All quiet and friendless high school student Drey White wants is to create a formula that will give him the confidence to talk to a guy. With the encouragement of Artemas Ward, his favorite teacher, Drey thinks he’s succeeded.<br><br>The opportunity to test it arrives when he’s invited by the cool kids to their party. After mixing the powder with his beer, he barely has time for a sip before another teen grabs the bottle and drinks. Drey is unsure if the potion will work, but then he’s kissed by the guy. Pleased, Drey retrieves the bottle and drinks the remainder himself, only to find it gives him a case of the giggles.<br><br>Now an adult, the effects of Love Potion #9 still reverberate through Drey’s life. Will things ever return to normal? And what will Artemas, now his friend -- and hopefully more -- think when he discovers what Drey has created?

Love Potion #9

I came to the conclusion just as Claudio brought out the pear bruschetta.


“This looks amazing!” I enthused as I picked up a slice and took a bite. “Mmm!” I couldn’t help moaning in sheer delight. It tasted as amazing as it looked.


“Definitely yes. Am I tasting a hint of rosemary?”


His smile grew even broader. “You are.”


“Can you tell me how it’s prepared, or is it the chef’s secret?”


“It’s his secret, but since he’s my papa, he won’t mind if I share it with someone so appreciative. The pears are cooked in the oven with the rosemary you tasted, along with honey, balsamic vinegar, and red wine. Then the pears are placed on thin slices of toasted ciabatta and covered with prosciutto and bleu cheese crumbles. The liquid it’s cooked in is reduced and drizzled over the whole.”


Chapter 10