Mommy, Where Is Daddy? The Forsaken Daughter's Return novel Chapter 54

From inside the two-carat conference room, every guest of Clayton Brown and Annie Davis had been sighing in gratification with the food in front of them.

Starting with a plate of shrimp taco bites as their appetizer canape, they were all amused by the wonderful combination! A single shrimp was placed on top of a generous amount of guacamole, and beneath it was a taco shell just over an inch size.

They all felt the three pieces of which that were on their plates were not enough.

When the salads were served, more compliments were given to the surprisingly new flavor of the green dish.

At the table where the engaged couple sat, Annie Davis could not help but observe, "I don't remember the salad to have watermelon on it. Do you, Clay?"

After swallowing down his salad, Clayton answered, "No, even the sauce seems different. It tasted more... creamy and just a little sweet. They probably made some changes, but I like it."

"Oh, it's actually a good contrast to the earlier dish," remarked a good friend from the Brown family, Belinda Lopez. She was a columnist at the Braeton Daily and also known as a food critic.

Belinda had formed a good relationship with the Browns within the last four years since the paper's feature of the Brown Family, the growing Military Lineage of Braeton City.

"Hmmmm... It gives me the impression that I am eating a fruit salad instead of greens," added Belinda.

"I'm sure children will appreciate this. It's a good twist," said Catherine Davis, who was sitting next to Annie.

"It's wonderful, isn't it, Belinda," expressed Matilda. She was also at the same table as Clayton and Annie, seated next to General Winfield Davis.

The ten-seater round tables composed four of the Davises, Clayton's direct family; his parents and his sister, Belinda, and Stella, Matilda's caregiver.

Minutes passed, and everyone was already done with their salads. The next dish they heavenly consumed was a classic creamy pumpkin soup with garlic bread crunched on top.

Matilda thought the soup was exactly how Sarah and Samantha would cook it. As she savored the scent of the soup, Matilda said, "Brings me back memories."

Almost six years had passed and even Clayton thought so himself. He frowned and remarked, "Yes, the... the soup seems familiar tasting. I mean, pumpkin soups are generally the same, but it's creamier this time and you can taste the ginger."

Winfield Davis spoke for the first time, "Anyone can cook this way if cooking is their passion... I suppose."

He looked at Matilda and saw how his mother shook her head at him. He denied the familiarity, but he knew well. The soup also brought him back memories. After all, this was his former wife's favorite soup to prepare in their home.

Everything the guests at that point had expressed was nothing but delight.

When the scallops were served, all the more they were elated.

"Hmmmm... crunchy cheesy crumbs on the outside and everything just melts in your mouth!" Remarked Belinda. She had her eyes closed while chowing down her food.

After finishing a piece of the sea scallop, Belinda complimented the engaged couple, "You certainly chose the best venue for your engagement party. I assume you'll be having your wedding here too?"

Annie and Clayton looked at each other with a smile. It was Annie who answered, "Yes, we are. We have already made a down-payment, booking their second-biggest ballroom."

The rest of the meals were served and Belinda only had praises to say.

Alas, following the delectable avocado ice cream dessert, Belinda, the columnist said, "This is probably the most enjoyable meal I have had in years!" She smiled pleasantly at the engaged couple and added, "Sitting here in nearly three hours was just so entertaining and pleasing to my palate!"

Knowing this was her granddaughter's work, a wide grin easily became painted on Matilda's face. She suggested, "You should write about your dining experience here in this hotel."

"Yes, that is a good idea, Belinda," echoed Clayton's mother, Ingrid Brown. "Also, don't forget to include my son's upcoming wedding with the General's daughter, Annie Davis!"