A Matter of Taste Chapter Eleven: Black Forest Bun

Max, are you doing anything this morning? Ginger asked as Max came into the kitchen. No, he replied. Whats up? Ginger gestured towards the portion of counter near the sink where six loaves of bread sat cooling, the steam floating over them exuding a most delectable scent of chocolate, cherry, and almond. Could you please drop these loaves off for me? she asked him. Id do it myself, but Puck and I are attending Pepper and Macks taekwondo thing. No problem, Max assured her as he poured himself a glass of milk from the carton in the fridge. Just give me the addresses and Ill have them out lickety-split. Thanks, Ginger said gratefully, wiping her hands on a tea towel before giving him the list. All of them are here in the same building and I daresay you already know some of them. She bustled over to the kitchen island and began slicing up what had to be the biggest loaf of homemade bread Max had ever seen: it was easily the size of two dinner plates sitting side by side. Ginger handed him a slice. Its my take on an Italian pane al cioccolato only this one has dried cherries and almonds. Ooh, like a Black Forest Torte, then! Max exclaimed, biting into the still-warm slice. He grinned as he bit into a slightly molten chunk of very good dark chocolate. God, but thats good! Aye, it truly is, Puck chimed in as he entered the kitchen with the baby twins in his arms. Ginger smiled and fed him a half-slice on which she spread a bit of cream cheese. Choccie-bread? Alf asked, blinking in a cute way at his mother. What do you say? Ginger asked him with a smile. Pease? Here you go. Ginger handed a half-slice to him and turned to Alec. What about you, my little carnivore? Bread an creamies, pease? Alec piped up. Sure, poppet. Ginger cut another half-slice and smeared some cream cheese on it before giving it to him.

Meanwhile, Max was studying the list. One loaf each to the other members of Reckless Imprudence: Kei and Chef Argie on the 30th; Joey on the 29th. Another loaf would make its way to the 28th floor to the home of his doctor, X Valeriano and another to Gingers cousin Imogen who lived with her family on the same floor. Finally, he would have to drop a loaf off at Melaines flat. He smiled rather secretively at the last name on the list, vowing to pick something up from the little gourmet deli on the ground floor when he came up to drop off the loaf. Maybe a pot of mascarpone, he thought. Or a jar of those Swiss jams or honeys shes so fond of or maybe He sighed; the possibilities were endless. As he helped Ginger wrap the loaves in huge sheets of waxed paper, Max thought about Melaine and how sharply their currently budding friendship contrasted with his now-fading relationship with Gemma. Even in the days when he and Gemma were cuddly-close, he never agonized over the presents he gave her. Hed see fit to send perfume, chocolate, maybe a silk scarf or some bauble from Hermes or Louis Vuitton her way totally commonplace things, though possibly a bit pricier than those bought by other swains for their ladies. For Melaine, however, he wanted to be sure that everything was perfect. He couldnt explain why if anyone asked him; all he knew was that after a movie, dinner, and dessert at her place the previous weekend, he felt that hed found someone who really understood him. Ginger placed the loaves in a big basket and suggested that Max finish his breakfast before he went on his rounds. In response, Max practically wolfed the rest of his bread and downed the last of his milk. He gently ruffled the baby twins hair, hefted the basket, waved to Puck and Ginger, and went out of the kitchen. Anglia was curled up against Angus on the couch and woke when the latter barked at Max. Seeing how her master was set to leave, she leapt off the couch and trotted to him, meowing beseechingly to be taken along. Max smiled and picked her up, putting her in his shirt pocket seeing how she was so small. Angus barked in protest and chased after them. Max looked at him and called towards the kitchen, Hey, Puck? Aye? his cousin replied. Can I take the dog along?

