Chapter 3 #2
“I think during my time in Dallas, I ate at some wonderful places. I worked for a clothing company in NorthPark Center, and it has not only world-class shopping but terrific restaurants.”
She named her favorite place there, where she used to meet some of her former sorority sisters for dinner and then said, “But my favorite meals these days are the ones when we all get together. Everybody bringing something, like tonight. I’m especially fond of Sawyer’s chili and cornbread.
That leads us to you, Sawyer, my fellow, former Dallasite.
What was your favorite meal in Dallas during your years as an assistant DA? ”
“Let’s put it this way. I didn’t travel in the same circles that Jace did,” he said, causing them all to laugh. “As an ADA, I didn’t rake in the cash the way attorneys in private practice do. I do recall one meal, though, which stands out above all the others.”
Sawyer dabbed his mouth with his napkin.
“I was prosecuting a man on a first-degree murder charge. I always try to get to know everything I can about the victim. In this case, I learned that DeMarvian was a kind man, one who would give you the shirt off his back. He was in his mid-thirties when he was robbed and killed. Had three little girls and a wife who worked as a nurse at Parkland. DeMarvian had worked in his parents’ restaurant since graduating from high school.
I ate there several times, both before and during the trial.
His mom did most of the cooking. His dad seated customers and made the place feel like a home away from home.
“The day the guilty verdict came in, I saw no joy on his family’s faces.
They were good people who were trying their best to wrap their heads around losing their son.
Husband. Father. They invited me back to the restaurant, which they closed.
We ate ham, black-eyed peas, glazed carrots, and mashed potatoes with cream gravy.
Dessert was pecan pie, with a thin, flaky, golden crust. DeMarvian’s mother told me that this had been his favorite meal, and she was serving his favorite dishes in his memory.
It was a solemn occasion. They were hoping to be able to move on with their lives.
I appreciated being included that day, but I never went back to the restaurant.
Much as I wanted to, I knew I was a reminder of the most painful thing that had happened to them. ”
Sawyer placed his napkin on the table. “Sorry to bring down the mood.”
“No, don’t be,” Summer told him. “We’re all here for each other. It’s one of the reasons I’m happy to be back in Hawthorne. To have the love and support of my family and hopefully make some new friends.”
Sawyer smiled gratefully at his cousin. “Thanks, Sum. Okay, Ms. New Yorker. What was your favorite meal while you were living on the East Coast?”
She smiled, causing Chance’s heart to beat a little faster.
“I’m afraid I was in your boat, Sawyer. Publishing houses aren’t known for being overly generous when paying their employees, so I was always pinching pennies. I’d grab a frank from a Nathan’s vendor as a splurge at lunch, but I usually packed one and brought it from home.”
Summer paused. “A frank is a hot dog to you uninitiated. I did live in Brooklyn, however, and it’s home to the best pizza in the world.”
She told them about a place which was mere steps away from the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge, which crossed over into Manhattan.
“There are only about eight or ten tables in the place, packed tightly together, but it’s literally the best pizza I’ve ever eaten.
I’m just thankful that Pizza Palace here in Hawthorne is run by New Yorkers who understand what makes up a great crust. I’ll have to get my pizza hankerings satisfied there.
Or maybe I’ll go to Italy one day and see if their pizza tops ours. ”
Summer’s eyes flicked to Chance. “How about you, Cowboy? What’s been your favorite meal?”
“I’ve had a good many of them,” he began.
“Not everyone may know this, but Big Jim wouldn’t let me come back to Blackstone Ranch once I graduated from SMU.
He told me I needed seasoning. I should gain experience at other companies and see something of the world.
So, I worked and lived in different places, from Chicago to Denver to Seattle.
All those cities have their share of foodies and great restaurants.
I ate my fill, paying through the nose at some of those eating establishments.
“Then Dad said it was time for me to return home. The first meal I ate the night I got back was cooked by Tammy.”
Chance looked at Eli and then Jace. “Tammy Carruthers is like a mom to Kelby and me. We lost our mom when Kelby was only a few days old. Tammy was Mom’s best friend.
She came to help out—and never left. Tammy became the loving woman who raised us, as well as serving as housekeeper, cook, and chief bottle washer.
“That night, Tammy made me pork chops, my absolute favorite meal. They were so tender that you could cut them with a fork. She also added green beans and mac and cheese, along with some of her jalapeno cornbread. We ended the meal with banana pudding. That was the best dinner I’ve ever eaten.”
His gaze met Summer’s, and she said, “I want to learn how to cook. Maybe Tammy would be willing to share her pork chop recipe with me. And I could try it out on all of you as a thanks for tonight.”
“If you want it from her, you’ll have to move quickly.” Chance’s gaze turned to Kelby. “I just found this out today, Kel. I know Tammy wants to talk to you about it, but she’s leaving the ranch.”
“What?” Kelby cried. “Where on earth is she going?”
Chance explained how Tammy had reconnected with Tommy, her high school love.
“Tommy retired after over thirty years in the military. He’s a widower with no kids. Owns a body shop in Waco, where he and Tammy grew up. They still love each other after all these years and aren’t willing to waste any more time being apart.”
Kelby’s eyes misted with tears. She looked to West. “I’m glad I came back to Hawthorne when I did. I can’t imagine going a day—much less decades—without you in my life.” She stroked her burgeoning belly.
West beamed at his wife. “I’m glad it didn’t take over thirty years to track you down, babe. My life would be empty without you in it.”
For a moment, everyone at the table was silent, lost in their own thoughts, and then Kelby said, “The Mavericks game is about to start. Why don’t we give our food time to settle? We can serve dessert at halftime.”
Everyone agreed, collecting dishes and returning them to the kitchen.
When they went to the great room, Chance made certain that he took a seat next to Summer.
She was very into the game, yelling at the refs and cheering when the Mavs made a great play.
She even applauded when a Lakers guard hit a shot from mid-court as the buzzer sounded for halftime.
“That’s pretty decent of you, cheering our opponents, Sutherland.”
“Just because I’m a Mavs fan doesn’t mean that I can’t acknowledge a talented shot.” She sighed. “I’m so happy to be back. Now, I can watch my teams on a regular basis.”
“Do you like other sports besides basketball?” he asked.
“I like all sports,” she declared. “Football will always be number one in my heart, but give me a good hockey game or F1 race, and I’m happy as a clam.”
Chance decided he wanted to take Summer to a game in Dallas. He wouldn’t hit her up with that idea just yet. He would wait and see how their coffee date unfolded on Monday.
But in his heart, Chance knew that he was already falling for Summer Sutherland.