“No.” I shake my head. “Everyone is looking forward to it.”
“Well, I think your timer went off and mine is about done as well.”
We share a sweet, private smile and then get to work serving up both dishes.
Dinner is fantastic, even if I do say so myself. West’s dish is absolutely delicious, something I would swear was made by a professional, and I take a second helping. That’s how good it is.
Mine is better, though.
I’m not being vain or petty—mine has just a little extra flavor, my secret ingredient—and cooking it in a pot in the oven makes it incredibly tender. And there’s no doubt everyone loves it.
“Okay,” Jayne says once everyone has dessert.
She lifts the box where everyone put their vote for the better osso bucco and starts marking a tally as she pulls out each piece of paper.
“It’s five to four,” Jayne announces with a smile. “But there are ten of us—which means someone didn’t vote.”
I feel my face heat since I didn’t want to vote for myself.
“You didn’t vote?” West slides an arm around my shoulder. “How come?”
“I don’t know,” I hedge. “It felt silly. Who’s ahead?”
Jayne smiles prettily. “Not telling. Serena’s vote could either tie it or give a clear winner.”
“I don’t want to be the deciding vote!” I say firmly.
“Too bad.” West hands me a piece of paper. “Do it.”
I look at him and then smirk.
I write his name on the paper, fold it and hand it to Jayne. “There.”
“Well.” She smiles mischievously. “We have a tie.”
Had I voted for myself, I would have won, so I’m glad I voted for him.
“You’re sweet,” West whispers against my ear.
“Let’s ask the kids,” Jayne suggests, grinning. “I mean, it could still be a tie, or they could both hate it, but it’ll be fun.”
I snort. “Joey likely won’t touch it.”
“He’ll take a bite,” Jayne says. “Watch.”
She disappears around the corner, and I take a bite of West’s chocolate mousse. He made chocolate mousse with a touch of raspberry. I made my aunt’s bourbon pecan pie and it’s a huge hit. In fact, there isn’t any left, which is why I’m eating the mousse.
“What is it?” Lindy asks as Jayne presents her with two dishes of meat.
“It’s called osso bucco. It’s fancy grown-up food, but I just want you to take a tiny bite of each and decide if you like one better than the other.”
“Okay.” Lindy shrugs and tries mine first. She cocks her head as she chews. “This one is yummy.” Then she tries West’s and makes a face. “I like the first one better.” Jayne grins. “Thank you. You want to try, buddy?”
He shrugs, eyeing the meat dubiously. “Is it yucky?”
“It’s good,” Lindy assures him.
He takes the first bite, mine, and wrinkles his nose. “Yuck.”