Chapter 13
"Well, maybe you will cook for me some time," Liiani suggested with a smile.
"I would love to. What day do you have off this weekend? Maybe we could do it then?"
Liiani looked disappointed; she would've really liked that. "I am truly sorry AJ, that sounds like a wonderful idea and I hope we could do it another time. But Pops and I were going to cook out on Saturday; however, he made it clear that he would like to meet you. Would you like to come over to my place for a late lunch? I try to keep to my work eating schedule even on my days off so might anytime between two and three work for you?"
"Anytime is fine for me. Can I bring anything to help out with the meal?"
"Not at all. I have it all covered. How is three then? The later I eat the better."
"It sounds good. Are you sure I can't contribute in some way?"
She laughed, "Keeping Pops busy while I cook would be a great help. That way I won't have to fend off his not-so-helpful assistance."
He finally gave in and they worked together to clear away the left overs. When everything was put away Liiani pulled out three more containers and two small plates. "Do you have a micro wave somewhere close by?" she questioned.
"Yes, in the break room," he told her holding out his hand. "I can nuke things with the best of them, if you will allow me."
"Sure!" Liiani grinned. "Just get this liquefied so we can pour it over our brownies ala mode."
"What?! We've been sitting here thirty minutes! Any ice cream you've brought will be a puddle by now!"
"Nope! I planned ahead and put it in this small ice chest," she told him as she opened it to show him the still firm ice cream. "However, it will melt if you don't get with the program, sailor!"
AJ scrambled to his feet and saluted her, "Ma'am, yes Ma'am!" he replied, and left the room to melt the topping.
When he returned, AJ admitted, "It smelled so good that I had to try it, and it is amazing! Mint and chocolate together?!"
"It's Smucker's dark chocolate mint sauce, I am sorry that it and the ice cream are store bought, but I promise the double chocolate, chocolate chip brownies are homemade!"
AJ groaned, "Woman, you are going to be the death of me!"
Liiani giggled, "Death by chocolate! What a way to go!"
He shook his head at her silliness and dug into his decadent desert. It certainly turned out to be as good as it and sounded, he could feel himself getting fatter with every bite. His mind and body fought with his taste buds and stomach about finishing the whole thing. The first pair were firmly against it, while the second pair were all in favor of it! With a sigh of defeat and a mental promise to run extra miles that weekend, he conceded to the second pair.
With a deep sigh, he apologized for having to return to work after such an incredibly delicious meal. Liiani brushed aside his apology as they quickly cleaned up their picnic area. Then she insisted that he point her to any work that she could do.
They worked quietly side by side for the next two hours. The only conversation happened when Liiani needed more to do or needed a little clarification on what she was working on. At the end of the two hours AJ looked around his desk in amazement he simply couldn't believe how much work they had gotten through. Akaliiani had taken much of the routine work off of his shoulders so he could concentrate on the more technical and complex items. He could actually see his desk blotter again! Something that hadn't happened in about a month. The only thing that remained to do was go over the monthly expense reports, and sign off on concluded cases. Those things he could do when he got into the office the next morning.
He looked over at Akaliiani with a smile and told her they were done. After thanking her profusely, AJ asked if she'd like to go back to 'their' diner for a cup of coffee before calling it a night.
"I'd love to!" was the answer he got and they left together to their own vehicles planning to go straight there.
To be continued…..