33. The Grill Off
Chapter thirty-three
The Grill Off
Lei
As the Grill Off started, the sun began to set, painting the sky in hues of pink and orange. The moment the last sliver of sunlight disappeared, the blue lanterns and fairy lights strung in the trees flickered to life.
Anytime a gentle breeze went by, the glowing lanterns swayed and sprinkled light across the guests who mingled around the cookout.
Starving, I sat at the judge’s table, feeling the light buzz from the gummy Moni had slipped me earlier.
“How are you feeling, baby?” She leaned against me.
“Good.” I looked at her and licked my lips. “Really good.”
She chuckled. “Why are you licking your lips like that?”
I got closer and whispered in her ear, “Because I want to fuck you right now.”
“I would take you up to my room and give it to you, but we have a serious duty—”
“We don’t.”
“We’re judges.”
DJ Hendrix’s voice boomed into the microphone. “Hey there, party people! Everyone grooving on the dance floor, go on back to your seats so we can get this Grill Off started. Chefs, get ready to get on the stage, please.”
I glanced back at Moni and slipped my gaze down to her breasts. “Let’s just get someone to substitute for us—”
“Absolutely not. This is a respectable judging position. Be patient, baby.” Chuckling again, she gave me a soft kiss on the cheek.
It was sweet, but it wasn’t enough.
I didn’t even check to see what was going on around us. The warmth of her lips still lingered on my mouth.
Without thinking, I gently reached for her wrist.
She widened her eyes. “What?”
“Alright, everyone,” DJ Hendrix lowered the music. “Now let’s get to know our judges!”
I pulled her closer, let go of that wrist, cupped her face with my hand and kissed her deeply.
She moaned against my mouth.
DJ Hendrix cleared his throat on the microphone. “Excuse me, judges! We hate to interrupt any passionate moments but. . .”
Moni leaned away from my mouth.
I sneered. “Get back over here.”
“No.” Moni scooted her chair away. “Lei, everyone is watching us.”
Some of the audience hooted at us.
Others whistled.
DJ Hendrix started saying something, but I ignored it all and kept my voice low. “After this Grill Off, I’m taking you away and fucking you.”
“You better calm down.” She hit my arm. “I see gummies make you horny.”
“I was horny before the gummies.”
She hit my arm again. “Would you pay attention? He’s been introducing us.”
I turned my attention to everyone who was clearly watching us.
DJ Hendrix laughed into the microphone. “Alrighty then. That’s the judges and as you can see, they are hot and ready to get this Grill Off going!”
Jo shook her head at us. “Moni, I thought you didn’t like public displays of affection and all that jazz?”
“I didn’t like you tonguing down your girl at the dinner table while we were all trying to enjoy Thanksgiving.”
“So, you were fronting then?”
Moni waved her away. “I’m ignoring you.”
The staff emerged from Lotus Blossom and gracefully weaved through the crowd, expertly balancing trays of silverware and neatly folded cloth napkins in their arms.
Soon, they were at our table, giving us our items.
I checked on Chen who was in deep conversation with Fen. I had no idea what he was saying to her, but she kept chuckling so it must have been decently humorous.
Granted, I was too high to truly assess anything.
Everything around me felt surreal, as if I were floating above my own body, watching myself move through space. My senses were overwhelmed, but not in a way that felt chaotic—more like a rush of vibrant colors and sounds, all blending together in a perfect harmony.
The world pulsed with energy.
The music felt like it was vibrating through my veins, syncing up with my heartbeat.
My skin tingled with warmth, as if the very air were embracing me.
Plus, I couldn’t stop smiling.
Every breath I took filled my lungs with an intoxicating sense of joy.
Fuck. I’m glad Jo told us only to do half a gummy. I can’t imagine more than this.
I made a mental note to ask Duck how much he gave Chen.
If more than a half, we’re taking him to the hospital this evening.
I looked further down the table.
Barbara Whiskers gazed around and lazily flicked her tail.
The staff began to place small plates in front of each of us, including Barbara Whiskers. That was when she perked up and got on her feet. Honestly, she looked as if she might judge this whole competition by herself.
Under the table, Moni rubbed my thigh.
I turned her way. “What are you doing, sexy?”
“Sexy?” She grinned. “That’s my new nickname?”
“One of many.”
She gestured at Barbara Whiskers. “She’s so cute. I think I’m going to get a cat for Lotus Blossom.”
I shook my head. “No. You need puppies. One for you and each of your sisters.”
Jo leaned forward and jumped into the conversation. “Fuck yeah. Pit bulls.”
“No.” Moni shook her head. “I was thinking cute little poodles.”
I frowned. “Poodles are shitty guard dogs.”
“I have tons of guards. I don’t need my pet to help.”
“I’m getting you huskies.”
Jo bobbed her head. “Huskies are dope.”
Moni rolled her eyes. “You two have no taste in dogs. Lotus Blossom should have cute little poodles running around with blue bows in their hair.”
