know if anyone’s told you this, Connie, but my Justin single-handedly developed all those home sites out by the lake. I’m sure you bought your lot from him.”
“Don’t get jealous, but I do remember a big, good-looking man,” Connie revealed.
Becca waved her off. “Believe me, anyone who built out on the lake dealt with my husband. His real-estate projects are his oxygen. All he does is eat and talk on his cell phone. Eat and e-mail people. Eat and text, eat and Tweet.”
There was polite laughter at the last comment, but Becca’s demeanor remained serious. “I wish I could find the humor in it, I really do. I’m sure you all know by now that I do my cooking show weekday mornings, so I’m always in the kitchen trying out new recipes. I suppose you could make a case that I’m obsessed with food. But not the way Justin is. He eats everything I fix him and even wants to lick the spoon. He’s insatiable. When we were first married, he was tall and trim—quite the athlete.” She hesitated as she blushed. “I know I shouldn’t have started calling him Stout Fella, but, well, he’s gained so much weight that I couldn’t help it. Maybe I thought I could shame him into eating less, but he got to the point where he admitted he actually liked being referred to as Stout Fella. He said it made him feel like he was a big comic book superhero.”
Miss Voncille put down her fork and gave Becca an engaging smile. “I haven’t had the chance to say this to you yet, but I would have gotten around to it eventually tonight. I’ve been a huge fan of your Becca Broccoli Show since you first came on the radio. I’ve copied down all your comfort food recipes, and they’ve turned into staples for me.” She paused for a second and put her hand on Locke Linwood’s shoulder. “Why, I fixed your macaroni and cheese with bacon bits just the other evening for myself and my gentleman friend here on one of our dinner dates, didn’t I?”
Locke acknowledged her remark by patting his stomach with a contented little smirk on his face. “It was so irresistible I had an extra helping, and I don’t normally do that. I like to stay in shape.”
Becca rolled her eyes in exasperation. “Oh, I wish I had never invented all those rich, comfort food recipes as my main focus. It’s what’s really gotten Stout Fella in trouble. That, and the recent explosion of ice-cream flavors!”
“There’s so much emphasis on eating smart these days,” Miss Voncille added, pausing for a thoughtful frown. “I don’t want to tell you how to run your show, but maybe you could put the broccoli back in The Becca Broccoli Show. After all, you’re in charge of the recipes.”
“You’re absolutely right,” Becca replied, nodding enthusiastically. “I can change the equation if I want. I could put together some episodes that would definitely put the broccoli back and then follow through by fixing the same recipes at home for Justin and myself. Now, let me see, what should I call them? Anyone got any ideas?”
“Calorie-Conscious Comfort Food?” Miss Voncille suggested.
Becca screwed up her face and then smiled diplomatically. “Thanks, but maybe too much of a tongue twister.”
“Comfort Food without Calories?” Connie offered.
Becca laughed. “That would be outright fraud. There’s no such thing.”
“Don’t I know it!” Connie exclaimed.
Then Miss Voncille tried again. “Downsizing with Comfort Food?”
Becca perked up immediately. “Oh, I like that. I think it just might work. A clever play on the state of the world today. I’m indebted, Miss Voncille.”
“Oh, happy to help out. Perhaps you could keep us informed about these new episodes and let us know when the first one will be broadcast so we can all be sure and tune in. In fact, I’ll be upset if I don’t hear from you.”
The mutual admiration society continued throughout the rest of the meal, and not even Councilman Sparks could disturb the camaraderie that was developing among the group. Then, after everyone had raved about the sheet cake and custard and stacked their trays, it was time for the serious business of The Cherry Cola Book Club to get under way.
“By now, I’m sure all of you have had plenty of time to think about our theme tonight,” Maura Beth began, standing behind the podium. “So, who wants to be the first to tackle ‘I’m Scarlett, You’re Melanie!’?”
Councilman Sparks quickly raised his hand