บท 19: Chapter 19

“I’ll be here,” Wayne added.

“Rory?” Barry asked. “Maybe you’ve got a hot date in town.”

The men laughed and Rory’s cheeks went a bright red. Barry instantly wanted to kick himself for teasing the man.

On his way back to the kitchen, Barry trailed a hand along Jimmy’s wide shoulders. “Chili okay with you, big guy?”

Jimmy smiled up at him. “Yeah. But I’m looking forward to dessert even more.” He waggled his eyebrows.

* * * *

On his journey through the States, Barry had picked up a number of recipe ideas from the chefs and home cooks he’d met. When visiting New York—which sadly was devoid of cowboys—he was advised to add a bottle or two of beer to his chili. The same chef had also suggested he add pieces of bacon and chopped green poblano chiles to a pan of cornbread. It not only added color but also a rich and complex flavor.