Chapter 28
Chapter 28
Since there was too much food to handle all at once, Joe took half into the kitchen to cook, while slicing up the rest and handing it over for Julian an Olivia to grill by themselves.
Julian set up a barbecue grill in the courtyard and started laying the ingredients on the hot grill.
Watching him work with ease, Olivia asked, “You look like you actually know what you’re doing. Did you learn how to make this?”
Julian replied without looking up, “My mom loved Gravellian cuisine but hated cooking. I was barely steady on my feet when she started making me learn. I mostly just looked up tutorials online. I never had formal lessons.”
“I figured it was part of the job,” Olivia said. “Being good at everything probably helps win the hearts of rich women.”
Julian gave her a sidelong glance, his eyebrows arching. “And did it work? Did I win your heart?”
Olivia swallowed a mouthful of saliva and replied, “You definitely won my stomach.”
Julian let out a slight laugh. “You haven’t even tasted anything yet. You mean you’re so easy to win over, huh?”
Olivia replied, “I can tell just by the smell. They are gonna be amazing.”
Julian picked up a skewer of rabbit meat, gave it a quick blow to cool it, and held it out to her lips. “Why don’t you try it and see for yourself? Let’s find out if the taste matches my confidence.”
Olivia leaned forward and took a bite. The meat was grilled to perfection–tender and juicy, without even a hint of gaminess.
It didn’t taste like how rabbits were cooked in Gravellia, where the meat took on whatever flavor the seasoning dictated. This was different. The spices were fragrant, but the flavor of the meat still shone through.
Olivia couldn’t help raising a thumbs–up. “That’s way above my expectations.”
Julian grinned at the compliment. He kept grilling and feeding her. Barbecued meat was always best fresh off the fire. Even an extra minute on the grill could ruin the texture. So he worked quickly, handing her piece after sizzling piece.
Olivia felt a little bad just sitting there getting fed, so she started feeding Julian in return. Mimicking his actions, she also lightly blew to cool the meat before offering it to his lips.
Joe came out just in time to see the two of them sitting close and feeding each other food. It was like the air around them was filled with pink bubbles of
affection.
He couldn’t help but chuckle to himself. ‘What a sweet couple. Even the air in my backyard smells like young love.‘
Joe started bringing out dish after dish and setting them on the table. He turned to Olivia and said, “Girl, don’t just eat grilled stuff. Try some of these stir-
fries and stews too.”
Olivia nodded politely. “Thanks, Mr. Hudson. You can just call me Olivia.”
Joe beamed. “All right, Olivia. Come and try what Chef Joe whipped up.”
Julian finally stopped grilling and took Olivia’s hand to guide her to the table. He sat her down and began placing a bit of everything onto her plate. “Give these a try. Grandpa’s cooking should be right up your alley.”
Olivia took a bite, and her eyes lit up. “This is amazing.”
She even made a point of telling Joe how great it was in fluent Auralian and warmly invited him to sit down and eat with them.
Joe plopped down across from them with a grin. “If you like it, come here any day while you’re on the island. I’d like to cook for you every day.”
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Chapter 28.
But Julian cut in, “That won’t work. She’s not here forever, I want to take her around and let her try other local food too
Joe scoffed, “You think anywhere on this island has better food than mine?”
Julian shrugged. “Even if it’s crap, it’s fresh to her. Gotta let her taste something unfamiliar.”
Olivia rolled her eyes internally. ‘Okay, no need
get t
literal. I’m not lining up to taste fresh crap.
After dinner, Julian asked Joe to talk privately in
backyard.
Julian’s face turned serious as he spoke up, “Grandpa, one of my men betrayed me. He’s fled to Silvermoon Island. He knows you live here, which means he’s probably coming for me.
“I’m worried he’ll try to use you against me. I want to you to stay somewhere safe. Once I’ve dealt with him, I’ll bring you back.”
Joe’s brows shot up, and he barked out angrily, “You think I’m a afraid of a betrayer? I’m not going anywhere. If he dares come after me, I’ll skin him alive. I was on the battlefield before that brat even knew what a diaper was.”
Julian winced, a headache clearly forming. “I know how tough you are, Grandpa. But we’re in the open, and he’s in the shadows. I’m just worried he’ll try something sneaky.”
Joe turned his head sharply, his expression stubborn. “I’m not leaving. If that betrayer manages to capture me, then I deserve it. That just means I’m not good enough. Don’t waste time saving me. Just bomb us both to hell.
Julian sighed, “I knew I wouldn’t be able to talk you into leaving. I’ll arrange for extra guards to watch over you then.”
Joe waved a dismissive hand. “Save your men for yourself and Olivia. The people around here are all my old buddies on the battlefield. We’ve been through hell together. We may be getting on in years, but we’re still better fighters than half your soldiers.”
Julian could only give up trying to convince Joe.
Julian added, “By the way, Grandpa, I heard my father’s planning to pick a marriage alliance for me. But I only want to marry Olivia. If he tries to force me, I’ll need you to talk to him.”
Joe shot him a glare and snapped, “Can’t even handle your own father, and you expect to stable now, but internal politics are trickier than any battlefield.
mand your men? The situation out there might seem
“You need to learn how to solve your own problems. If words don’t work, then apply some pressure. Real actions are way more useful than verbal threats, got it?”
Julian fell silent for a beat and then nodded. “I see, Grandpa. I’ll take Olivia back now.”
Joe waved his hand. “Go ahead.”
Despite all the grumbling, Joe personally walked them to the gate. He stood there, watching the two of them hand–in–hand until they disappeared down the path. Only then did he finally turn–back and wipe the tears in his eyes.
He thought to himself, “Damn, I’m getting soft. used to walk through the battlefields without blinking, but now, just seeing my grandson find his true love is enough to make me misty–eyed.
‘That brat is about to start his own family, which means I’m really getting old. Death’s probably not far off!
A voice called out from down the street. “Joe, was that Julian just now? Did he bring his girlfriend
to
meet
you? Are they getting married?”
Another man spoke up, “Didn’t rumors say he was with that guy called Noel on his team? What happened? Did he suddenly switch sides or is this just a cover?”
Chapter 28
Someone cut in, “Don’t be ridiculous. That was just gossip. People used to say Joe rose through the ranks by sleeping his way up. You seriously didn’t know how it really happened?”
The neighbors walked out of their houses, gathering by Joe’s gate and gossiping freely.
They were all retired comrades–in–arms, once high–ranking officers who chose to spend their twilight years on this quiet island with Joe.
Joe kicked one of them in the shin and snapped, “You geezers haven’t changed a bit. Still love to run your mouths. Haven’t even finished dinner, have you? Come inside. I made too much food anyway. We might as well drink the night away.”
Joe led them back into the courtyard, and the moment they saw the three large tables full of food, everyone froze in shock.
Someone teased, “You’re feeding a herd of pigs or what? What makes
you think that a girl can eat so much?”
Joe retorted, “I felt like cooking for her. Even if she can’t eat it all, she can at least look at it. If she ever thinks about breaking up with Julian, maybe she’ll remember how damn good I cook and think twice.”
ww
