Page 30 of Wayfinder
The unexpectedness of our kiss left me reeling. I couldn’t believe I pounced on him like that. Yet, with my heart still racing and my body buzzing from the electric connection between us, I couldn’t stop reveling at how wonderful it felt. Every inch of my body was alive with a tingling sensation, and I relived the incident over and over again in my mind.
I wanted to relive it even more in person.
When we arrived back at the ship, the AI led us to the common room where the judges waited… along with Uilay.
The Kwado chef showed no signs of distress, despite his assistant recently being devoured by the alien version of a great white shark. His expression was disdainful, without even the slightest hint of gratitude that he’d escaped being on the menu.
The minute I walked through the double doors, applause erupted, led by a broadly smiling Chancellor.
“Congratulations to the winner of the competition, human chef Pearl!”
The applause increased, no one clapped so loudly as Jutuk. A wide smile splitting his gorgeous face.
“Cheat! I declare a cheat!”
Uilay bounded upon the dais, scowling at the judges. “This whole competition has been rigged to allow the human to win.”
I sucked in a breath, glancing at Jutuk. His eyes met mine for a brief moment, our shared unease palpable. An icy finger traveled down my spine as Uilay’s accusing gaze rested on me. He was right, although I couldn’t admit it. Jutuk seemed to sense my inner turmoil and took my hand in a firm grip, silently reminding me that there was more at stake than just my pride. Yet, deep down inside, I knew that winning the contest like this would be a hollow victory—one that went against the very core of my soul.
“May I suggest a compromise so Chef Uilay will know I have defeated him fairly?”
Jutuk’s hand tightened on mine as Uilay snarled in my direction.
“Human Chef Pearl is the winner.” Chancellor Qaimus declared with a wave of his hand. “The rules of the contest….”
“I understand about the rules of the contest,” I cut in. “But may I suggest one last challenge? A final cook-off. Even if the outcome of the competition doesn’t change. Chef Uilay can claim bragging rightsifhe beats me.” And hopefully, it will shut him up, I added silently.
“I accept,” Uilay announced before the Chancellor had a chance to respond.
Qaimus pursed his lips in consideration.
“I, for one, would love to sample another of human chef Pearl’s wonderful dishes.” Lady Jessup added her two cents to the decision.
“I as well,” Counselor Trie concurred. At his side, Master Iffas seemed bored by the hoopla.
“What would you suggest for the menu?” The black beady eyes atop Chancellor Qaimus’ head studied me curiously.
“Well, Jutuk did manage to kill the ajkula.” I gestured toward the satchel Jutuk had dropped just inside the door. We’d taken time to carve several large filets from the massive fish, just in case protein bars were on the menu for dinner. I’d had enough of the molasses covered packing peanuts to last me a lifetime.
Chancellor Qaimus tapped his broad, slimy lips with a fat, webbed finger. “Very well. A final competition for thesebragging rights. Chef Uilay and human chef Pearl will prepare dishes using the flesh of the ajkula.”
Jutuk retrieved the satchel, and we allowed Uilay the first choice of meat. Of course, he chose the thickest filet after putting his nasty nose on every other piece and theatrically taking a huge whiff.
Fish was never my favorite. I’d cook shrimp and lobster all day but found it easy to overcook a standard filet. Once the meat became dry, tough, and rubbery... there was no fixing that.
The filet I chose looked like shark. The flesh was slightly pink, firm, and meaty, not as delicate, and flaky as other fish.
Jutuk followed me into the kitchen, his large frame easily navigating through the narrow space and settling himself on the stool in the back corner. His golden eyes observed my every move, but physically, he stayed out of the way, as always. Normally, having anyone else in the kitchen would have grated on my nerves. Jutuk’s quiet presence had become a comforting constant.
I took stock of the leftover veggies, alien versions of tomatoes, carrots, onions, peppers... and the odd fruit that tasted like a combination of grapefruit and lime.
What to cook?
In his kitchen area, Chef Uilay slung pots around like a madman. He didn’t seem to have trouble coming up with a menu, which irked me to no end.
“What is wrong, Pearl?” Jutuk’s voice was a low, caring rumble.
I pushed the frustration away with a smile. “Nothing. I’m just trying to figure out what to cook.”
