They quickly changed. Mary carried the pot of braised meat, while Ryan hugged the large jar of pickled vegetables.
As soon as they reached the factory director's door, Clifford stepped out cheerfully. "If you two hadn't come any later, I was about to send my daughter over to drag you here."
His eyes immediately landed on the big pot of braised meat in Mary's hands, and his smile deepened with satisfaction.
Then he noticed the large jar in Ryan's arms. His gaze lit up. Was that… pickles?
Ryan saw straight through him and teased, "You're not waiting for us. You're waiting for the braised meat and pickles."
Linda came out from inside, smiling as she spoke, "I think he's been waiting for your dishes so eagerly that he didn't even want me to cook."
Clifford coughed awkwardly, afraid his wife would expose him further. "Let's go inside first."
Mary followed them in and found the living room warm and welcoming.
