Chapter 85

After finalizing the details with Linda, Summer returned to school and finished the last half-day of classes for the week. As she wrapped up her work in the evening, Linda came to see her.

Linda pulled Summer aside and said, "Everything is set. Tomorrow, just come early in the evening. I've prepared the pots, firewood, everything you need."

Summer was delighted and thanked Linda profusely. With Linda's reassurance, Summer felt confident in her preparations.

The next morning, after breakfast, Summer grabbed her basket and called for Logan outside the boys' dormitory. Together, they headed to the town center.

Since Logan had agreed to help her with this endeavor—and they had agreed to split any potential earnings—it was only fair that he helped with the work. Besides, she wanted him to be involved so they could share the responsibilities.

According to their plan, they would invite five people for dinner that evening: Community Leader Anthony, Village Chief Leonardo, Women's Leader Linda, Militia Leader Jack, and Village Accountant Billy.

Knowing their limited budget, Summer and Logan couldn't afford a lavish spread. They bought two pounds of pork belly, three pounds of flour, a rooster, potatoes, mushrooms, and some additional vegetables. The rest of the needed vegetables could be harvested from their garden.

After spending most of the day preparing the ingredients, Summer called for Logan again in the afternoon.

"I'm heading to Linda's to start cooking. Are you coming?" she asked.

Logan stepped out, replying, "We went to the market together this morning. Why wouldn't I join for the cooking?"

Summer smiled, "Great, show off your skills then."

She handed Logan the basket filled with potatoes, pork, and vegetables, along with the rooster. 

Logan accepted the load without complaint.

With Logan carrying the supplies, they arrived at Linda's house. Summer called out, and Linda greeted them warmly, helping with the rooster and leading them to the kitchen.

"The chicken needs to stew for a while to taste good, so start early. Once everything's ready, I'll call everyone over," Linda said.

Summer set the ingredients down, thanking Linda again.

Linda waved her off, "If you keep thanking me, I won't dare eat all this food you've prepared."

Summer laughed, "Don't worry, Aunt Linda. I promise, no matter what happens, I won't let this cause you any trouble."

Linda, always the helpful sort, had no intention of backing out now. "Enough with the formalities. Let's get cooking. Tell me if you need any help."

Summer replied, "You relax. We've got it covered."

Linda, however, wasn't one to sit idle. She inspected the supplies, settling on helping with the rooster. "I'll handle the chicken. City kids like you probably haven't killed a chicken before."

She was right. Summer had cooked and eaten chicken plenty of times, but never killed one. Hesitating slightly, she was relieved when Logan stepped in.

"I can do it, Aunt Linda. Just show me how," Logan said.

Linda handed him the knife, a bit skeptical. "Alright, let's see what you've got."

Logan took the rooster and the knife, heading to the yard. "Don't underestimate me. I can handle kitchen work just as well as anything else."

Linda, amused, followed to supervise. 

Meanwhile, Summer prepared the kitchen, finding a large enamel basin for mixing the flour. As Logan efficiently handled the chicken under Linda's guidance, she cleaned and prepped the vegetables.

Logan placed the chicken in boiling water to make plucking the feathers easier. "Once the feathers are off, I just clean out the insides, right?"

Linda nodded, explaining how to save the edible parts like the heart and liver. Logan assured her he could manage and sent her back inside.

Summer continued with the dough, mixing and kneading it thoroughly. Linda returned to check on her progress, offering help where needed.

By evening, the kitchen was filled with the rich aroma of cooking. Summer and Logan worked seamlessly, preparing the dishes with care.

At sunset, everything was ready. Linda went to fetch the guests while Summer and Logan set the table, their anticipation growing. Tonight's dinner was crucial for their future plans.