Page 49 of A Fowl Match

I would love that. You cook?

DUSTIN

Yes, but I’m not the best cook. Gram can cook us something special.

VIOLET

At least you're honest. See you around 6.

“I’m here!”

“It’s one fifteen, you’re too late for lunch. It’s cold.”

“Please Gram I’m starving! I had to feed the goats. They were acting out of control. I woke up late, after staying up last night helping a cow with a breech birth, can you blame me?”

“Should have been up before the rooster’s crow.” My grandfather yells from the living room. I roll my eyes.

“Ignore him, I will heat you up a plate because you are my favorite grandson.” I’m her only grandson, but I guess I’ll take the compliment.

“Thank you! I also need a small favor.”

She puts her hands on her hips. A dusting of flour fills the air from the motion. She’s constantly covered in it. That’s how you know her food is the best. Everything is made with her hands. “How do I know it’s not going to be a small one?”

“Because you know me better than myself.”

“What is it?”

“Could you make fried chicken with macaroni and cheese? They’re one of Violet’s favorites and she’s coming over to my place for dinner tonight. You know I can’t cook something to save my life unless it's breakfast food.”

“One condition.”

“And that is?” My eyes narrow.

“You and I will make it together.”

That I can work with. “Deal.”

“Deal,” she repeats and shakes my hand.

After hours spent in the kitchen, we finally have the macaroni and cheese in the oven. And all of the chicken is done. I taste tested one too many pieces of chicken and got thelook.The one that will earn me a backhand to the head if I ate any more. Begrudgingly, I stopped taste testing after that. I’m not in the mood for a headache.

“I got a job offer,” I blurt unexpectedly as we lean against the kitchen counter sipping on hot chocolate.

I hadn’t meant to say anything, but I guess it’s been on my mind ever since Nolan spoke to me a couple weeks ago. I am torn between staying and going, leaning less towards the latter. I wanted a few months’ trial at the farm and that is about up.

“I’m so proud of you. When do you leave?”

“What?” I just about spit out the hot chocolate coating my throat. “Are you that eager for me to get out of your hair? I didn’t think I was that much of a nuisance.”

“No! That’s not what I meant. I want whatever is best for you. It has to be something you decide on your own. If you wantthis farm, it’s yours, but if you want to pursue a life in the city as an accountant or whatever you choose to do, then I’m happy for you. I want you to liveyourdream. Do whatever makesyouhappy. Don’t settle on the farm because you want to make your grandfather happy. I don’t care what the old geezer thinks about it. He’s stubborn, but he’ll forgive you in time. He loves you. And I do too.”

“You’re making me tear up Gram.”

She pulls me in a flour-dusted embrace. We’re both covered this time. I wouldn’t want it any other way. Cooking with my grandmother is exactly where I want to be. I will never be able to trade this moment for anything else.

I can’t leave now, I realize. I love it here.

Chapter 35

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