“Alright! Alright!” DJ Hendrix put on some music. “Let’s check out the Gap Band’s ‘Outstanding’ as we begin!”
The song came on and several people were dancing in their seats. Even Aunt Suzi and Chloe clapped their hands.
Minutes later, a staff member hurried up to the stage and set up the microphone.
Then finally DJ Hendrix began to lower the music and the crowd quieted as Chef Foo stepped forward, exuding a calm confidence that only a seasoned chef could.
“Okay now!” Moni clapped her hands. “Go Chef! Go Chef!”
“Eh, cousin! What the hell?!” Banks yelled from his grill, but there was no anger on his face. In fact, amusement blazed in his eyes. “I know you’re not rooting for my competition. That’s how it is?”
“That’s my chef!” Smiling, she shrugged. “I have to show respect.”
Banks pointed to her. “Don’t you forget your blood out here in the East!”
“Boy, bye!” Moni laughed and clapped her hands some more. “Come on, Chef Foo, for the win!”
Banks snorted, but that grin never left his face.
Chef Foo smiled warmly at the audience and took the microphone in hand. “Thank you, Mountain Mistress.”
“Don’t call little Moni that!” Aunt Betty waved her hand. “The girl head was always big! We don’t need it to get any bigger!”
Some of Rowe Street Mob as well as Aunt Betty’s friends laughed.
Jo snickered. “I see Aunt Betty on that Yak now.”
I quirked my brows. “Yak?”
Moni whispered, “Cognac.”
“Aww. I see.” I checked Aunt Betty and she lifted a glass full of brown liquor.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” Chef Foo’s voice rang out smoothly, “thank you for including me in this competition—”
“But are you single?!” Aunt Betty yelled. “Asking for a friend?”
And with that one of her friends, blushed and tried to hide behind another.
“Oh my God.” Moni shook her head. “This is about to be a hot mess.”
“Shiiiitt, I need a microphone.” Aunt Betty high-fived Gunner who was also drinking a large glass full of brown liquor. “Motherfuckers need to be writing me a check for my performance.”
DJ Hendrix got on the microphone. “Alright, everyone. We’re hungry, so let’s show some respect and keep it down.”
Aunt Betty laughed but said nothing else.
Moni whispered to me. “No more cookouts.”
On the stage, Chef Foo spoke. “Today, I have the honor of sharing with you three dishes that represent the rich history and flavors of Chinese barbecue.”
My stomach growled.
Chef Foo looked off into the crowd. “Many have no idea how central barbecue is to Chinese cuisine. It's not the briskets and pulled pork many are used to in the States, but something deeply rooted in the culture—an experience more than a meal.”
Moni leaned Jo’s way. “He’s going to be cooking for us now. Can you believe that? We have a chef.”
“Listen,” Jo held up her hands to high-five Moni. “Your hoeing knows no boundaries.”
Moni didn’t high-five her. “Keep saying that, me and you are going to fight tonight.”
Jo laughed.
Chef Foo spoke. “My first dish today is Siu Yuk .”
The staff began to pass out Chef Foo’s three dishes to us.
The smell hit me before I even saw the food. It was intoxicating—smoky, savory, and complex.
Mmmm.
When I finally looked down at my plates, I was blown away by the presentation. The colors were vibrant—golden roasted pork, bright orange cuttlefish, and rich, deep hues of duck meat. All of them had been paired with an exciting display of seared vegetables. Each dish looked like a masterpiece.
Chef Foo continued, “ Siu Yuk is roasted pork with a classic, crispy skin.”
Many in the audience were eating and groaning in pleasure.
“This is a Cantonese favorite, known for its crunchy exterior and tender, juicy meat inside.”
“Damn.” Jo already started eating. “I’m about to ask him to make this every night.”
I checked Chen.
He was pointing up at the sky. “You see those stars, Fen? They don’t just glow, they sparkle. Did they always sparkle that way or is it because you’re here?”
Fen chuckled. “Chen, you have to try the food.”
“What’s that?” Chen put his view on her and blinked his eyes.
“The food, Chen. You’re judging it.”
Chen touched her shoulder, leaned close to her like he was about to kiss her and then whispered, “Will you help me judge, Fen?”
“Yes.”
“I don’t want to disappoint anyone.”
“You won’t, Chen.” Fen grabbed his fork. “We’ll do this together.”
Alright. Fen is in control. Now he’s good to go. I won’t worry about him anymore.
I picked up my fork and knife, cutting into the pork.
The skin crackled under the blade.
This is going to be good.
When I took my first bite, it was an explosion of textures and flavors on my tongue. The skin was perfectly crisp, giving way to the soft, melt-in-your-mouth pork beneath. The seasoning was subtle but bold, letting the meat speak for itself.
Good God. Chef Foo already won.
Beside me, Chen let out a loud groan of appreciation as he bit into his piece. “Oh my God!!!”
People laughed at Chen in the audience.
