled down the sleeves of his double-breasted white jacket and sat down with them.
    â€œ Magnifique, chef,” said Bertrand, bringing his fingers to his lips and kissing them. “Wonderful meal as always, Leo.”
    â€œThank you,” said the chef. He turned to Piper. “And I understand you are going to be making our wedding cakes.”
    â€œCakes. Plural?” asked Piper.
    â€œ Oui, Piper,” Bertrand said. “Sabrina and Leo are doing things a little differently. Their big party will be the night before the wedding on the Natchez. ”
    â€œThe Natchez ?” asked Piper. “Isn’t that the paddleboat that takes tourists out on the Mississippi?”
    Leo nodded. “Everyone we know will be invited to that. But we want our wedding to be more intimate. The next day just close friends and family will attend the ceremony and a wedding dinner here at the restaurant.”
    â€œSo you want two cakes,” said Piper. “A big one for the boat party and a smaller one for your wedding dinner.”
    â€œSabrina tells me you have some questions for us,” said Leo. He turned and stretched to see his fiancée, waving her over when he got her attention.
    â€œAnd how many guests will you have?” asked Piper as she pulled a small spiral notebook from her purse.
    â€œAbout a hundred on the Natchez, ” answered Sabrina. “And no more than thirty at the wedding.”
    They discussed cake flavors and icing preferences, shapes and tiers and color schemes.
    â€œHow did you two meet?” Piper asked as she continued jotting down notes.
    â€œI was working as a waitress on the Natchez dinner cruise, and Leo was one of the cooks,” answered Sabrina.
    Suddenly Bertrand reached into his pocket and pulled out his vibrating cell phone. He checked the number on the screen.
    â€œPardonnez-moi,” he mumbled as he rose from his chair. “I have to take this.”
    The others at the table watched as Bertrand walked toward the front of the restaurant. Marguerite shook her head.
    â€œThat’s been happening a lot lately. If I didn’t know any better, I’d swear Bertrand has a lover.”
    The others were silent, awkwardly averting their eyes from Marguerite’s face.
    â€œOh, don’t be so