Page 98 of The Stud

“Ah,” her relative chuckles again, “the contemporary cultural blend. What you,” his chin kicks in her direction, “your dad and most of my kids speak.Yo apruebo.”

A questioning glance is tossed to my Slayer to which she translates, “He approves.”

Good.

Another dub.

Perhaps ifhelikes me…when the time comes – and it will come – her father will as well.

“I’ve got two orders of Mexi-Texi chili-lime wings coming right up and our newelotesto enjoy while you wait.”

There’s no stopping confusion from carving itself on my face. “E…what now?”

“Elotes,” repeats Arden, snark clear as the Christmas Eve afternoon sky. “You’ve never hadelotes?”

“I can’t evensaythe bloody word.”

“Oooo…your fake Britishness prevents your mouth from curving that way, aye?”

“You’re chirping an awful lot for someone I drove five hours to enjoy wings.”

“You definitely win forDoorDashdriver of the season,” she teases while reaching up for the stick treat. “Why don’t we share mine like a taste test, and if you like it,” her figure twists towards mine, “then Ál can give you your own.”

“Sí.”

“Alright.” Bear and I both watch her rotate the sticked object in her possession; however, it’s me that inquires, “And what exactly is that unkempt creation dirtying your mitts?” One thick, white glob casually lands on Bear’s eager tongue. “And now your security guard?”

“Mexican street corn,” launches loose prior to a good-sized bite being taken. “Typically, it’s mayonnaise or crema,” she continues to explain around her smacking, “but this tastes like it has both-”

“It does,” calls out Ál from somewhere inside his truck.

“Butter…”

“That too,” he confirms once more.

“Great hint of lime,” my girlfriend precedes to explain around another chomp that results in Bear craning his neck at an angle to catch the falling kernels. “There’s cotija cheese, Tajín habanero, and,” Arden swipes away the red sauce lingering on her lips, “what tastes like some sort of hot sauce drizzle.”

“Secrethot sauce,” informs our food truck chef.

“Adds just enough extra kick,” she breathes out, mouth a gape to welcome in air to counter the burn. “This is definitely top cheddar shit.”

I quirk a curious eyebrow. “Would you say it is the best?”

Arden looks upward.

Contemplatively hums.

Purses her lips to one side.

The other.

Contemplative hums again and meets my stare. “I think so.”

“So…then…myreal giftwould be taking you out for the best wingsand elotesyou’ve ever had?”

Rather than give me the victory I clearly seek, she cringes, “Why does it sound like you’re saying ‘and loadies’?”

“Why is it so difficult for you to put my points on the board?” The jab is followed by a cocky lean forward to indulge in my first bite. To no surprise, the woman I’ve fallen in love with – or more accurately been in love with since the start of the season – rolls the treat around, successfully sending crema up my nose. “Damn it, Ducky!”

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