Chapter 29: Tortilla Soup - Georgie

"You know, strong and in charge all the time. I guess I'm not very good at that."

His eyelids lower and he nods slowly. "Perhaps. But Georgie. Surely, wanting to be like your father isn't enough to... Ah... The food's here."

The waitress sets a plate in front of me: rice topped with a stew, colourful with peppers and carrots, and spicy enough for the scent to set my stomach growling. A couple of floury tortillas perch on the edge of my plate. Borje leans forward, inspecting my plate, Hmmming approval.

I inhale... "Smells good..." Then, "And my partner's?"

"It's coming." Marsha quick-steps towards the kitchen, returning a minute or so later with a huge bowl of soup. Placing it before Borje and without waiting for any response, she turns away again. He Ohs! the unexpected dish, leaning in to examine it.

I call out. "'Scuse me, this isn't right."

Marsha U-turns, diving into an apron pocket. Whipping out her pad, she flips back a couple of sheets. "Tortilla soup," she snaps.