Death ("The Princess & The Frog")
Tiana loved that Ray's star shone down on her restaurant as brightly as it did. His light – and Evangeline's – reminded the restaurant owner to pause during the hustle of the evening shift and count her blessings.
She put the empty tray on the nearest table and went outside to the deserted balcony. Tiana kept this area private for family and close friends. She took three deep breathes and forced the chaos of the kitchen to recede. She knew her head chef would have questions about the newest menu additions, and Naveen would want to run the set list by her, but all that could wait a few minutes.
She wrapped her arms around her waist, shawl forgotten inside, and smiled up at Ray and Evangeline.
"Evening, Ray. You picked a chilly night to make an appearance," Tiana said quietly.
Ray twinkled brighter, as if to say, "the cold never bothered me, child."
Tiana told Ray about her day, how busy her week had been, then she realized how late it was getting.
"I'd best be getting back. Goodnight, Ray. Say hi to Daddy for me." She blew the star a kiss then headed back towards the door.
Before she could fully open the door, Naveen met her at the doorway with a cup of steaming coffee in hand. She took it with a smile and kissed his cheek.
"How'd you know I was here?" she asked as she eagerly accepted his dress jacket that she slipped over her chilly shoulders.
Naveen wrapped his arm around her waist. "You're not as stealthy as you think," he teased. "You can't escape my hawk-like gaze."
Tiana playfully slapped his chest with a chuckle. "Come on, 'hawk.' We've got hungry people to feed."
The couple went back inside as Ray and Evangeline shone down on them.