Page 16 of True Calling
Berk handed him a large carrier, “Can you hold this?”
Garth just took it without saying a word. He watched Berk pick vegetables up and sniff them, or squeeze them, while others he would put back down. When he noticed how little Berk was putting into the basket, Garth knew he needed to say something.
“Uh Berk?”
“Yes?” Berk said as he picked up some broccoli.
Leaning in, Garth whispered, “Remember what we are?”
Berk gave him a curious look, “What you are?”
Garth raised a brow and watched as the light bulb went off. “Uh, yeah.”
“You’ve seen us eat.” Garth said, then leaned in and whispered, “I suggest you act like you’re cooking for a party of forty.”
Understanding hit Berk and he turned to the vendor. “Your produce is beautiful.”
“Thank you. Everything is grown on my farm, and in the winter, we utilize our greenhouses.”
“And what kind of fertilizers do you use?” Berk asked.
“Our farm is one hundred percent organic. We don’t use chemicals of any sort.” The man answered proudly.
Berk nodded, asking, “Do you ever deliver your goods?”
“That depends on where and how much. It’s me and my boys that run the farm, but we do, on occasion deliver.” The man answered.
Berk smiled and put out his hand, “Names Berk. Berk Carlos.”
“Ted Bunson.” The man replied, shaking Berk’s hand.
“So, Ted, if I were to put in extensive orders, could you deliver twice a week?” Berk asked.
Garth looked around at all the people milling about. He didn’t remember the last time he had come to town, and wasn’t looking forward to doing this often. Suddenly, Berk was shaking Ted’s hand again. “Thanks. I appreciate your willingness to do this for me. Normally I’d come out here and pick out what I’d need myself, but my boyfriend just reminded me that I’m gonna be really busy and I prefer fresh over store bought, if you know what I mean.”
“Hell, yeah I do. A real honest-to-goodness chef. I wish I could try some of your food. I bet it’s right good.” Ted said with a smile.
“I’ll tell you what. On your first delivery, I’ll make sure to make enough for you and your family. It’s the least I can do for how kind you’ve been to me.” Berk said with a wide smile.
Ted smiled right back at Berk and Garth felt his dragon trying to push forward. He knew Ted didn’t mean anything by the smile, but the man was getting just a bit too friendly with his mate, and his dragon didn’t like it.
“That sounds great, but it’s totally unnecessary.” Ted replied,
Shaking his head, Berk said, “Nonsense. I want to and thanks again, Ted. I’m gonna take what I have here, and I’ll contact you with my order for Saturday.”
“Sounds good. Look forward to doing business with ya.” Ted stated, then rang up Berk’s purchase and Garth paid the bill.
They made their way back to the truck and Berk seemed to have a bit of a skip to his step. “You know, this is going to be even more fun than I thought. I get to cook like I did for the restaurant.”
Garth laughed. “It’s one of the reasons none of us cook. It isn’t because we can’t as much as we don’t like having to make sure we have enough. It’s just been easier to order in for dinner, and everyone does for themselves for breakfast and lunch.”
“Well, it’s a good thing I love to cook now, isn’t it?” Berk said with a smirk.
“I hope you don’t plan on cooking all the time. I mean, how are we supposed to get to know each other if you’re always in the kitchen?” Garth asked.
Berk went to another stand and started smelling the pineapple. “I have off weekends. Otherwise, I guess you’ll have to come and visit me in the kitchen. We still have the grocery store and the butcher, but he’s not for a couple of hours. Ted said this guy is all organic too. I can’t wait to see what he has to offer. I think I’m going to try and work out a delivery system with him as well. It will seriously cut down on my shopping, and even though we have to go to the shopping center today, I’ll start ordering whatever else I need online from now on.”
“You know, I’ve heard it’s never a good idea to go grocery shopping on an empty stomach. How about we grab us a bite to eat, then head to the butcher, then once that’s finished, we can get the groceries, then order some Chinese for dinner?” Garth suggested.