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X smiled when he opened the door to find Max Balfour at the doorstep with a very tiny kitten in his pocket and his cousins dog trotting alongside him. Gmorning, doc, the young man greeted him, holding up a wax paper-wrapped bundle. Ginger asked me to drop this off for you and the missus. Its an Italian chocolate loaf. Thats nice of her, X replied as he accepted the loaf. Come in for a bit and say hi to my wife and son. Max followed X into the unit where Nina and little Bernard (nicknamed Boo because of how he first pronounced his name) were on the living room couch and watching a Winnie the Pooh video. Weve got company, Nee, X advised his wife, resting a hand on Maxs shoulder. Nina Valeriano looked up and smiled kindly at Max. exclaimed. So nice of you to drop by. Gmorning, doc, Max greeted her. Just came to deliver a loaf of bread from Ginger. He held up the basket in his hands. She told me to drop one off for each of their bandmates, you folks, and Melaine. X and Nina turned to each other worriedly at the mention of Melaines name. I dont think youd want to go to her flat this morning, Nina warned Max. Why not? he asked, looking suspiciously crestfallen. Papa and Mamita are up there with her right now, X explained. Max looked considerably worried. Is she in trouble? No, X replied, shifting his weight uneasily from one foot to the other. Its just that one of our cousins is getting married tonight and she doesnt want to go. Max stared at them in consternation. None of us want to go, as a matter of fact, Nina added. But why? Dont you like that cousin? Like her? X snorted rather contemptuously. Wed all be better off if her parents just aborted her! Shes an awful cow. That bad? That is an understatement, X spat bitterly. We havent been on good terms with that side of the family since Why, Chef Balfour! she

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His voice suddenly trailed off as memories bitter, horrible memories filled him mind. In his head, he could hear his mothers grief-stricken voice screaming: If your son hadnt gotten to mine, none of this would have happened. I blame you for turning my son against us! He could hear his fathers heartbroken cry; at the very back of his mind, he could still see his sisters fallen form, her blood crimson against the white wall and dripping onto the carpeted floor. He could also see his eldest brothers drug-crazed eyes and shuddered at the very thought of the man they now considered dead. How much does Max know? X thought as he narrowed his eyes at the younger man. Has Lennie told him anything about it? Since when? Max asked, puzzled by Xs sudden silence. Did Lennie ever tell you that we have another brother? the doctor now asked him, his voice guarded and cautious. No, Max replied cautiously. It was my cousin who told me and he said you dont talk about him. We dont, X agreed, taking a seat next to his wife and putting little Boo on his lap. Or, at least, we try not to. Why not? Max asked, his curiosity obviously piqued. X sighed and threw him a level look. Hes currently doing a life sentence in Muntinlupa for frustrated murder, drug possession, and a number of other offenses that would merit death sentences in some other country.

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No, Mamita! I am not going to Clotildes wedding and that is final! Pura Valeriano sighed as Melaine angrily marched off to the kitchen. Comfortingly, Pocholo patted her shoulder and murmured that they did try. Shes furious, their third son Eric remarked from his perch at Melaines little bar at one side of the living room. I cant blame her, youngest son Jink chimed in. After everything thats happened, after all.

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Damn that little puta and her worthless parents! Pura thought grimly. After all these years, they think they can so easily heal all the wounds theyve caused? Pueta! Theyve got another think coming! Truth be told, if it werent for the sake of her aged mother, Pura and her family would have turned the invitation down flat. But dear, sweet Doa Teresa still hoped that her

daughters and their families would reconcile. However, given that Matildes son got away scotfree when it was he who introduced Puras eldest to drugs and a life of crime, it was a fairly foregone impossibility. And Clotilde! Pura shook her head as she reread the invitation in her hands. Matildes only daughter was getting married and it was an occasion no one looked forward to. Plus, Clotilde and Melaine had been at each others throats since they were children and the former actually had the gall to insult the latter in the handwritten note she sent along with the invitation:

We have reserved eight seats for you just in case Lennies got a new boyfriend (which I doubt,

hahahahaha!)

Seriously, it was enough to make Puras blood boil and she could not blame her daughter for growling like a bear with a sore tooth and a broken leg! Jink, who was reading the note over Puras shoulder, clucked his teeth and shook his head. I wouldnt be surprised if Ate decides to have Clotilde murdered, Mamita, he said. Pura was about to say something when the doorbell rang and her husband went to get it. Why, if it isnt the Conde de Thornton! she heard Pocholo declare. Looking up, she saw young Max Balfour at the door with a basket in his hands, a kitten on his shoulder, and a darling little dog trotting at his heels. Buenos dias, Don Pocholo, the young man replied with a polite nod. Como esta? Esta bien, hijo, Pocholo replied, ushering him in. What do you have there? Gingers sent me over with a fresh Italian chocolate loaf for Lennie, Max explained. Is she home, sir?

