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Just Call Me Scrumptious

By Lana Newman Kruse

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Chapter 1

“Hello, you scrumptious hunk of man.” Mary hugged the tall gentleman who had just entered the restaurant, then pulled back. “Oh, dear. You’re not … oh, my…”
“Scrumptious?” Could I be? When I’m not Scrumptious, my name is Rob, Rob Maddison.” Dancing, dark eyes peered down at her.
“I’m so sorry. I thought you were my brother.” Her cheeks must be red blossoms.
“So, you talk to your brother like that?” The man had a mischievous smile.
“Sorta. We like to be silly.”
“I like that. Well, silly sister, do you have a name?”
“Uh huh. Mary Christmas.”
“I’m not sure if you’re early or late, but Merry Christmas to you.”
“Actually, my name is Mary … Christmas.”
“Oh, interesting. Amusing, happy, and keeps you upbeat, right?”
“I suppose. I’ve always been a tad flamboyant. My name adds to my zaniness. Keeps me acting silly.” When would she stop making a fool of herself? Her name didn’t help either.
“A beautiful name. Born on December 25th?”
Mary chuckled. “February 29th.”
“Wow, a leaper. Since we’re in a leap year too, this is your lucky everything in double doses.”
“I wish.” Yeah, right. Someone was stirring the pot of crazy so far.
“How’d you get your Christmas name?”
“Mary, after my great grandmother, and Christmas is my married name.”
“Married? But Scrumptious isn’t your husband?”
“I’m a widow.”
“So sorry for your loss. My wife passed away three years ago.” Sadness passed over his face.
“My condolences to you too.” Mary understood his pain.
Rob waved across the room to a waiter.
Was that her favorite server, Collin? Mary wanted to wave but didn’t.
Then Rob motioned to an empty table by a window. He pulled out a chair for Mary and took a seat next to her.
She fiddled with the contents of her purse. Did she look nervous? Cuz she was. Rob had mesmerizing eyes, and his mouth curled like he was in preparation for bursting into laughter. “I should tell you, my brother Sam, or Scrumptious if you prefer, was going to meet me here but just texted saying he’s been delayed.”
“Then please have dinner with me. I’m sure he won’t mind. We’ll save dessert for him.” Rob grinned like a high school date of long ago.
Mary studied the palm trees in the courtyard. A light breeze tickled their fronds providing a sprinkling of shade. Couples sat at high tables, and children darted between flowerpots and wrought iron chairs. Tampa could be counted on for beauty and fun.
Did Rob know the legend about this restaurant? Dare she tell him how her family fit into the mix? With his dashing good looks and what she’d seen of his demeanor and sense of humor, he was certainly a candidate for scrumptious. Already a little delicious. The Lord had certainly spent a little more time on this guy.
“Thank you, but no, I couldn’t. I don’t even know you.”
“But you know Matt Williams, the maître d’ and Steve Johnson, the owner?”
Before Mary could answer, Rob corralled the two men to the table. Yes, she did know them well.
“Matt, Steve, introduce me to this lovely lady and assure her I’m not a mass murderer or a candidate for an asylum.”
This guy was in command, impressive.
Their waiter Collin dashed by leaving water, lemons, and limes.
Rob raised his pointy finger, “And two glasses of iced tea, please.”
Steve Johnson bowed, his jeans and crisp white shirt immaculate. “I’ll do the honors. Ladies first. Mrs. Christmas, a fine person my family has known a long time, please meet Mr. Rob Maddison.”
Rob beamed like he’d just met Miss America.
Matt nodded to Rob. “It is my distinct pleasure to introduce you, Mr. Maddison, my favorite customer at Our Place by The Sea…who eats like a teenage boy on Saturday night.”
“Now, Matt, don’t tell my secrets.” Rob’s smile spread creases to his eyes and the corners of his mouth.
“Mr. Rob Maddison is my friend of twenty years and a great professor of mathematics.” Matt turned his bright blue eyes to her. “Mr. Rob, meet Mrs. Mary, yes, Mary Christmas. I love your name.”
Her face grew hot as she grinned, and her heart thumped.
Steve waved theatrical hands. “I will bring you tonight’s new featured appetizer, deviled crab. Our compliments. Be right back.”
Grinning over his shoulder, Matt followed.
“Okay, we can share an appetizer.” Just the appetizer. Sure…
Rob flashed the warmest smile. “The offer for dinner still stands.” He squeezed lemon and lime into his tea. “You know something about me, so tell me about you.”
“Let’s see. I have two boys. Both are away at college. Jackson in Texas and Charles in Florida. They’re doing well, but I miss them terribly. I’m a teacher, so I wrestle kiddos five days a week. How about you? Do you have children?”
“I have a daughter Cassandra, Cassie, who is a newlywed living in Miami, and my son Barrett graduated from college last June. She was the prettiest bride ever, and he is a great athlete.”
At the same time, she and Rob pulled pictures from their wallets. “Oh, they’re darling. I see brilliance and kindness in their eyes. Rob, they favor you.”
“Thanks. Your children are real lookers too.”
Steve appeared with a lavish array of Florida deviled crab. “Ya know, these croquettes were created right here in Tampa. Our chefs added their secret seasonings for a savory flair, so enjoy.”
The aroma made her salivate.
Rob carefully placed a warm, oval-shaped d’oeuvres on a plate for her.
“Thank you. This is the best deviled crab I’ve ever put in my mouth.” She dabbed her mouth and sipped some tea.
“I know what you mean. And warm. So, you’re a teacher?”
She covered her mouth and nodded.
Ping! She glanced down.
Sorry, sis, I’m not going to make it at all tonight. I’ll call tomorrow to explain and reschedule.
She clicked her phone shut. “Sam’s not gonna make it.”
Rob grinned. “More confirmation dinner with me is the right thing to do.”
Lights flickered on outside.
Mary’s first meeting with Rob meandered.
“I love dinners at sunset.”
Rob laughed, “Me too. I like strolls under the stars.”
Mary bounced. “Me too. I love banana splits.”
“Yum and uh huh.” Rob winked.
Mary stayed for dinner.
She knew what else she wanted. More Rob in her life. But you know what people say about a man being too good to be true…
She flipped her hair with a toss of her hand. Is he?

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