Zoe didn’t have a clue about steaks. So, she did a quick search and solicited the butcher’s opinion at the market she had chosen to shop at, she decided to go with six Angus ribeye steaks. While she had wanted the best cuts she could find, the wagyu beef was way too expensive. Over 500 credits per 6-ounce steak was insane!

Zoe had been tempted to go with the top tenderloin, but the butcher had convinced her the ribeye would be better grilled after finding out that is what she wanted them for. The ribeye also had the benefit of being slightly cheaper too for an 8-ounce steak that was an inch thick. While at the market waiting for the butcher to cut her steaks, Zoe picked up a dozen potatoes to bake, some stuff for salads, and the butcher’s recommended steak seasonings.

“That’ll be 500 credits total,” the cashier said. “Having family over?”

“Just a small gathering of friends,” Zoe replied transferring the funds.

“Hopefully you have something to celebrate,” the cashier said. “Otherwise, I can’t see paying that much for half a dozen steaks, some potatoes, and rabbit food.”

“I do,” Zoe replied picking up her bagged groceries.

“In that case, you need some wine or champagne too.”

“I’m not quite old enough to buy that legally,” Zoe replied shaking her head. “Nor do I drink. Have a good day.”

“You too,” the clerk replied before turning to her next customer.

*

“Zoe, what are you doing?” Terr asked.

“Getting ready to put the steaks on the grill,” Zoe answered lifting one of the steaks in a pair of tongs. Terr mock glared at her. “What? They’re just like burgers.”

“Tell me she did not just say that” Kerri said in mock horror covering her eyes.

“It’s not that bad,” Zoe protested.

“She did,” Newt replied shaking her head in disbelief.

“Zoe, you’re a country girl. You should know better,” Vee said.

“All I’ve ever grilled were burgers and chicken,” Zoe replied. She then muttered, “I’m more of a small-town girl than country bumpkin.”

Vee laughed but didn’t reply. She just raised her beer in salute before taking a sip.

“You didn’t get any chicken,” Newt pointed out making flapping motions with her arms. The others laughed.

“I got expensive, bigger steaks instead,” Zoe replied. “Plus, Kerri and Terr get two.”

“That does make up for the lack of chicken,” Kerri happily said. “I’ve only had ribeye steak a few times. My family mostly eats T-bones.”

“Did you get any seasoning other than salt and pepper?” Terr asked. Zoe glanced at the orc and could see he looked… upset.

“Yeah. I got some stuff the butcher recommended.”

“Go get it and step away from the grill. I’ll handle grilling the steaks,” Terr replied. Terr pointed to the stairs. “What are you waiting for? Go!”

“Yes sir!” Zoe replied before rushing back inside to get the steak seasoning while the others laughed.

“This isn’t one of those grilling is man’s work things, is it?” Vee asked Terr.

“No! This is a I don’t want Zoe messing up a good cut of meat things,” Terr replied. Vee raised an eyebrow. The big orc threw up his hands in surrender. “Ok! Maybe it does have a little to do with grilling being a man’s thing too.”

The three women laughed harder.

*

“That was good, if I do say so myself,” Terr said sitting his fork and knife down.

“Yeah, yeah. You did alright,” Newt replied grinning at her orcish friend.

“My steak was a little tough,” Vee smiled.

“I thought it was good even if a certain someone wouldn’t allow me to cook the steaks on my own grill,” Zoe said.

“Hmph. I see the way it is,” Terr mock sullenly said.

“Baby don’t pay attention to those remarks. They’re just teasing you,” Kerri told Terr. “The steaks were perfect.”

“Thanks Kerri,” a happy Terr said. The others praised his grilling as well and Terr thanked them. “So, Zoe. What is it that you wanted to talk about?”

“I suppose I’ve beaten around the bush enough,” Zoe said to a few chuckles from her friends.

“Well, stop stalling and get on with it,” Vee commanded. Zoe saluted her. “Ha-ha. Very funny.”

“I’ve been working as an independent courier this week,” Zoe said.

“What?” Terr asked in disbelief.

“Are you going deaf big guy?” Newt asked. “Zoe said she’s been working as an independent this week.”

“I heard her clearly enough,” Terr replied while flipping Newt off. She just grinned and returned the one finger salute making the orc laugh and raise his beer in toast to his friend. Newt returned the toast.

“How and why?” Vee asked.

“Hush you three and let her explain,” Kerri ordered. Zoe spent about half an hour explaining her recent activities to her friends leaving out the VP slice and theft.

“How did you get the money to buy the license though?” Newt asked.

“Let’s just say I won the lottery so to speak,” Zoe replied.

“Uh huh,” Newt replied.

“Your ‘lottery’ wouldn’t happen to have anything to do with some fairly recent news events, would it? Kerri asked giving Zoe a knowing look.

“No, I don’t think so,” Zoe replied not quite meeting the policewoman’s eyes.

“Alright,” Kerri shrugged. She was here as a friend, not as a police officer and would let things be.

“So, why haven’t you already told Henri to kiss your ass and quit?” Newt asked.

“I wasn’t sure if I could win any bids and wanted to make sure I could without undercutting others too much before I quit,” Zoe answered.

“Bids?” Vee asked. Zoe explained about the bid site and how it worked. “Can you show us?”

“Eh, sure. Let’s go to the living room and I’ll put it up on the big screen,” Zoe replied.