touch my heart Read Free Page B

beckon her to eat.
    However, in a short while, Mrs. Clarke placed two salad bowls on the table and sat.
    “I’m sorry to keep you waiting. I know you must be hungry.”
    “I’ll manage, though the smell of the soup almost tempted me to start without you.”
    “I would not have minded if you’d started without me, but I thought eating together would be a good way to get to know you. Let me say a short prayer, and then we can eat.” With that, she rattled off a familiar grace.
    From the first mouthwatering spoonful of butternut-squash soup to the cheesecake topped with rum-soaked guavas that had been prepared for dessert, Aaliyah could see why her employer had hired Mrs. Clarke. The woman’s cooking was a joyous culinary experience and already Aaliyah was anticipating dinner.
    “Mrs. Clarke,” she said, “how did you learn to cook like this? You could work in the best restaurants of the world. I have never tasted food so good.”
    “You’re such a sweetheart. I haven’t had a compliment like that in ages. When the former owner lived here, they entertained often and would have family and friends from England come to spend time on the island. They loved my food.”
    “I totally agree with them,” Aaliyah commented, taking her final bite of the moist, tangy cheesecake.
    “Since the new owner bought the house, the parties and dinners have stopped, but he loves a good meal. Though he’s not one for compliments, he pays me well and the look on his face when he has finished a meal says it all. I like things as they are now. I’m getting old in age and don’t have the energy to cater for such events anymore.”
    “I’m glad you’re still enjoying what you do. Which school did you attend?”
    “Didn’t have to go to no fancy culinary school to learn how to cook. My mamma traveled all over the world and taught me everything she knew. She seems to have the knack for cooking, too. Of course, I get some ideas from the Food Network, since there isn’t anything else worth watching besides Scandal. I love me some Olivia Pope. Of course, Fitz is so hot, he could literally cook my food.” She cackled out loud, her generous breasts heaving up and down.
    “Then it’s a date. We can watch the last episode of the season together. I was hoping I wouldn’t have to miss it.”
    “Everyone around here knows that Thursday night is Scandal night. I don’t have to put up a Do Not Disturb sign anymore. Even the boss knows that Thursday is my off night, so dinner must be eaten early.”
    “My sister and her best friend are just as obsessed. They come to my house every Thursday.”
    “You don’t see too many shows with strong black women these days. I remember watching Julie with Dianne Carroll years ago. Now that was some show.”
    “I remember my mom watching it, too. She used to watch a lot of old shows with us.”
    “She’s passed away?” Mrs. Clarke asked softly.
    “Yes, my dad and mom died in an accident when I was fourteen. I lived in foster care until I turned eighteen.”
    “You were an only child?”
    “No, I have three sisters. Fortunately, they were all adopted. I recently reconciled with my sister Eboni. But we still haven’t found the others.”
    “Oh, sweetheart, that’s so sad. To be separated from them must be awful. Are you looking for the others?”
    “Yes, but it’s difficult since they were adopted. I have no idea where they are. I don’t even know if their names were changed.”
    “I am sure you’ll find them.” She raised her hand to the air.
    “I just hope they were in good homes.”
    “I’m sure they were,” Mrs. Clarke reassured her. “I noticed that you’re married. Couldn’t help but see the wedding ring.”
    “I’m sad news all around, I’m afraid. My husband died three years ago. I’m a widow.”
    “Oh, dear. Your life has not been easy. I’m sure things are going to look up for you soon. The island is the perfect place to start over. By the time you leave here