A Case for Romance. Melanie Schuster

asked her a question.

      “Why aren’t you married?”

      “You don’t hold back, do you? Whatever comes up comes out with you.” Ayanna picked up her cup to take a sip.

      “You’re right. I’m very direct. I don’t know any other way to be. When I want to know something I ask, and I want to know why a gorgeous, talented, kind woman like you is still single.” Johnny tasted his own coffee and made a deep sound of satisfaction. “Let’s add ‘making coffee’ to your list of accomplishments.”

      “I was engaged once,” Ayanna said. “I was engaged my senior year of college, and we were going to get married after I finished at the Cordon Bleu.” At his look of surprise, she nodded. “You weren’t so far off when you said I cooked like a pro. I majored in business and minored in culinary arts. I got accepted at the Cordon Bleu in Paris, and I would have gone, but my sister died, and I was guardian to my nephews, so my life went down a different path. You know they say if you want to make God laugh, make plans.”

      Johnny sipped his coffee before asking her another question.