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Leighton turns to me and nods to the salsa bar “Watch and learn”

“I’ under the master”

“You’d like to be under me, wouldn’t you?” The joke doesn’t land Her smile stays sad

She shakes it off as she sets the plates on the silver bar She picks up the tongs and grabs slices of limes two at a time

“Chicken is perfect with citrus” She stacks eight slices on the plate

“That great?”

“Yes That great” She grabs a green container of salsa “Traditional salsa verde is perfect” She drowns the plate in salsa

“It’s gonna be a mess”

“Life is a mess Grab a fork if you can’t handle it”

I do And napkins

She laughs “That was a dare”

“What if I need my hands clean?”

She presses her lips together For a second, her eyes meet mine Then they’re on the second plate “I went easy on you Steak and chicken No tongue Not even chorizo”

“You’re kind”

“Thank you, I know” She grabs an orange-red salsa “Chipotle brings out the flavor best Trust e-red sauce “But we need a little of this—” She grabs a different green salsa “Avocado salsa The nectar of the gods”