Web Fic
Chapter 298
As Riley scrambled to his feet, dusting off the dirt from his jeans, he quickly caught up with Sherman's stride. The two were greeted by a warm smile from Adah as they approached the dining area.
"Finished your little competition, have you?” Adah chuckled. "Dinner's about ready. I was about to send someone to fetch you boys. Who won, by the way?"
"Sherman's too good!" Riley exclaimed, brushing a hand through his hair. "I mean, with these skinny arms and legs of mine, how could I ever match up to him?"
Sherman clapped Riley on the back with a hearty laugh. "Riley's just a greenhom! Give him a few decades to practice, and maybe, just maybe, he'll have a shot at beating me."
Riley's mouth twitched into a grimace. "Decades?"
The dinner table was a lively scene, with Karen strategically seating Riley next to Anthea. Five people gathered around the table, with Sherman sitting directly across from Riley.
"So, Riley," Karen began with a mischievous twinkle in her eye, "you're what. 21 this year?” "Yeah, that's right,” Riley replied with a nod.
"Got yourself a girlfriend back at college?" Karen prodded.
Riley shook his head. "Haven't found the right one yet."
"Well, I might just know a lovely young lady for you..." Karen's matchmaking was cut off as Sherman stood up and served her a piece of fish with the serving fork. “Grandma, this is your favorite, isn't it? Please, have a taste.”
Karen glanced at Sherman with a knowing look.
Cheeky boy!
They were having a silent battle of wits.
The fish was met with Karen's approval. "Not bad at all."
Then, turning her attention to Anthea, Karen served her some chicken feet. "Annie, these are spiced to perfection. You've got to try them. And wait till you see the crawfish coming up—they're your favorite."
Riley joined in the conversation with an eager smile. "You like crawfish too, Ann? I'm a huge fan!"
Anthea nodded. "I'm all about the meats. If it's got meat, I'm usually a fan.” In her past life, Anthea hadn't . been one-for indulgences. Often ac nu rient sha e was enough, and. she’ digo days without a propermeal. Butt AM this life, she was embéAcing every culinary delight. After all, life was too short not to savor the flavors.
Karen, seizing the opportunity, asked Riley, "Can you handle spicy foods?" “Absolutely!” Riley's eyes lit up. "The spicier the better when it comes to crawfish!”
Karen threw Sherman a glance, her comment laced with double meaning. Sherman, however, kept his eyes on his plate, his handsome brows knitting together slightly.
Before long, adish of coconut crab was brought the table. Karen started tosay something to Riley, - “ but Shertaan was already on his < > feet, deftly cracking the crab for> everyone. "Grandma, ladies should take care of their delicate hands. Let ré handle this.” Content.belongs to
Karen nodded in approval. "Absolutely! Men are better suited for this sort of thing!”NôvelDrama.Org: owner of this content.
Sherman skillfully prepared the crab, and Karen placed some onto Anthea's plate. "Annie, the crab is infused with a hint of coconut. It's divine with the rich roe. You must try it.”
Anthea didn't hesitate, savoring the combination of flavors. True to form, no sooner had she finished the crab than Adah offered her some spicy chicken. “Annie, you'll love these—they're just the right amount of spicy."
"And it's not just spicy food Ann loves. She’s got a sweet tooth too. Here, try the sweet lotus root,” Karen chimed in.
Karen and Adah piled Anthea’s plate high with a variety of dishes, as if they were competing to spoil her with choices. Luckily, Anthea was up for the challenge, her appetite more than accommodating
Karen reveled in watching Anthea eat. There wassomething refreshing about her lack of pretense, so . different, drsm the high society girls who caunted calories and avoided anything that might threaten their figure. Sure, they might be shim, but toKaren, they looked like they were missing out on one of lifé's greatest pleasures: good food.