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“I haven’t, and I’m loving them.”
“There was a huge tree stump in the yard, where Gramps would take a rubber mallet to the abalone. While he did that, we’d clean the clams and separate them. Some were used for chowder, and the others, we would fry.
“While this was going on, there’d be a big pot of water heating on the grill Gramps built in the yard. It was made of stone, and a giant grate sat on top of it. Have you ever had fresh-caught lobster cooked outside over an oak-wood fire? The best lobster I’ve had in my life.”
She shook her head. “No, but I love oak-grilled artichokes.”
“Right? Me too.”
“I love seafood, no matter how it’s prepared.”
“I remember hanging out with my friends after being with my grandparents for the weekend, and telling them about our feasts. So many of them turned up their noses. I didn’t get it. Who doesn’t like clams, crab, and abalone?”
“I could eat fish and other seafood every day of the week. We already know I eat crab cakes for breakfast.”
“How about your boys? Do they like it?” he asked.
“Worst mistake I ever made was introducing my two eating machines to sushi. They can go through a hundred bucks of raw fish faster than my car goes from zero to sixty.”
“I’m the same way. My ma isn’t a big fan, but my brothers, sisters, dad, and I can power through a hundred bucks worth each. It’s different now than it was when you could spend a morning going out and finding it for free.”
“Don’t I know it.”
“It was a great childhood. I’m surprised Kade never told you about it.”
The whole time Brodie talked, she also wondered why he hadn’t. “Kade wasn’t big on reminiscing. Maybe he got as tired of hearing the stories as you did.”
“I guess I should be grateful. If he had told you, you might’ve stopped me on my stroll down memory lane.”
“Somehow, I doubt Kade would’ve been as animated as you’ve been. It was fun hearing about it.”
“Ready to roll?” he asked, looking at his watch.
Given it was shortly after two and it would take them at least an hour to get over the pass and through See Canyon, they should be on their way. “Sure. Know where you’re going?”
Brodie smiled. “Like the back of my hand.”
“Did you know Alex’s family was one of the first to settle here?”
He shook his head. “I’ve always wondered if their name was a coincidence.”
“They take native Californian to a whole other level.”
When they reached the See Canyon turn-off, Peyton hit the audio button on the sound system.
“Who’s this?” Brodie asked.
“A guy who lives not too far from here, in Ojai. I’ve been a fan for years. The first time I went on this drive was the first time I heard his music. It’s been the soundtrack since. I thought I’d put an Amos Lee CD in, but I ended up liking this better.”
“Does he still perform?”
“Yeah, usually down in Ventura, though.”
“Not that far. Maybe we could drive down and see him sometime.”
Peyton’s chest tightened.
“Sorry, forget I said that.”
