Tiana (More Than a Story Book 1)

PRINCE NAVEEN

The end of the semester came all to soon, but even a few weeks before, I started looking for a second job that would give me a decent pay. Luckily I found one at this old soul food restaurant called "Jenkins Place." that Charlotte's dad used to take us to when we were little. I remember playing with the retro style juke box that played old records from back in the day. I fell in love with old jazz and blues singers from Elle Fitzgerald, to Don Hathaway, and everyone in between. So I was really excited to work there again. My first day was tomorrow so tonight after I finish cooking, I decided to go to bed extra early, working 2 jobs at once can be very draining,

Now all I have to do is get Charlotte off the phone.

"...so there we were studying and everything, you know getting all romantic, and I SWEAR he was leaning closer to me. He was so close I could smell that cinnamon gum in his mouth and you know how much I hate that flavor."

"Uh huh." I replied, only half listening, Lotte is my best friend, almost like a sister, but I honestly found my gumbo more interesting than her weekly 'hunk emergency' as she called it.

"...and then I ran off.... Are you even listening to me?"

"Of course." I said in a reassuring tone. "You said that you couldn't kiss him because he had that nasty gum in his mouth, so you told him you had to go, and then you ran off."

"Mhm." She grunted. "And what exactly are your thoughts on that Tia?"

"I think you should have gave the poor guy a chance." I stirred the gumbo a little before scooping a little up in my wooden spoon and sipping it.

"Even though he's my 30 yr. old professor and is married with 3 kids." I almost choked to death on my gumbo.

"Wh-what did you say?" I had to clear my throat to get it out of my mouth. "Hes your teacher? And married? And 30 years old!"

"See!" She screeched loudly. "If you were listening, you would have known that I was lying Tia!"

I released the breath I was holding. "You almost gave me a heart attack."

"And your giving me a heart break." She fake sniffled and whimpered a little. "My own best friend doesn't even listen to me."

"Oh hush up Lotte." I snickered. She could be so dramatic sometimes. "Im too busy thinking about my first day tomorrow to keep up with all your boy problems."

"That's right, you start your job tomorrow."
She sighed a little. "We had some good times there didn't we... But two jobs is a lot of work Tia. Are you sure you wanna do this? Daddy and I can surly help your family out."

"No." I said stubbornly. "You know mama wouldn't take your help. And neither would I. I want to earn this money myself. Nothing good this world has to offer is going to come with a ribbon and a hand basket. Only through hard work and dedication. My daddy taught me that."

"Yeah yeah I know but, still, I hate to see you struggle."

"Don't chu' worry bout me honey. I can help myself."

"Yeah well...just don't kill yourself while your at it... There was somethin' i was supposed to tell you...ohhhh yeahh. Ok brace yourself." She cleared here throat. "Have you ever heard of a country called Maldonia?"

"Mmmm...maybe once or twice in class. Why?"

"Weeeeellllll! The ambassador of Maldonia who is one of daddy's oldest friends just so happens to be very close to the Royal family and it just so happens that the oldest Prince wants to come to America to, more specifically New Orleans to "study abroad", and it just so happens that....wait for it....waaaait for it........ HE'S GONNA STAY WITH ME AND DADDY IN OUR GEST HOME FOR A ENTIRE YEAR!"

"Wow Lotte." I said giggling a little. "You are real excited about this prince staying with ya'll."

"Well of course, the man is a TOTAL hottie!"

"Oh really?" I felt my phone vibrate under my ear and removed it to see a little red 1 over top of the iMessage app on my screen. I pressed it and a picture of a hispanic looking guy, about 20 years old with gorgeous brown skin, a strong jawline, greenish-hazel eyes, and chocolate curls popped up on my screen. He was sitting on a lavish looking bed, shirtless revealing flawless abs, and his juicy lips were stretched into a beautiful smile showcasing his blinding white teeth, which made him even more sexy.

" OH MY GOD!" I screamed. "THATS the prince!!!! He's...he's-"

"Only the sexiest piece of deliciousness on the face of the earth since Channing Tatum? Yeah, I know!" She squealed. "His name is Prince Naveen...And by the end of the year, I'm gonna be his princess!"

"Lotte. Your always seem interested every time you find someone gorgeous and then end up getting bored with him in a month or so."

"No I'm serious this time! I have a good feeling about him. Maybe its those bulging muscles or that perfectly tanned skin, but when I see him, it just makes me feel something...special."

"Lotte, I think he's able to make any living thing with eyes and female parts feel something...special." I mocked her.

"TIANAAA!" We bothed laughed like crazy until our sides felt like they would split open.

"I gotta go set the table for supper Lotte, but you and your daddy swing by over to Jenkins Place after your classes are over. I'll make you both something special."

"Ok, its a date." I heard her put a hand over the phone. "DADDY, TELL THE MAID TO RUN A BATH!" I heard her yell, shortly after i heard Mr. LaBuff reply. " OK SUGUR!"

"Night Tia!" She exclaimed. "Make sure you look hot tomorrow.

I giggled a little, "Sure thing Lotte. Goodnight."

I hung up the phone and called mama down so we could sit down and eat this delicious gumbo.

I took a sip from my own bowl and the familiar taste brought me back to the memories of my daddy. I closed my eyes as a single tear slid down my cheek. Even after all these years, it still hurts to think about like it was yesterday.

I miss you daddy...