Pearls among pigs in blankets

“Well look who it is!”, he shouted. “You buttered crumpet! You double stuffed sandwich cookie! You greasy lemon, you pig in an electric blanket, you shredded clam salad, you!” Blushing, I said, “yes, what is it?” He coughed, then said, “well how are you?”

I had always had a tumultuous relationship with Tom Duncan. His propensity for using gross food nicknames both repulsed & intrigued me. He'd had a crush on me since 3rd grade, but I just couldn't take the extra step & reciprocate. He was waiting for an answer. "Terrible," I said.

Then I said "Tom, life is not about finding love in others, but creating love in ourselves and sharing with as many as possible. I think you can bring great joy to many restaurant owners in Paris for example"

He replied,"But....but It's you I want to love. I know it's always been my dream to be apart of the culinary experience in Paris and I still want to, but I want you more. I've tried finding love in myself, but I can't find it, but with you I see the greatness in both of us."

She squeezed his hands, as if to say, I feel the same. "This is for you," she said, pulling a large glass container out of her purse. She'd found the long lost recipe and made the technically challenging entree. "Hope you like clams," she said. "You may even find a pearl."