We were stuffed. I couldn't remember the last time I had eaten this much. Mendy had completely outdone herself, the kind of spread that felt more like a feast from some old royal banquet than a casual dinner. There were roasted chicken thighs glazed with honey and herbs, slow-cooked beef stew with root vegetables, buttery mashed potatoes, grilled vegetables with garlic and olive oil, warm fresh bread, and a large pasta bake with melted cheese on top. Everything was rich, comforting, and perfectly seasoned.
Since there weren't enough empty seats left at the table, some of us had ended up eating in the living room, including me. Even so, it had been a deeply satisfying evening.
"Boy, am I stuffed," Tessa said, plopping down on the couch next to me with a heavy sigh. "Oh… phew. We should hire you, Mendy. And fire Minne."
"Hey," Jasmine called from across the room. "Minne can cook."
"Yes!" Minne agreed, currently helping Mendy clear the plates.
