Dinner prep

It's nearly 6 p.m., the sun is shining over the ocean creating a surfacy sparkle and Katie and I are sitting on stools at Jude's kitchen counter watching her cook freshly caught mussels, chocolate sauce, stuffed zuccini and garden salad. The smell of garlic, wine, butter and coriander from the mussel sauce is wafting through the air and dancing with the jazz music playing in the stereo. Katie and I are drooling, watching Jude's every move with interest and anticipation. This must be how Jo and Oscar, Roger and Jude's labradors, must feel when they sit at my side during lunch. If I had a tail it would be wagging.