Chapter 23
“Look!” he said excitedly. “She’s here, she’s here.”
“Who’s here?” Mickey’s grandfather said.
“Paula Deen.”
“That’s right. You said you’d like to meet her?”
“Could I, please?”
Mickey’s grandfather led them over to where Paula Deen had just finished talking with a couple of people.
“Hello, Paula,” he said.
“Hey, Brian,” she said. “I haven’t seen y’all in a while—looks like you have the whole family with you, although I don’t recognize the young men.”
“Surely, you remember my grandson Mickey.” He pointed in Mickey’s direction.
“This is little Mickey! Oh my goodness, it’s been years—he’s all grown up.”
“Good to see you,” Mickey said. “This is my partner Chris and his brother Ted.”
“My brother is dying to meet you,” Chris said.
“Are you referring to this young man?”
“Say hello, Ted,” Chris said.
“I’m Ted Bottoms,” Ted sort of stammered.
“I think my brother is a little bit starstruck,” Chris said. “He’s learning to cook, and he’s a huge fan of yours.”