No Fear!

Inside the restaurant, they walked down a hall that opened up into the courtyard that was beautifully lit with tiny little lights strung through trees. Between the tables were narrow waterways, and there was a foot bridge you needed to walk over to get to the back where the bathrooms were. It was even prettier than Emma had described. The colors on the walls surrounding the four sides of the courtyard were painted brightly with blues, browns, and pink paints. And there was a little hint of green in places. It had been done by someone who was daring, but who also knew colors. The result was magnificent. The waiter took them to their table, and then brought little stands over and put them next to where the ladies were sitting so they could place their handbags on the hooks. He took their drink orders, and left. Before he returned though, another waiter came to their table rolling a cart that was loaded with spices, tomatoes, and peppers. He asked how they liked their salsa, and Gloria suggested he make one that was hot, and the other, medium. Smiling, the man began crushing the tomatoes in a little four footed bowl, and then added peppers, and other spices. It was clear that he’d done this many times. He effortlessly finished his show, and put the fresh salsa on the table. He then produced newly baked tortilla chips from the shelf inside the cart. He told them to ask for him if they needed any changes to the spices he’d put in the salsas, and then went to the kitchen with the cart. Their drinks were delivered, and the server said he’d let them enjoy the chips and drinks before taking their order.

Ignoring the silence around the table, Gloria put some chips and some of the hot salsa on her plate, and knowing they were watching her, turned it into a show. She seductively garnished a chip with the salsa, and slowly brought it to her mouth, biting a small corner of the chip. When her tongue received the glorious taste of the sauce, she threw her head back, and sighed with contentment, as if she had just finished loving a man. “Please, you must all try this. It just may be the finest you will ever treat your mouth to.”

Mickey had finished pouring his tea from the little personal pot they put in front of him, and gladly obeyed the diva at the table. “Oh, this is good. Mori, Jimmy. Please, you must taste it. Gloria might have even understated this one.”

At that, Emma began to laugh. And when she did, a small snort came out of her which caused her to quickly cover her mouth with her hand, “My God, I am sorry.”

Jeremy had filled his plate, and was enjoying the taste in his mouth, when he turned to Mickey. “So tell me. Why did you guys hate this Cue character so?”

“Oh come on, Jeremy. Really?” Mori was still upset with herself for mentioning Sara’s name. “Couldn’t we all get off the past? It’s a bit rude to talk about times that Emma wasn’t part of.”

Her daughter nodded at her. “Mom, don’t worry about me, I don’t mind. That is, if you share the conversation with me. Like, who was Sara?”