Page 89 of In It to Win It

“Yes.” She’s remembering too. “I love raspberries.”

“I like steak; I guess that’s healthy.”

She laughs. “Sure. As for treats, well, popcorn, obviously. And I love ice cream.”

“What kind?”

“Goodice cream.” When I laugh, she points at me. “Seriously. There’s a place on Pacific Avenue, they use all-natural ingredients and they make popcorn ice cream!” Her eyes get so wide I have to laugh again. “It’s amazing! It’s buttery and has bits of fudge and cheese.”

“What the . . .”

“You have to try it! They have typical things too, like strawberry and chocolate, but they make one with roasted beets. And lavender. And there’s one called ‘Tall, Dark and Handsome’ that’s dark chocolate and fudge and a hint of coffee. Oh my God, it’s so good.”

“You’re pretty excited about ice cream.”

“Sorry.

“Don’t be sorry.” Damn, she makes me smile.

“What aboutyourfavorite foods?” She wraps up the remains of the sandwich she hasn’t fed to Byron.

“Well, steak. Prime rib. Hamburgers.”

“I’m sensing a theme here.”

“Also bacon. Definitely bacon. I don’t have much of a sweet tooth. I’d rather eat a bag of chips over candy.”

“Oh, I should have said chips too. I love chips.”

“Chips and ice cream?” I joke.

She tilts her head. “Hmmm . . . we should try that. Lacey likes French fries and chocolate sauce. Sweet and salty is a good combo.”

“That’s true. Are you going to eat those sandwiches?” I nod at the other two.

“No.” She picks them up. “Should we keep walking?”

“Okay.” I shake my head as I get rid of the trash in a receptacle, while she leads Byron out of the picnic area carrying the sandwiches. We stroll back toward the beach.

“Okay, what’s your favorite drink?” I ask her.

“Alcoholic, or nonalcoholic?”

“Why do you answer my questions with another question?” I take Byron’s leash from her, since her hands are full of food.

She giggles. “You just did it too.”

“Yeah.”

“Sorry, I didn’t realize I was. I guess I like to be clear on things.”

“Okay, both.”

“Alcoholic . . . I guess Bourbon. Tequila is good too. And wine. That’s more than one.”

“Lush.”

Her lips twitch. “You?”

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