Chapter 610

I wasn't expecting Mrs. Barker to prepare such a lavish meal for me. Moreover, the table was laden with southern specialties, such as marinated seafood, a hearty meat and vegetable stew, a creamy chicken and mushroom stew, grilled meat, a corn casserole, a black bean and sausage stew, and some roast goose. I was stunned by the sight. "Mrs. Barker, I think you might have overestimated my appetite. There's no way we can finish all of this," I said, although deep down, I missed Grandma's specialty. "You don't have to feel pressured to finish all of it. I just want you to try them, not finish everything," Mrs. Barker said with a smile that revealed her dimples faintly. Perhaps it was because we felt an immediate connection when we first met, or perhaps our familiarity grew stronger with each encounter, but I felt much closer to Mrs. Barker. Even the way she spoke to me had become more affectionate and indulgent. She was gentle like a spring breeze, making it hard for anyone to resist d