The Last Potluck Supper, Part 2, a story

The Last Potluck Supper
Part 2

A story

(Find Part 1 HERE)

Evelyn glared at Gladys Thelmona’s effervescent smile adorning Aiden’s side.

“Evelyn, did you meet my friend, Aiden?” Gladys asked, entwining her arm with his.

Evelyn gulped to keep from rolling her eyes. “Hi Aiden. It’s a pleasure.” Where was the exit so she could escape this nauseating couple! “So, Gladys, what’s the topic this week’s symposium?”

Gladys shrugged. “Madison Filmore picked the topic tonight. We’ll be talking about love, since it’s the season.”

Aiden’s cheeks flushed bright red. “Wow. You single chicks don’t waste any time, do you.”

Did that mean he was taken? Or single! One could hope, Evelyn thought as she took her place around the buffet table and allowed Jimmy Kradin to grab her hand. Madison grabbed her other hand.

Ralph Mitchell, the assistant pastor, was there to say the blessing. The mention of God always smote Evelyn’s heart. God is love, but I’m so bitter about love.

Before the blessing ended, while everyone’s eyes were still closed, she stole a glance at Bobby Washington who stood beside Madison, holding Madison’s hand instead of hers. They weren’t dating anymore, but Bobby wasn’t dating Evelyn again either. Love. Pppf! How dare any of them talk about love! Oh well. Maybe Aiden was single. Maybe he’d like her sushi.

The night passed with agonizing languor. Love. Good grief! Were human beings even capable of such a thing?

High ideals were discussed and congratulated. Evelyn kept herself out of all this, waiting for the socializing at the end to hear what people thought of her sushi. Food was concrete. Love? Love could be so ridiculous. Especially among singles.

No one. Not one single person gave a positive comment on the sushi during the socializing hour following the symposium. One person asked if they’d get sick from it. Someone complimented Madison’s crackers. Everyone complimented the figs. Evelyn even conceded that the figs were absolutely delicious, she just wasn’t going to tell anyone.

The social hour was just as grueling as the Symposium. Who did everyone think they were, Greek philosophers? And no new intel on Aiden’s dating status, except that he did spend an awfully long time talking with Madison. Gag me with a spoon, Evelyn thought as she smiled at everyone on her way out.

Another night of crying herself to sleep after the singles’ Potluck Supper Symposium. Why did she endure this torture?

Next week she’d just bring a store-bought rotisserie chicken with some homemade sauces. That’d be sure to win everyone’s attention.

Before the next potluck, Aiden sent her a friend request on Facebook. And followed her on Pinterest. Hm. Maybe he’d be visiting the Symposium again.

When Evelyn walked into the gathering room with the store-bought chicken, she was greeted with the aroma of tomato and garlic. Who did what this time?

Aiden set his huge casserole dish in the middle of the table. It didn’t look very impressive. She didn’t like chicken with tomatoes. And black beans were not her favorite. Over pasta? Double eww. She set her sauces in a row right beside his dish and swore she wouldn’t even try what he made. But that’s where the garlic smell came from.  She smiled. Then smiled at him.

“It’s nice to see you again.” He smiled back and stood beside her. He wasn’t supposed to do that! Her anger and bitterness at potential suitors had no competition against that kind of sweetness.

Pastor Ralph was about to begin the blessing and everyone began to take hold of hands.

“It’s nice to see you too.” Wait, was she blushing? How embarrassing. She stared at her feet while he entwined his fingers with hers.

Pasta with Chicken, Tomatoes and Black Beans

The garlic and cayenne mixture is the very thing that keeps the flu away from my house. The rest of the ingredients make the dish not only edible but delicious. Left overs are wonderful, but you’ll have to double this recipe if you want any left overs!

1 lb pasta (penne, ziti or large macaroni)
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken
3-4 tablespoons minced garlic (about 9 or 10 cloves)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 can black beans, or 1/4 lb dry, soaked and thoroughly rinced
2 tbsp honey
1 tsp sugar
3 14 oz cans diced tomatoes
1 tsp oregano
Salt / pepper
dash of cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)

Method:

Heat water for the pasta.
Heat oil in a deep frying pan or cast iron pan.
Add garlic and the chicken. Once the chicken is cooked through, add tomatoes and black beans.
Add sugar, honey, salt, pepper and oregano
Let this simmer for 10 minutes, or until the pasta is finished cooking.

Serves 4