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Sulking in the kitchen, Im afraid, Pura replied, rising to welcome him. She chuckled when he bowed over her hand with a gentlemanly kiss to her knuckles. Max grimaced. Doc X said she would be in a snit, he said and informed them that he just came from Xs flat on the floor below. I take it her cousin insulted her. Pura handed him the invitation with a sigh. Read it yourself, she said. Max read the insulting invite and Pura wasnt surprised to see his eyebrows rise and did not laugh at all at his barely suppressed bellow of rage. If youll pardon my language, seora, what the bloody fucking hell did she do that for? the young man demanded, his pale face suddenly scarlet with anger. Its a long-standing rivalry, hijo, she informed him, gently steering him towards the couch. Melisande-Elaine was always my parents favorite granddaughter, so her cousin has tried her best to discredit her in one way or another. And I take it that this is just the latest slur in a litany of thousands? Max asked in a rather choked voice. Im afraid so, Pura nodded sadly. She narrowed her eyes as she watched Max react. Ah, she thought, this ones in denial, but hes obviously rather fond of my daughter! I wonder what Is it safe to enter the kitchen? Max now asked them. I suppose so, Eric replied with a shrug. Well, if you dont mind having knives thrown at you, Jink added. Max grinned rather grimly at this announcement. That wont be a problem, he said calmly. Im used to her throwing stuff at me. Before anyone could say anything, Max went marching towards the kitchen. Pura stared after him in horror. Crossing herself fervently, she sank back onto the couch.

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The kitchen door swung open, causing Melaine to look up sharply. Max was leaning in the doorway. His kitten was on its usual perch on his left shoulder and the Henstridges dog sat at his feet. There was a worried look on Maxs face as he looked at Melaine. You okay? he asked her.

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No, she replied tartly, lifting her pet cat onto her lap. She glared at him; her eyes were red behind the glasses she only wore at home, her cheeks stained by angry tears. Isnt it obvious? Max closed the door behind him and took the chair next to hers. Your cousin was a right bitch to send that little note of hers, he told her. Shes always been a bitch, Melaine snorted, absently rubbing her cats back. Hey, is that the kitten you adopted before you left? Melaine managed a weak smile at that and held up the fluffy black-and-white feline. Yeah, she replied. Hes grown, hasnt he? My fluffy little Odin. The little terrier at their feet barked up at the cat, but it was a friendly sort of bark. Odin meowed in reply, then slinked off his mistresss lap to pat the dogs head with a kindly paw. He doesnt mind dogs? Max asked, somewhat bemused. Not this one, anyway, Melaine replied. He and Angus get along fine; theyre friends. So, hows your kitten? Max grinned and fished the snoozing kitten out of his pocket and gently placed her on the kitchen table. Sleeps a lot, he informed Melaine. But, then again, cats do sleep a lot. Yeah, Melaine tenderly smoothed a finger down the kittens back, making her purr delightedly. So: did you want to talk about cats or did you want to help me do something about Clotilde the Cunt? Max laughed unabashedly at the epithet. That makes what Puck calls Gemma sound a bit less funny, he said. It is considerably worse than, say, Gemma the Dilemma. He gave her a very serious look. But, anyway: Id like to help. Melaine simply stared at him for what seemed an eternity. Then, In what way? Youre going to that wedding and Ill go with you. Melaine gaped at him in shock. Youre not serious! she exclaimed. Max Max, youve got to be kidding! Im not, Max assured her, his pale face calm. So, what I mean, how Your cousins taunting you for not having a boyfriend, so youre going to her wedding with a boyfriend. He tilted his head to one side, a dimpled grin on his face. Well, it just so happens that Im a boy and I happen to be your friend.

