Page 27 of Love's Home Run

A waitress in costume brought tortilla chips and salsa to their table. “Pilar says she’s making you a special plate of tasting food. She hopes that will be okay with you but wants you, Melissa, to sample some of her new dishes.”

“That would be delightful,” said Melissa.

“Agreed,” said Dirk.

The waitress left, and Dirk joked, “It pays to go to a restaurant with a chef. Did you always know that’s what you wanted to be?”

“Pretty much,” Melissa said. “I spent a lot of time in the restaurant’s kitchen as a child. Back then, my father did most of the cooking. Since the restaurant is now enlarged and has a bigger staff, he no longer does as much of it.”

“I have to admit I’m not much of a cook. That’s why it was so nice to be invited to your house.”

“Ross said you’d appreciate it,” said Melissa without thinking.

“Ross? What’s with you and him?” asked Dirk.

“He’s a neighbor. A friend,” said Melissa. “You could say he’s like the brother I never had.” Even as she spoke, she wondered if she was being honest. She didn’t think a brother would look at her the way Ross had when he was dopey with medicine.

“He seems like a terrific guy. But then, everyone in your group seems likable. That’s one of the reasons I enjoy Lilac Lake.”

“Tell me more about your family. We’ve all met your sister, Diana.”

Dirk grimaced. “I know she didn’t make a favorable impression, but she’s a nice kid sister. My father works for the government, and we’ve always lived in the Washington, D. C. area, mostly in Virginia. My mother has been a big organizer for a charity that deals with inner-city children. So, while they were doing important work, they weren’t home often, making Diana and me close. Being able to be home with family is one reason small-town living is important to me.”

“Do you want a big family?” Melissa asked, intrigued.

“At least two children, but I’m not ready for that. There’s too much to see and do right here before I intend to settle down.”

“Yes. Lilac Lake offers lots of things. Sports, hunting, canoeing, skiing. You’ll be very busy,” said Melissa, trying to show her support.

“And work, too,” he said. “I’m going to be very busy with that.”

They were still talking about life in Lilac Lake when Pilar delivered their meal. “In addition to accompaniments of beans and cilantro rice, your plates hold a chicken enchilada with a true molé sauce, a grilled lobster taco with serrano salsa verde and cilantro, and a duck carnitas quesadilla with a cheese blend, served with pasilla sauce and guacamole.” She smiled. “There will be plenty for you to take home, but I wanted you to enjoy some different tastes. Especially the lobster taco.”

“Boy! Does this look delicious!” said Dirk, giving Pilar a beaming smile.

Melissa couldn’t help but smile, too.

“Enjoy!” said Pilar. “And, Melissa, I want your honest opinion.”

“Presentation and aromas are A+,” Melissa said, giving her a thumbs up.

After Pilar left, Melissa and Dirk were silent as they dug into their food. After a few bites, she murmured, “M-m-m.”

“I know, right?” said Dirk. “Delicious. The taco is outstanding.”

“I’m enjoying the enchilada. Did you know molé sauce is made with chocolate? It’s so delicious.”

“I’ll try it now.”

Melissa watched him enjoying his food and filled with satisfaction. “You know, it makes any chef happy to see someone enjoying their food.”

“No worries there,” said Dirk, taking another forkful.

At the end of their meal, Melissa and Dirk both asked for take-home boxes.

“Well?” said Pilar, coming over to them. “What’s the verdict?”

“A total win,” said Melissa. “I will tell my mother to tell visitors about you. Our restaurants are very different, but if they like one, people will likely like the other. This isn’t typical American/Mexican food; this is truly a gourmet meal.”

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