Page 50 of Now and Forever

“Well,” I say as Eric directs me to one of the chairs, “in Germany, what do you usually eat on New Year’s Eve?”

Just then, the door to the kitchen opens, and Simona and Norbert come in with two tureens they place on that lovely table. Surprised, I see there are lentils in one and soup in the other.

“Lentils?” I ask, laughing.

“Ugh!” says Flyn.

“It’s tradition in Germany, just like in Italy,” responds Eric happily.

“It’s a pork-and-sausage soup, Miss Judith, and it’s delicious,” says Simona. “Shall I serve you?”

“Yes, thank you.”

Simona fills my plate while they all look at me. They’re waiting for me to taste it. I pick up my spoon and do as they wish. In fact, it’s very good.

I watch Norbert joking around with Flyn and Simona filling Eric’s soup bowl. And because I can’t seem to keep my thoughts to myself, I lean over to Eric and whisper, “Why don’t you ask Simona and Norbert to sit and have dinner with us?”

My suggestion surprises him at first, but then he understands.

“Simona, Norbert, would you like to have dinner with us?”

Husband and wife exchange quick glances. From the looks on their faces, I can see it’s the first time Eric has suggested such a thing.

“Sir,” says Norbert, “we appreciate that very much, but we’ve already had dinner.”

Eric looks over at me.

“I would love it if you would have dessert with us. Will you promise?” I say, determined to get my wish.

Husband and wife look at each other again, but, in the end, and because of Flyn’s insistence, Simona smiles and agrees.

Ten minutes later, after we finish the soup, Simona and Norbert come back with more plates. I pick up a bun with something that looks like white sausage.

And then Norbert brings us another tray, and I find myself clapping.

Lobster, cheese, and Iberian ham, olé! When Eric sees my face, he takes my hand.

“Don’t forget my mother is Spanish, and so we have a lot of traditions she’s taught us.”

“Mmm, I love ham,” says the boy.

The ham is sublime! And when they bring the roasted duck, I can’t stand the temptation. I don’t want to seem gluttonous, so I serve myself only a little bit, but it’s amazing!

I also try the German cheese and the carrot-and-cabbage dish. I’m told these are traditional recipes to guarantee financial stability. Since I’m unemployed, I eat up!

Dinner goes really well, although I realize I’m the one keeping the conversation alive. For Eric, it’s enough to just look at me and smile. Flyn tries to ignore me, but his age betrays him, and when I talk about games on Wii or PlayStation, he can’t help himself and joins the conversation.

“You’re incredible, my love,” says Eric, leaning toward me.

Just when I decide I’m not going to eat more or I’ll explode, Simona and Norbert come in with an unbelievable-looking dessert. I want to guzzle it up just staring at it.

“Simona’s homemade Bienenstich—it’s so good!” says Flyn, clapping happily.

“What is it?” I ask, not taking my eyes off the dessert.

“It’s a German dessert, miss,” says Norbert, “which Simona has truly mastered.”

“Oh yes, it’s the best Bienenstich you’ll eat in your whole life,” Eric confirms.

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