Fen tasted her own plate, but I could see she was having difficulty with not laughing with everyone else.
God, this is so much fun.
I watched Chen.
Instead of cutting off another piece, Chen picked it all up with his hands and began chomping into it.
Oh God.
And that was when I caught Duck near the table with his camera, recording Chen.
I waved at him. “Turn that off.”
“Damn, Lei. Just when it was getting good.” Duck frowned and took the camera away.
Chen mumbled through a mouthful of food and his eyes were wide in disbelief. “This is. . .incredible! I’ve never had anything this good in my life!! In my entire life!!”
Completely engrossed in his pork, Chen continued to devour it as the audience and fellow judges chuckled at his enthusiasm.
DJ Hendrix blared a horn. “Looks like we may already have a clear vote for Chef Foo.”
I chuckled, but I had to agree. The roasted pork was nothing short of perfection.
I looked over at Moni, who was chewing thoughtfully. Her eyes were half-closed in bliss. She looked so peaceful, so completely wrapped up in the moment.
In fact. . .watching her enjoy the food stirred something inside me, a sense of intimacy that had nothing to do with words.
God, I can’t wait to be inside of her tonight.
Chef Foo continued, “Next, we have orange cuttlefish , marinated in a rich, savory sauce.”
I didn’t think any of the judges had even remembered there were other dishes once we started on the pork.
“This dish is inspired by Chinese coastal flavors, where seafood plays a huge role in daily cuisine.” Chef Foo smiled with pride. “The cuttlefish is tender, with just the right amount of chew to it.”
I cut a piece of the cuttlefish and brought it to my mouth. The flavors hit me instantly sweet, tangy, and salty, all perfectly balanced. The texture was just as Chef Foo described—soft but with a slight firmness, making every bite satisfying.
It tasted like the ocean, but without the overwhelming fishiness that sometimes came with seafood.
Chen was in heaven. “I could write a poem about this. An ode to cuttlefish.”
I stole a glance at Moni again.
Her plate of pork was completely gone.
Picking up my last piece of roasted pork, I leaned over and offered it to her. “Do you want some more?”
Moni’s eyes lit up. “Hell yes.”
She leaned forward, taking the pork from my fingers with her mouth.
Fuck yeah.
Her lips brushed against my fingers and her tongue flicked out, just barely grazing my skin.
A shiver ran down my spine.
My heart skipped a beat.
Before I could think, I leaned in and kissed her, tasting the sweetness of the pork and the warmth of her mouth.
“Get a room, people!” Jo hollered, earning some laughs from around the table.
I pulled back, grinning like an idiot.
As far as I was concerned, everyone should be lucky I wasn’t under the table, licking Moni’s pussy.
Chef Foo—unfazed by the brief interruption—moved on to the final dish. “And finally, we have duck, a staple of Beijing barbecue.”
Some of the Four Aces cheered.
“Thank you so much. I do want to say that this particular duck has been slow-roasted and marinated, absorbing all the flavors of the sauce.” Chef Foo raised one hand in the air, dotting each word. “The meat is tender and of course the skin crispy.”
Barbara Whiskers had already polished off her plate, clearly unfazed by the culinary history Chef Foo had been sharing.
Currently, she was licking her paws.
I picked up a piece and tasted it.
The richness of the duck was unlike anything I’d had before. The marinade was bold, deeply savory, with a touch of sweetness that made each bite feel luxurious.
I chewed slowly, letting the flavors linger on my tongue and savoring every second.
Dima’s voice rose. “Amazing. Absolutely amazing.”
Chen was practically moaning at this point, devouring his plate with reckless abandon. “This is unreal, cousin! Absolutely unreal!”
Jo nudged Moni. “When you’re high everything tastes like the last supper. You know. Like Jesus cooked it.”
“Like what? Jo, you need to drink some water.” Moni smirked.
“Sexy?” I picked up a piece of duck this time and leaned over to feed her.
She raised an eyebrow. “Mountain Master, you’re going to get us ejected from the judge’s table.”
“I would like to see them try.”
“Fuck it.” Moni took the meat from my fingers and as she did, her tongue lightly grazed my skin again.
That small touch was enough to send a rush of heat through me.
My cock went hard right there.
Thank God the tablecloth would be covering my erection from the audience.
Before I knew it, I was leaning in for another kiss, the taste of duck lingering on both our lips.
Moni chuckled against my mouth. “You’re insatiable.”
“Only with you,” I muttered, pulling back but keeping my gaze locked on hers.
Chef Foo spoke, “Chinese barbecue is more than just a meal—it’s a communal experience. Whether you’re sharing skewers with friends or enjoying a plate of roasted pork, it’s about bringing people together, just like we are today, so thank you for letting me join in this celebration.”
Chef Foo gave a dramatic bow and waved goodbye.
The crowd cheered, clearly impressed by his words and food.
With another last wave, Chef Foo left the stage.
Not a bad start. What will we get next?