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CHAPTER THIRTY- FOUR
LIVY
After a delicious dinner of tapas shared with Jed, Livy strolled around St. Armand’s Circle, glancing at the shops, letting her meal settle. She didn’t know which she’d enjoyed more—the shrimp sauteed in olive oil, fresh garlic, and chili pepper, the chicken croquettes, or the baked stuffed mushrooms. It was much more convenient to have small delicious bites than eating a large meal.
“I’m glad we didn’t do a full dinner,” she said, smiling at Jed. “I got to sample lots of different tastes. That 1905 dressing on your tomato salad was fabulous. It’s amazing what a little Worcestershire sauce can do.”
He stopped walking and faced her. “You made that meal fun, Livy. I’m glad you’re not one of those women who don’t dare eat anything because they might get fat.”
“I decided not to worry about that. I care, but not enough to give up tasty food,” she said, well aware of other women—sleek, well-dressed ones—around them.
“What about you? Have you always appreciated a variety of food?” Livy asked.
For a brief moment, a shadow crossed his face, then he smiled. “My mom was an excellent waitress … during the times when she was sober. She worked in several different restaurants, and when she could, she arranged for me to have meals in the kitchen. I learned early on the difference between okay food and great food.” He shrugged. “I guess I should be grateful for that.”
“It’s a lovely gift to give a child,” said Livy. “Enjoyment of food is one of life’s pleasures.” Her tone became bitter. “Not that my mother sees it that way. Gran is the one who told her to back off from making comments about my love of cooking and eating.”
“You’re lucky to have someone like Gran in your life. I don’t have any grandparents that I know of,” said Jed.
“I’m sorry,” said Livy, patting his arm. “I don’t know what I’d do without Gran and John. They’ve been big supporters of mine. My cousins, too.”
“Yeah, they’re nice people. Shall we head back?”
“Okay. It’s a perfect night for a swim in the pool at the Inn or cooling off in Gran’s splash pool. I’m glad you’re staying overnight with Shane.”
“Me, too,” said Jed, taking hold of her hand.
Walking together, feeling more comfortable with him, Livy wondered what the rest of the summer would bring.
