Topped Chef(85)

“Quick, quick,” Miss Gloria cried, herding us over to the couch. “Beer, sir?” Within minutes, we were settled on the couch, Sparky on Miss Gloria’s lap, Evinrude on mine, Wally in the middle. We watched Randy’s lively introduction and then he explained that he’d be cooking shrimp and grits. “We have a secret weapon in Key West,” he said slyly. “And I’m going to share it with you. Here’s a hint: It should never be a drag to entertain!” He two-stepped across the little kitchen. The television broke for another commercial.

“Hayley,” said my mom from the computer screen, “could I speak to you in private for a minute?” I dropped Evinrude to the ground and carried the laptop into my bedroom.

“What about Wally?” she whispered once I’d shut the door. “He’d make a great boyfriend. He’s way cuter than I imagined from the way you described him.”

“Mom, he’s my boss.”

Mom chuckled. “You wouldn’t be the first girl to sample that recipe.”