Page 79 of You Chive Me Crazy
“I definitely did,” I said.
“I told you not to make a—” Zoe froze, the wrapping paper dropping from her hand to her lap. She stared at the vintage book, completely in awe.
“What is it?” Hank asked.
“Betty Crocker’s Picture Cook Book,” she said, barely able to get the words out. She glanced at the front and back covers, then flipped through the pages, stopping on the copyright page of the book. “First edition?”
I nodded. “1950. First printing.”
“How did you even find this?” Zoe said. “It’s in perfect condition.”
“It wasn’t easy,” I said, chuckling. “Every time you took a nap, I grabbed my laptop and scoured the Internet to find one. Luckily, I found this one, and they had overnight shipping, so it would get here in time.”
Zoe’s eyes filled. “You keep surprising me, Filo. I can’t believe you remembered this.” She held the book up for everyone else at the table to see. “This is so special to me. I used to help my grandma in the kitchen when I was a little girl. She would always have this book open on the counter, patiently explaining the recipes and ingredients to me, and showing me the pictures of whatever she was going to make. My favorite was the tuna noodle casserole here.” Zoe still remembered the exact page of the recipe, finding it, and showing everyone the picture of the prepared dish. “This book played a huge part in opening my eyes to the wonderful world of cooking. My grandma gave me her copy before she passed away.” She wiped her eyes, then cradled the book against her chest. “It got lost when I moved over ten years ago, and it was like I lost a piece of me. I was heartbroken.” She wiped her eyes, then turned to me. “This is the most thoughtful gift anyone could have ever given me. Thank you.” She leaned closer and hugged me.
“You’re very welcome,” I whispered, not wanting to let go of her, but knowing it would be awkward if I didn’t. “Happy birthday.”
Rolando cleared his throat. “Maybe I should have gone first with my gift.” He chuckled and handed me a gift bag.
“Don’t be silly—it’s the thought that counts,” Zoe said, sniffling, then pulling out the T-shirt with a giant potato wearing sunglasses printed on the front, along with the words, “Certified Potato Expert.”
Zoe let out a giggle. “I love it. Thank you, Rolando.” She got up to hug him as well.
“You’re welcome,” he said, hugging her back.
It was touching that the rest of them were thoughtful enough to get Zoe gifts as well, considering they’d just met her a few days ago. Betsy and Marty gave her a Serendipity Inn T-shirt and a mug. Hank and Harmony gifted her striped cat feet socks. Savannah surprised Zoe with a soap and lotion gift basket, while Jeremy’s gift was a bouquet of colorful flowers.
“Hank—what do you think of the festival so far?” Betsy asked.
“Fab-u-lous,” he said. “The lobster roll from the Lobster Shack was out of this world, and we really enjoyed the Korean BBQ tacos from Seoul Train.”
“And the deep-fried bananas from the Blind Banana,” Harmony added.
Hank’s eyes lit up. “Speaking of that—I’ve got an idea for a TV show.”
“Let’s hear what you’ve got,” Jeremy said, clearly more interested in his lava cake as he took a big bite.
“How about a show where contestants have to cook while blindfolded?”
Harmony rolled her eyes. “That's just asking for a disaster to happen. I think there should be a show where contestants have to cook using only one hand.”
“Or both hands tied behind their backs!” Hank said. “And they can only use their mouths and other body parts to add the ingredients.”
I winced. “And somebody has to eat that?”
“Of course,” Marty said. “But they have to eat it with no hands.”
Alexa squawked. “Houston, we have a problem.”
Jeremy chuckled. “Call me crazy, but I don’t see these as future TV blockbusters. I appreciate the effort, though.”
“I keep telling Lucas he needs to be on television,” Rolando said.
“Oh, oh, oh!” Hank snapped his fingers, appearing to be in the middle of a sugar-high from the chocolate lava cake. “I’ve got it! How about if Lucas arm-wrestles Gordon Ramsay, and if he wins, he can change the name fromHell’s KitchentoFilo’s Kitchen? I’ve noticed your biceps, Lucas. I think you could take him.”
Rolando laughed as Harmony gently cleared her throat. “I was kind of thinking of something simpler, like Lucas being a celebrity judge onTop Chefor some other show.”
“I’d watch that,” Betsy said.
