Page 111 of Worth the Trip

The spoon tapped against the container.

She pointed toward the chocolate.

“Taste this.”

“Deflection ain’t a denial.”

“Open your mouth.” I raised an eyebrow. She heard herself. “Behave.”

“You issued the instruction.”

“Landon.”

“Proceed.” I opened my mouth.

She fed me the chocolate.

Rich. Smooth. Strong enough to carry itself.

I tried it again.

“It’s good.”

“That’s all?”

“You asked for honesty.”

“I did.”

“It already tastes finished. Whatever you add needs contrast, not competition.”

She leaned against the counter. “Okay, Professor Ice Cream. What would you add?”

“Salt. Almonds for texture. Peanut candy sparingly.”

“Sparingly?”

“I know. Sacrifice.”

“Look at you growing.”

“Don’t exaggerate.”

She slid the saucepan toward me. “Fine. Let’s test your theory.”

My attention moved toward the hook beside her.

A pale-pink apron waited.

“No.”

“Yes.”

“You got another color?”

“No.”

“Black?”