Page 12 of St. Lucia Escapades
Cord thought for a moment. “I’ll come to you. Any requests or you want me to just surprise you?”
“Surprise me.” Moira beamed.
After escorting Moira back to her condo, Cord returned to his own to grab a shower. He then decided to grab a little nap before he did some shopping for dinner. Cord awoke from his refreshing nap and began thinking about what he could make Moira. Since they weren’t in the states, his mom’s famous chicken fried steak was out. Well, he would just go into the village and see what jumped out at him. With his mind made up, and a plan, Cord left his condo. The marketplace was bustling. All around him was a cacophony of not just noises but delicious smells. Moving through the various stalls he eyed the produce and such. Sadly, nothing seemed to be jumping to mind.
“You seem confused.”
Cord turned to find an older woman standing next to him. “Actually I am. See, I met this amazing woman four days ago and well, I really like her. I offered to cook dinner at her condo and I’m drawing a blank.”
The woman chuckled, “I see. Are you a decent cook?”
“I’m no Wolfgang Puck, but I know my way around a kitchen.” Cord grinned.
“Follow me. I have a recipe at home I think will be perfect.”
“Thank you.” Cord breathed in relief. “I’m Cord O’Brien.”
“Amelia Ledoux.” Amelia smiles accepting his offered hand.
Moira
Moira sighed as she saved her work. Today had been productive with her story and with any luck, it would be finished soon. As she rose to stretch, heavenly smells wafted from her kitchen. Her stomach growled in anticipation. Gathering up her laptop, she carried it into the bedroom.
“Buíochas le Dia that smells good.” Moira all but moaned as she walked into the kitchen.
“I’m guessing that’s more of your Irish?” Cord grinned, stirring something on the stove.
“It means ‘oh my god.’ What are you making exactly?”
“I was at the market-place, completely at a loss as what to make you. This older woman, I’m guessing she’s someone’s grandma, took pity on me. She took me to her house, wrote down a recipe and sent me on my way.” Cord explained.
Sitting on one of the bar stools, Moira cupped her chin, “Another woman you say. Should I be jealous?”
Cord laughed, “No baby. Her name is Amelia Ledoux and she has to be in her mid-sixties.”
“Well, if whatever she told you to cook tastes half as good as it smells, I want to meet her and say thank you.” Moira replied.
“I agree.” Cord nodded, turning off the burner.
As Cord began putting the meal in the serving dishes, Moira started setting the table. She also pulled out the bottle of wine Cord brought to go with dinner. Moira studied him as he began serving up their food. Making sure her plate was fixed before his own. She found it refreshing. Today, too many men have forgotten what it means to be a gentleman. Although, given the way Cord kissed her these last few days, Moira had a feeling that in bed he wouldn’t be the gentleman.
“This looks really delicious Cord.”
“I think I followed Amelia’s recipe correctly. Well, let’s dig in.”
Moira lifted the first bite and the moment the food touched her tongue, a moan escaped her. The burst of flavor was out of this world. The meat was super tender and flavorful. The multiple layers of seasonings and spices worked in harmony with one another. When her eyes reopened, they met Cord’s and she smiled.
“Okay, tomorrow you and I are tracking Amelia down and thanking her for this recipe.”
“Oh yeah.” Cord nodded.
“What is this called again?” Moira questioned.
“Amelia told me that the locals call it pepper pot. She said this was her grandmother’s variation of it.” Cord explained.
Moira lifted another bit to her lips, once again moaning her satisfaction. “I am so going to have to copy it before I head home. My Ma and Da would love this. So, would me brother Sean and his wife Laura.”
Cord reached into his pocket and pulled out a folded piece of paper and handed it to her, “Amelia wrote out a copy for you. She said she hasn’t met anyone, local or otherwise that hasn’t enjoyed this dish.”
