Page 165 of Tarek

Cole clears his throat. “So, this is very earthy. There is no salt whatsoever.”

“Fuck salt, he didn’t season shit. Tarek, are you okay, man?” Jasper says as he continues eating the puree.

Dax moves his spoon back and forth in the bowl. “It’s smooth.”

Rhet looks at me, and instantly he smiles. “I like it.”

As the cloche was removed, another was placed in front of them.

With the cover lifted, Cole looks at the bowl of creamy arborio rice cooked with finely chopped spinach and grated Parmigiano Reggiano.

“This is very…um.” Cole moves his spoon into the creamy arborio rice.

“Very demure,” Jasper says as he flicks his hand downward.

We all look at him. Rhet frowns. “What the fuck isvery demure?”

Jasper sighs like he is tired of us. “It’s on that popular app. Why do I even try with you guys?”

Cole shrugs. “It’s palatable but… it’s demure.”

Jasper looks at Cole, and they both start laughing.

“Dax?”

“I will reserve my statement till the end of this tasting,” Dax says as Janaka takes the plates away.

I nod in agreement. “Finally, a luxe pear and lavender compote. It’s stewed pears with lavender essence blended into a smooth puree. Enjoy.”

“T, you are aware that I have all my teeth, right?” Jasper says as he tastes the puree.

“I like this more than the others. I will eat this with toast or out of a jar,” Cole says.

Dax chuckles and says, “He has us eating fucking lux baby food.”

In horror, Cole drops the spoon back into the bowl, and a splatter of pear lands on his white shirt.

“Fuck.” Quickly, he dips his napkin into Jasper’s glass of water and cleans his shirt.

Jasper shrugs and licks the spoon. “This is actually delicious.”

Rhet nods at the bowl. “With all this red dye 40 shit and mulch in food, I will buy crates of this for my kids.”

“Buy?” I shake my head. “No, this is not for sale this is for my kids. I don’t want the garbage on the shelves in my kid’s stomach.”

“Why the fuck did you let us taste it then?” Dax asks.

“Because he is a fucking nut case that’s why?” Cole chimes in.

“I want a case of each and whatever you are making for your demon spawns,” Rhet add.

I don’t bother to say no or argue. “Fine, for my nieces, I will make you a crate.”

Cole shakes his head. “What the fuck is happening to us?”

His voice sounds filled with terror.

“What do you mean?” I ask.

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