“I don’t know, Nana. So much has happened. Maybe we should stick around here for a while.” I wanted to go to Paula’s as much as the next person, but finding the body had put a damper on my spirits. I didn’t feel like doing much of anything and I hadn’t slept all night.
“Come on, Trix.” Dee Dee pulled out her pitiful face from her bag of tricks. “I know you’ve been through a lot, but a trip to watch the taping will help lighten the mood.” She put her arm around my shoulder, pulled me close, and gave me a big squeeze. “Aw, come on.”
I didn’t have a chance with Nana and Dee Dee in cahoots. “Let’s ask Mama if she feels like going. She might be too tired to go.”
“What? Too tired to go and watch the special cooking show she’s taping in her restaurant? This is a chance in a million. I wouldn’t miss it for anything.” Obviously, Mama wasn’t as tired as I thought she was.
Nana and Dee Dee did a little happy dance while Mama grinned from ear to ear. I was definitely outnumbered. Maybe it would do me good to get away for a while.
Dee Dee drove while I dozed, and we made it to downtown Savannah, one of the most beautiful cities in the South. Moss-draped trees lined the streets. Historic homes and buildings comprised most of the downtown area. Yawning and stretching, I looked out the window at the gracious buildings full of history.
I’d researched Savannah so I’d have ample background material for my article. Founded in 1733, it became the first city in Georgia. Originally laid out in four squares, each consisting of eight city blocks, by 1851 it had grown to 24 squares with 22 squares left today.
Dee Dee whipped my little PT Cruiser into a handicapped parking space.
I’d recently splurged on a new car. I’d traded in my beloved Jeep because I needed dependable transportation for my job. Actually, my Cruiser wasn’t brand new, but it was new to me. A few thousand miles logged onto the odometer made it an affordable buy. I loved the light cream color and for a bonus it came with a convertible top.
This past year I was the recipient of a new knee, thanks to a knee replacement. Even though the result had been nothing less than remarkable, I still had to be careful. If I walked too much, my knee ached. I rarely needed a cane anymore, but it was helpful to park as close as I could to my destination.
The Lady and Sons, located at the corner of Whitaker and Congress streets, was a favorite place for tourists. By the time we arrived, a line snaked down the sidewalk. Thank goodness we had tickets.
I’d brought my camera, a necessity in my line of work. I clicked pictures of the crowd as they stood around waiting for their turn to enter. I took several shots of historic buildings while we waited.
We stood with other anxious tourists when a black limo pulled up to the entrance. Out stepped Paula. The crowd went wild, cheering and pushing to get a glimpse of her.
“Paula, Paula!” Nana pushed her way through the throng until she found an opening. She threw up her arm and waved vigorously. “Did you see that? She waved to me.” I wasn’t about to pop Nana’s balloon. If she believed Paula waved to her then who was I to disagree?
CHAPTER SIX
Once the line started moving it wasn’t long before we were settled in our seats. The dining area was large and open. Ivy covered wallpaper adorned the walls. Oak wood tables covered with white tablecloths filled the room. On each table was a vase filled with multi-colored, fresh flowers. There wasn’t an empty seat in the place.
While the guests were served, a young woman stepped up to the front of the room and explained the filming process. We were instructed when to clap, and reminded to wait for permission to get out of our seats. I glanced at Dee Dee, glad she was wearing a fresh patch and wouldn’t have any emergencies, or she might miss the taping altogether. In a few minutes, quiet filled the room as Paula made her entrance.
Bouncing out, she was dressed in a pretty lavender pant suit and her beautiful smile welcomed us.
“Hey y’all!”
The audience answered with a warm hello and applause. She went right into cooking the selected meal. We were served the same menu: salad, fried green tomatoes, baked chicken, macaroni and cheese, collard greens, and a choice of banana pudding or peach cobbler for desert.
My mouth watered in anticipation. We dug in while Paula asked who her number one fan was. Most people raised their hands – not Nana. She stood up and made her way toward the front. A young woman with a clipboard rushed to stop her, but Paula waved her off.
“Hey there! And what’s your name?” Paula guided Nana over just a bit so she didn’t block the camera’s view.
“Belle. It’s so good to be here. I just love your show. There’s something I’ve been wanting to ask you. How do you get your hair to stay in place all the time?” Way to go Nana.
I thought I saw Paula roll her eyes, but like a trooper she laughed and moved right along. She even let Nana help with some of the recipes. Everything moved smoothly until she made the fatal mistake.
“Belle, I’d like you to taste some of the goodies we’ve made.” She forked up a big bite of collard greens. “Here, try some of these. I just know you’re gonna’ love ‘em. It’s my dear mama’s recipe.”
Nana took the fork and slowly put it into her mouth. Then she took a minute and savored the taste. Everyone held their breath waiting her approval.
“mmm. Delicious.”
Paula heaved a sigh of relief. Only to be blindsided by Nana. “But, I think they could use a tad more sugar. It would help smooth out that bitter taste.” She leaned over to whisper in Paula’s ear unaware the microphone picked up her every word. “You can add a little beer, too. My family hasn’t figured out my secret ingredient yet.”
That’s why they taste so good? Beer? Oh my goodness. Mama’s eyes were about to pop out of her head, Dee Dee stood up and waved to Nana, and I wanted to duck under the table. Especially when I noticed all eyes turned our way.
Paula couldn’t guide Nana off the stage fast enough. “Thank you, Belle, for your help.” She motioned to someone to get Nana back to her seat.
Nana wore a grin from ear to ear as she sat down at our table. “Well, it’s not every day you get to be a taste tester for Paula Deen. Aren’t you glad I talked you into coming, Trixie?” God, please forgive me for the thoughts invading my head right now. I don’t really want to kill Nana.
It was all I could do to get through the meal even though it was some of the best Southern fare I’d ever eaten. As soon as we finished we high tailed it out of there. I don’t think it was soon enough for us. Or Paula.
“Nana, what were you thinking when you told Paula she needed more sugar in her collards? And you’ve been putting beer in yours all these years?” Mama’s voice was unnaturally high pitched.
“I was being truthful. She asked me what I thought.”
“No, Nana. She asked you how they tasted. I don’t think she really wanted your opinion on her recipe.”
“It sure was a memorable day. Right girls?” Leave it to Dee Dee to find the good in a situation. She’d been my rock more times than I could remember. When Wade left me, my life as I knew it had fallen apart. Not only had I lost my husband, I lost my house too. Unknown to me, Wade had made financial decisions that left us in ruins.
Mama, bless her heart, had urged me to return to Vans Valley and stay in her garage apartment while I sorted out my future. When I moved back, I was lower than a snake’s belly. Dee Dee took me under her wing and supported me during a rough time. She’s been there for me ever since. Thank you, God, for my friend.