We just sit there and grin like idiots at each other until the server comes over.
“Hey, guys, and welcome. Is this your first time dining with us?”
“Yes.”
“Okay great, let me give you a quick rundown.” He goes over picking our veggies, proteins, sauces, and then taking them to the grill so they can stir-fry it for us.
“Sounds fun,” I say.
“I’ll have a Mai Tai,” Leo adds, and he sounds less than impressed with the idea of having to make his own dinner.
“And for you?” the server asks.
“I’ll have whatever IPA you have on draft.” The server nods and heads off.
“Just one beer tonight.”
“Why just one?” He’s never limited me before, but I rarely go overboard.
“You need to be sober for your surprise.”
“But you don’t?”
“Nope, it’s all for you.”
I wonder what kind of surprise has something that’s just for me? “You’ll be with me, right?”
“Of course, babe, but you’ll be doing all the work. I’m just going to watch.”
“I’m okay with that. Now can we go get our food?”
He rolls his eyes at my excitement, but he’s also grinning. “Fine, but anything you take you need to eat, so make sure you don’t make anything gross.”
“Good call.”
We head up to the veggie station, and I freeze.
There are like twenty different veggie options. How the hell am I supposed to know what goes with the sauce or protein I pick? What if I do make something yucky?
“Hey, I’ve got you.” Daddy places his hand on my low back, and I sigh in relief. “Let’s start with veggies you like.”
“I don’t like many veggies.”
“I know, and that will make this easier.” He picks up a divided tray. “So we know you don’t like broccoli or onions.”
“Or kale.”
“No one likes kale. It’s the devil’s lettuce.”
“I thought that was pot?”
“Nope, kale. Now, how about bell peppers?”
“I like those.” He adds a few.
“What else?”
“Snap peas.”
