Immediately, Cara thought of Kami as a ray of sunshine -- more figuratively than literally. Her mere presence had brightened the room and had brought an informal, relaxed feeling, as welcome as a fresh breeze on a spring day.
When Shae offered her more wine, Cara held out her glass in acceptance, a little dismayed to find how much she had gulped down after her first bite. She would have to slow down, she scolded herself with a bemused smile.
"I'm sorry," Cara answered with a gentle laugh. "I'm sure you think I'm a total prude." She lifted the glass in mock toast once it had been filled. "But this gumbo is so spicy, I think I had better start with liquor." She had gone to college -- she had a little sense in that department, anyway.
She tried another bite, pleased to find her mouth did not burst into flames this time. In fact, it was quite good, a delicious combination of flavor that seemed to burst to life in her mouth, with too many flavors to pick out just one. It really was delicious...
Once Kami was settled into her new place on the couch, Pax's newest resident turned slightly to smile at her. "Your dessert looks amazing," she complimented. It was difficult to smell anything over Shae's cooking, but it seemed a whiff of the bars managed to reach her eager nose. It made her want to rush through her gumbo -- but she knew better. She would simply have to content herself with one at a time.