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Chapter_297
Yvette suggested having a barbecue, and Andrew, feeling somewhat reluctant, took on the role of grill master. He stood in front of the newly set-up grill, his heart sinking a little. He didn’t feel confident about handling this task at all.
He glanced over at Jeremiah, who was busy threading skewers in the pavilion, clearly trying to impress his sweetheart, Yvette. The sight made Andrew feel even more pressure. I have to do this right, he thought. It’s not just anyone I’m assisting, it’s my dear Jeremiah. Besides, I can’t stand the way he looks at me when I mess up. He’s so sneaky, always showing off in front of Yvette.
As Jeremiah continued his little performance, expertly skewering food, Andrew couldn’t help but think, Who exactly are these two trying to impress?
Just then, his gaze landed on Charles, who was diligently starting a charcoal fire a little farther away. Andrew felt a little relieved. If even an artist like Charles is doing this, it can’t be that bad, right? He decided to gather himself and get back to the job at hand. But before he could start, Andrew walked over to Charles, who was skillfully managing the fire, and commented playfully, “You’re pretty good at this. Feels like you do this every day.”
Charles glanced up at him, giving a small smile. Compared to Mr. Chavez, this guy seems a lot more straightforward. I like simple-minded people like him, Charles thought. He placed the lit coals to the side and started fanning them gently to get the flames going. “Practice makes perfect,” he said casually, not missing a beat.
Andrew raised an eyebrow. “I bet you’ve done this a lot. Who taught you?”
Charles’s eyes softened as he glanced at Yvette, who was in the distance. “It was Yve,” he said, his voice carrying a hint of nostalgia. “She’s the one who taught me how to start a fire.”
Andrew’s eyes widened in surprise. Yvette? Not only does she teach him how to paint, but she also taught him to start fires? That was unexpected.
Charles continued, his tone softening further. “It’s been about ten years. Back then, I was in the Seventy-Two Chambers, but I was so focused on my position, I didn’t pay attention to things like this. I was good at killing, but starting a fire? Not so much. Yve took me under her wing, and it was just the two of us training in the base. Every day, it was my job to start the fire and grill the meat.”
Andrew, clearly taken aback, marveled at the idea of Yvette teaching Charles all these different skills. “I never knew she taught you so much. Not just painting, but starting fires and everything. She really focuses on making you an all-around person.”
Charles nodded, his expression serious. “Yeah, taking her as my mentor was the best decision I ever made.”
Feeling slightly humbled, Andrew quickly returned to his grilling station, determined to prove himself. He thought, I’ll make the best skewers for Mr. Chavez’s love. I can do this.
Ten minutes later, Yvette, Jeremiah, and Charles gathered around Andrew to inspect the skewers. Andrew held the skewers in his hands, his face covered in soot, the meat burnt beyond recognition. For a moment, there was a heavy silence.
Jesse was the first to break it, pointing at the skewers with an awkward cough. “What in the world is this?”
Andrew, embarrassed, scratched the back of his head nervously. “These are beef skewers. I might have overcooked them a bit, but trust me, they taste fine. They just don’t look so great. But they’re edible. Really.”
Charles, unconvinced, raised an eyebrow. “Edible? You really think our stomachs can handle this?”
Jeremiah looked at the blackened skewers, then back at Andrew, his gaze serious. “Andrew, is this really what you consider ‘top grill master’ material in Betrico?”
Andrew felt his guilt rise. He mumbled, “Well, even veterans make mistakes.” The truth was, this was his first time grilling meat, but he wasn’t about to admit it. He’d volunteered for this task because the other two were showing off their skills, and he wanted to show off his own, too. Cooking the meat had seemed easy enough, but it had burned so quickly and so easily. Now he was embarrassed.
Yvette, who had been lounging nearby, suddenly stood up with a lazy stretch. She leaned against a pillar, hands in her pockets, eyes half-closed. She glanced at the three of them, her voice low and teasing. “Clean this mess up. I’ll take over the grilling.”
Hearing her words, Charles immediately sprang into action, urging Jeremiah and Andrew to clean up. “Hurry up! Yve’s going to grill the meat herself!”
Andrew was still confused. Why is Charles so excited about this? It’s just grilling meat. Why is he acting like she’s going to perform a miracle?
“Charles,” Andrew said, raising an eyebrow. “If you didn’t know any better, you’d think she was preparing a Thanksgiving feast, not just grilling some skewers!”
Charles didn’t answer. His thoughts were focused on something else entirely. Just wait, Andrew. Wait until you try Yve’s grilled meat. You’ll change your tune. Even though Yvette wasn’t a particularly skilled cook, the way she grilled meat was something else. It was always unbelievably delicious.
Jeremiah, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke up. “Let me do it,” he said, his voice calm but assertive.
Yvette glanced up at him, a small, teasing smile playing at the corners of her lips. She beckoned him closer with a finger. “My little sweetie, just wait patiently. I’ll make sure you’ll have a delicious and satisfying meal.”
Jeremiah’s eyes darkened slightly, a glint of amusement in them. She called me ‘little sweetie’? he thought. And promised I’ll be satisfied with the meal? That’s going to be difficult. Despite his inner thoughts, he smiled and nodded. “Alright, I’ll wait. I’ll be sure to eat well, don’t worry.”
Yvette kicked a small stone, her eyes glancing at him in that casual, indifferent way she always did. What’s there to be happy about? she thought to herself.
Andrew and Charles exchanged a glance, silently understanding each other. Andrew thought, Is it any surprise that Mr. Chavez can stay so calm even when called ‘little sweetie’? Meanwhile, Charles couldn’t help but feel a deep admiration for Yvette. She’s amazing. Even Jeremiah listens to her. This is getting interesting.
Once the three of them had cleaned up the mess, Yvette took her place at the grill. The rest of the group sat down on the pavilion chairs, waiting quietly as Yvette worked her magic. Jeremiah stood by her side, helping with the plates and barbecue seasonings. The last light of the sunset bathed the two of them in a warm, golden glow, and the scene was nothing short of picturesque.
Andrew was the first to take a bite of the skewers that Yvette had grilled. His eyes widened in surprise. “Wow, this is incredible!” He couldn’t stop eating, devouring skewer after skewer. As he ate, he couldn’t help but compliment Yvette. “Yvette, these grilling skills of yours are amazing! Seriously, this is the best grilled meat I’ve ever had. What was I eating before this? This is perfection!”
Charles, who had tasted the same familiar flavor, smiled softly to himself. The setting, the moment, and his own mood had all changed from when he had tasted this years ago. Back then, everything had felt constrained, but now, he was free. He wasn’t bound by anything anymore.
Jeremiah, who didn’t normally eat much meat, couldn’t help but be impressed. He kept eating, even going for seconds. The skewers were so delicious that he couldn’t stop himself.
As the evening descended, golden sunlight bathed the courtyard, casting a warm, serene glow over everything. A light evening breeze drifted through, adding to the peaceful atmosphere, making them all feel slightly tipsy with contentment.
Yvette leaned back in her chair, wrapped in the jacket Jeremiah had given her, her feet crossed and a relaxed smile on her face. She looked at the three of them, then asked slowly, “Do you guys want a drink?”
