Almost There
Farrah Rochon
Top 10 Best Quotes
“It's so good to see you, Daddy." "You saw me the day before yesterday." He laughed as he expertly diced bell peppers into uniform pieces. "But it's always good to see you," Tiana said. "It's something I've learned to never take for granted.”
“Your restaurant never would have survived in that area. Where it is now, over there in Tremé, is much more suited for your type of establishment." She straightened her shoulders. "Forgive me for being so bold, Mr. Fenner, but I happen to disagree. I think my restaurant would thrive no matter where it's located. And I haven't given up on the riverfront. Me and my daddy are gonna eventually open an even bigger restaurant one day. In fact, we plan to open several." She gave him a sweet smile as she hefted her basket of vegetables up higher on her forearm. "Now, if you would excuse me, I have a very big night ahead. If you would like some good food and good jazz music, might I suggest you come over to Tremé and give T&J's Supper Club a try? The doors are always open to anyone.”
“You know, Mother, there are other reasons that I have chosen to remain in America. None more important than Tiana, of course." "Of course," she said. "But I like the person that I have become over this past year. I learned that I'm really good at selling things and helping others," he said with a laugh. "See Lisette over there? I just helped broker a deal for her to sell her homemade medicinals in the biggest department store in New Orleans. "I like my job. It feels good to know that I can make my own way in this world, and do some good in it, too." Naveen shook his head. "I never thought I would say this, but I want to thank you and Father for cutting me off. It turns out that is exactly what I needed." His mother cupped his cheek. "I am proud of you, son. I always knew you could accomplish anything once you discovered your true heart's desire. Well, at least I'd hoped that would be the case," she amended with a laugh. "Just know there is always a place for you here. You can always come home." Naveen caught sight of a sparkling blue dress out of the corner of his eye. He looked over and saw Tiana walking toward them. "I have found my home," Naveen said.”
“Yes," Naveen said. "Yes?" Hope surged through her. "You'll do it?" "Of course I will, Tiana." There was something about the way he said her name---the way it rolled off his tongue in that lyrical way he spoke. If she didn't know any better, Tiana would have thought the Shadow Man had taken away her ability to speak. She was transfixed by the subtle hint of longing in Naveen's hazel-colored eyes. The butterflies returned. But Tiana didn't try to suppress them; she didn't want to. Because this flutter was filled with excitement and yearning and all those feelings she'd tried so hard to ignore this past year when it came to Naveen. For one brief moment, Tiana allowed herself to just feel. "Thank you," she finally answered, her voice once again catching in her throat. "Anything for you," he said.”
“Why must you make things so difficult?" "Because I don't trust you," she said. "I'm never going to just do something simply because you asked, Doctor Facilier." He grabbed her wrist and turned her hand palm up. He slapped the vial into the center of her palm. "Every single dish, Tiana." She threw the vial directly at his face. He snatched it as if he had been expecting her to do just that. "I don't have to do anything," Tiana said. "I've held up my end of our bargain. You hold up yours.”
“Tiana's head seemed to turn of its own accord, drawn to a scene playing out like the moving picture shows on the big screen at the Prytania Theatre.”
“Tiana wanted to dig in her heels--literally--as Lottie tugged on her arm, but she stood no chance when pitted against her best friend and her daddy. Instead, she braced herself for the impact of having to be near Naveen and pretend he had no effect whatsoever on her. She was no Evelyn Preer, but a few more months of this and her acting skills might get her all the way to Hollywood.”
“Tiana peered down in stunned delight at the sparkling white silk draping her body. The rhinestone- and pearl- studded gown she now wore was unlike anything she'd ever owned. When she lifted her head, she gasped at her surroundings. Tiana twirled around in a slow circle, mesmerized by the glitz and glamour of a place she had only seen in her nightly dreams. The old sugar mill she'd had her heart set on buying for years was no longer decrepit and falling apart. The floors gleamed underneath her feet, shining so bright they nearly blinded her. Brilliant crystal chandeliers hung high above her head, illuminating a massive dining room that was crowded with patrons. Men in suit jackets and women wearing their Sunday best sat at cloth-covered tables adorned with extravagant centerpieces and sparkling china. Everyone seemed to be having a grand time, enjoying rich, fragrant dishes that smelled like the food Tiana used to cook with her daddy.”
“They wanted him to come home. He would have servants. A luxurious place to lay his head. Money! He would have all the money he could possibly spend, and more. So, why did it suddenly feel as if he'd eaten too many biscuits at the café? Perhaps because, as easily as he could think of all he would gain by returning home, it was just as easy to consider all he would lose. Like the friends he'd made here in America. Like the satisfaction he experienced after an honest day's work, the fulfillment that came only with knowing he was earning his own way. Like the chance to get to know Tiana better.”
“There is nothing that I would not do for you." She regarded him with a devilish grin. "I'm gonna remind you of that when I make you wash dishes at the new restaurant." Naveen frowned. "Did I say there was nothing I wouldn't do?" "That's right," Tiana said. "And it's too late to take it back." Then she claimed his lips in a sweet, tender kiss. "I can't wait to see that new restaurant in action. Your palace," Naveen said when they broke apart. Tiana grinned slowly. "Tiana's Palace---I like the sound of that.”
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Book Keywords:
picture-shows, savoring, tiana, white-dress, naveen, father-daughter-love, dreaming-big, daddy, interior-design, do-it-for-her, new-way-of-life, sassy-heroine, palace, better-person, standing-up-for-yourself, restaurant, avoiding-love, twenties, tiana-and-naveen, scenery
