Raising Avon

by Rebekah Shelton

  ****

  After gathering a nice arrangement of roses, Avon led Jeremy into the kitchen. Iramy was placing dinner on the table. "It won't be as good as lunch," Iramy advised. "Most everything is replicated. I did, however, call in a few IOUs and got us some fresh bread and butter. Since you like it so much, I going to try finding some of the ingredients and learn to make bread. If I can't find it fresh, I'll replicate the ingredients and bake some, just like I do for my cakes."

  Jeremy looked at the table setting and then the food. Avon had pulled out the fine china and crystal. The table had been draped with a lace cloth and each place setting was perfect. Then he got a good look at the food. "This smells wonderful," he sighed.

  "I decided to compromise," Avon announced. "Instead of just a salad, I decided on Tilapia stuffed with crab, couscous with fresh vegetables and a dinner salad, Solarian Surprise of course with extra blue cheese. Just the way you like it."

  "And for dessert, I baked some homemade cookies; chocolate chip with walnuts. We'll have it with some vanilla ice cream,” Iramy added.

  Avon then smiled. "For tonight while we are watching a movie, I was able to trade some seeds for some fresh strawberries. I'll dip them in melted chocolate. You're going to love them."

  "You did all this for me?"

  Avon nodded, her eyes lowered. She still wasn't able to look Jeremy in the eyes. "You lived up to the wager and I encroached on your privacy. It's the least I could do to contrite for my indiscretions."