“Jenkins is manning the barbecue. The ribs are still cooking and he has a few other things out there. It’s a production. I hope you brought an appetite.”
“Sure did,” I say. “It was a long day. I spent most of it herding Angus and breaking young colts and fillies under the blazing sun.”
Even though it’s different from my previous career, I enjoy what I do. My coworkers are great and the bosses are amazing. The best part is when I stay over at Carina’s, I’m just a step away from work.
“It was crazy today at Happy Belly,” Carina says to April. “I didn’t have time for lunch until four… and by that, I mean a quick pear and blue cheese salad.Translation: I’m starving.”
“Tell me about it,” April says. “It’s Friday night, and our only preoccupation should be to kick back, stuff our faces silly, and enjoy the company.”
“Hear, hear!” Carina says at the same time as I say, “Amen to that.”
We all have a good chuckle.
“Be prepared because you’re in for a treat,” April says, “My brother went a little overboard with his fancy recipes. He wanted to impress the city girl… who happens to be a chef.”
“Little ol’ me?” Carina says in a coquettish way. “I’m sure it will all be finger-lickin’ good.”
“He might not have any accreditation, but my boy Jenkins knows how to barbecue,” I say. “The guy takes marinating meat seriously.”
“I know I’m biased, but my big brother rules the grill.” April grins from ear to ear. “Let’s go out to the backyard.” She waves. “It’s time for a beer.”
“Excuse me?” My eyes widen like saucers. “Since when does Jenkins let you drink?”
“Calm down, Dad. I was talking about you adults. I know better. I’ll stick to Coca-Cola until I’m thirty… when I’m finally allowed to have a boyfriend.”
“Music to my ears.” I chuckle. “Let me run back to the truck and grab all the stuff Carina prepared.”
“I’ll help,” Carina says.
“Nonsense. I can handle it. You go with April.”
She nods, and they’re off.
A couple of trips is all it takes for me to bring in two large bags weighed down with appetizers, sides, and bite-size desserts. I make a third one to grab the delicious looking Hummingbird cake my girl made.
Carina always prepares enough to feed an army. She says she wanted April and Jenkins to have leftovers. Mission accomplished.
I drop everything on the kitchen counter and make my way to the backyard.
Jenkins lifts his head and smiles.
I stride his way. “How’s it going?”
“I spent my day off cookin’ and cleanin’, but it was worth it. We’re going to eat like kings tonight.”
“I don’t doubt it for a minute.”
“Food’s almost ready,” Jenkins says.
“Smells amazing.”
“I’m feeling the pressure.” His gaze slides to my girl.
“Quit worrying. She’ll love it.”
“Okay,” he says with a sigh of relief. “Beer?”
“I’d love one.” I move my attention to the table where April and Carina are already giggling. “What is she drinking?”
