Chapter 10
They rode to the grocery store in silence. As they got out of the truck Jack turned to Katie.
-You're not mad at me are you?
Katie smiled.
-No, I'm not mad. I just hate stereotypes. Woman are supposed to cook, clean, tend the house and raise children. Men go to work, serve in the military and run the government. Everyone should serve according to their abilities and not have restrictions placed upon them. If a man doesn't shop it's because he is not intelligent, patient or capable enough. Not that I'm making a stereotype about men. My Uncle Mark was a master chief and he did all his own shopping. In fact, he was quite ruthless in the aisles. Anyway, by the time I'm done with you, you'll be all three...at least when it comes to shopping.
Jack smiled.
-Wow. I can tell you're very passionate about it.
-Well, you don't have Sam for a mom and not be passionate about these things.
-Apparently not. Let's go. I'm hungry.
They went into the store. Jack went to grab a cart. Katie held him back.
-Lesson # 1. Shopping carts are just like cars. The quality of your shopping cart should be determined by the length of your stay in the grocery store. Now, since I'm teaching you the tricks of the trade, this could take awhile. So we'll need... a Ford...built to last.
She walked over to the carts and picked out a splendid model.
-Now, that that's taken care of we move on to Lesson # 2, always know what you need before you arrive. This is where the intelligence factor comes into play. A guy would probably just show up and buy whatever he wants, not what he needs. Lesson # 3, vegetables are our friends.
Jack cringed.
-Don't be afraid of them, especially the peppers. Banana, red, green. If you treat them right they'll never let you down.
Jack sighed.
-I feel like I'm in school again. But, I've got to admit, you're the coolest teacher I ever had.
Katie laughed.
-Flattery will get you everywhere, but we're not done yet. Lesson # 4, cheese is the secret ingredient in every meal.
-Wait a second; are you teaching me to cook or how to shop?
-How to shop. Most people when they go to the grocery store get what two things?
Jack thought for a moment.
-Ketchup and milk?
-Exactly. When what they should be getting is cheese. You can't go wrong with the white cheeses. Swiss, Parmesan, Mozzarella, Monterrey Jack, Colby Jack...
Jack grinned. Katie rolled her eyes.
-When it comes to cheese, Jack is our friend.
-What about Cheddar?
-No.
-No? I love Cheddar.
-Me too, but I'm very particular about what kind of sharpness I use, so I try to avoid it. Just stick to white and you'll be safe. I've yet to find a guy who knows what kind I like.
-So, is that your idea of a perfect guy? He knows what kind of cheese you like...
Katie smiled wistfully.
-If there is such a man, yes.
Jack sighed with relief.
-I feel better now.
-Why?
-It just hit me about two minutes ago that you're 17, gorgeous, and look just like Sam. The fact that you're never going to find your perfect match makes me, your dear old senile father, feel better.
-Oh...moving on. Lesson #5...
Jack rolled his eyes and they continued.
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Author's Note: sorry if you thought this chapter was cheesy (pun intended). Next chapter I'll have more on Jack and Katie's adventure at the grocery store.
