Page 37 of Ma Belle Marguerite
Squealing with delight, Grandma claps her hands together and says, “I will be right back!” She turns as quick as she canand shuffles away towards the kitchen, mumbling to herself excitedly.
“You have no idea how happy you just made her,” I tell Bella. This means so much more to me than she knows.
Chapter 15
Isabella
Rex talks to Remi about his tryout tonight until the food arrives. I have no idea what most of the things they are talking about even are, but Remi seems happy, and that is all that matters to me.
Grandma, as she insists we all call her, brings out the twins' food first. “Here you go, my babies, eat up.” She smiles at the kids before heading back to the kitchen.
Next, she brings Rex sometourtiere. I haven’t had that in forever, and it looks incredible. When made right, it’s a delicious ground meat pie. I have had many that are dry and not seasoned well. I should have got some, because it looks delicious.
Finally, she comes out with a tray with a taste of about half the menu on it and sets it down in front of me.
“Oh wow, this is too much! You didn’t have to do all this for us.” I look at her and smile.
“Oh, nonsense. You must try a bit of everything to have a favorite. The next time you come, I’ll prepare the rest of the things you must try.” Looking at Rex, she says, “You better bring her back soon!” and then walks away.
I’m overwhelmed just looking at all the food in front of me. “You better help me eat this! There is way too much for me to possibly eat all by myself.”
I get excited when I see there is a piece oftourtiereon one plate. I decide to try that first along with some steak. They are both mouth-wateringly delicious. “What kind of steak is this, Rex?”
With a smirk on his face, he says, “That would be Grandma's famous moose steak. You know—what you always said you’d never try growing up.”
Mother fucker!I cannot let him know that this is freaking delicious. Then I would have to say that he was right all those years ago. Instead I look over at the twins to see how they are enjoying their meal.
Remi hasn’t wasted a moment and has dug right into hispoutine. It looks delicious—the perfect ratio of homemade fries, cheese curds, and gravy.
I reach across with my fork and sneak a bite before he can bat my hand away. Remi isn’t one that is too keen on sharing. I hear him let out a low growl as he sees me eating a bite of his poutine.
“Oh, settle down. You can have some of mine. I have lots to share,” I say around a mouthful of food. I must look like a pig, but this food is too good to care.
Just as I start to try some of the different foods, Rex says, “So, your mother and I have a bit of news to share with you.” Of course, my mouth is full, and I can’t say anything.
Brielle looks at me like I just kicked her puppy. I kick Rex under the table for saying that and making it sound like we’re giving them bad news.
“We have some good news! Your mother is starting a new job with me, and she needs to be available 24/7, so you’ll be moving into my house. You’ll have your own rooms. There are two pools. One is inside, close to your wing of the house, and the other one is outside and heated with a hot tub attached.” Rex takes a break to have a bite of his food while the kids process everything he just threw at them.
I study Remi and Brielle’s faces. This was not how I would have brought this up. I don’t know what Rex is thinking, but it's too late now. I’ll just have to go with the flow, I guess.
Rex looks to Remi as he mentions, “I have a home theater and gaming room. There’s also a gym.”
Brielle touches my arm gently, and I look at her. “We’ll be fine, Mom. I can see you’re stressed. It isn’t permanent, right? It’s just a house. It’s not a big deal.”
“Yeah, besides, it sounds way cooler than our place. No offense, Mom.” Remi looks at me with a big grin. “Plus, it’s easier for your new job.”
Wondering why they’re being so calm, I decide to just go with it and talk to them alone later, without Rex’s influence. “Well, that was easy, I guess. We’ll go as long as you guys are okay with it. If at any point you change your mind, we can always go back home.”
Content with what has been decided, everyone goes silent as we enjoy all the amazing food in front of us. Grandma’s food may be my new favorite guilty pleasure. I’ll need to start working out if I eat here often. It’s too good to put down, even though my stomach feels like it’s about to explode.
I see Grandma approaching the table with some take-out containers. We definitely need those. “How was everything?”
With a smile, I reply, “I don’t know if I can move. It was so good, I couldn’t stop!”
Remi is still shoveling food into his mouth. Between bites, he says, “It's so good I could live here.” After he swallows his food, he looks at Grandma with his ‘puppy’ eyes. “Is there any way to get some iced tea to go please?” This boy is going to be the death of me; he knows ladies can’t resist his beautiful eyes.
Laughing, Grandma says, “Of course. I’m happy to hear you like my cooking. Come back anytime, and I’ll make sure you’re fed. Rex should already have some of my iced tea at home. That’s one thing he can’t seem to live without. But I will make sure that some gets sent to you as well when I make my next batch” Putting the takeout containers down, she pats Rex’s shoulder and says, “Don’t wait so long between visits.” Bending down, she gives him one of those wet Grandma kisses I always dreaded as a child, then walks away with a little extra pep in her step than when we came in.