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Melaine laughed helplessly at that. Youre asking for a lot of trouble, Max Balfour, she told him. Im a gentleman, Melaine. Im supposed to help ladies in distress. I havent a thing to wear, though, Melaine admitted with a pout. I rarely go to these things; not my scene, really. Not mine, either, Max admitted. But, like my father says, we sometimes have to buck up, grit our teeth, and ride these things out. Its why he and Maman put my formal kilt in with my other things when I packed! No way! You brought your formal tartan?! Yeah, not that I expected to use it or anything. But now, yeah: I can actually use the damned thing. Max fished his wallet out of his back pocket and took a credit card out of it. He handed it to Melaine with a smile. Go get yourself something nice, Lennie. Melaine stared in horrified fascination at the purple card Max was lending her: a Coutts & Company MasterCard from the Royal Bank of Scotland. Rumor had it only the British Royal Family and a few noble families had the damned thing! I I cant! Melaine gasped, waving the card away. Max, come on: were not even that close! Id like us to be, came the calm, steady-voiced reply. Melaine looked up and saw the resolve in those teal-green eyes and felt a blush spread over her face. Almost shyly, she looked away. But what about Ill deal with her soon enough. His face suddenly grim, Max took his phone out of another pocket and thumbed through to something on the screen. When he found it, he handed the phone to Melaine. Matt sent me this a couple days ago. Melaine took the phone, but choked back a horrified oath almost as soon as she saw what was written on the screen:

Bean-counter Princess New Bad Girl of London Club Scene

Oh, God She scrolled through Matts email, shaking her head at Gemmas antics in Chelsea. Arent you related to Emily Colquhoun?

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Second cousin, Max agreed. Her mum and my dad are first cousins; their mothers are sisters. Didnt Gemma know that? I doubt it; Ive never invited Gemma to family gatherings. Well, not since she got plastered and tried to paw at me in front of my parents! He sighed. I actually told Dad and Maman to send Emmy a gift-hamper from Fortnum and Mason to thank her for decking Gemma! Melaine winced and handed him the phone. Oh, Max, she said. She took advantage of your absence to shag around with anyone who was willing! Yeah, Max agreed. Sucks, doesnt it? Yeah. Im not on the rebound, though, Max informed her. What do you mean? Max blushed. I havent really been in love with her since the day she told me to stop cooking a few years ago, he admitted. That kind of soured things between us; she wouldnt let me be me. Gently, Melaine reached towards him to brush a stray lock of hair from his forehead. I cant blame you, was all she could say.

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Puck stared at his cousin when he and his family got home just after lunch. We ran into Tita Pura and Melaine at Greenbelt V, he told Max as the latter began unpacking the leftovers they brought home. He handed the younger man a credit card. Lennie told me to give this back to ye. Whats up, lad? Max looked up, blinked, and told him what happened when he dropped off the loaf of bread at Melaines flat that morning. Her cousin was a right bitch to throw that at her, he said angrily. I didnt want her to take the insult sitting down. So you volunteered to escort her to the wedding tonight? Ginger asked as she came into the kitchen. Yeah, Max replied somewhat pugnaciously.

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Calm ye down, lad, Puck said soothingly. Its nae like were goin to dissuade ye fra it; far fra it, as a matter o fact! Were actually glad you and Laine are getting along so well, Ginger assured him with a smile. Max smiled at that and sighed in relief. Being with her, he admitted, is like hanging out with myself only its more fun. Im nae surprised, Puck remarked dryly. Youre both horrid gluttons, ye hae the nastiest tempers, an both o ye are godawful workaholics. Max laughed at that. I guess so, he agreed. Youre better off with her than with Gemma, Ginger declared firmly. Max shrugged. Well see, he said. Puck grinned and stepped out of the kitchen. When he returned, he tossed something at Max. Catch, he told his cousin. Max deftly caught the object and stared in shock when he realized what it was. Youre lending me your Jaguar?! he exclaimed in disbelief. Aye, ye honestly think Id let ye ferry yer fair lady round in that wee car o hers? Och, but Puck: I was planning to borrow Gingers Mini You want to drive her to that wedding in a Mini? Ginger half-shrieked at him in dismay. Max Balfour! Honestly, youll do no such thing! But the Minis cute and its British, Ginge! Think of how striking it will be when Lennie and I come out of it! No, Max. The Jags more strikin, Puck declared with a huge grin. Id loan ye the Aston-Martin, but Dads usin it at the mo. Max made a face at that. Who do you think I am? he exclaimed in protest. James Bond? More like Ian Fleming, Puck shot back. Ye, cousin, are a tad too short to be 007. So are you! Ginger looped an arm around Pucks waist and threw a challenging look at Max. Im not complaining, she declared. Of course you wouldnt, Max replied with a sly grin. Hes given you four kids!

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Presently, the babies toddled in with their big brother and sister close behind. Shotbead, pease? Alf asked their mother. Before Ginger could reply, Max already grabbed the shortbread tin from one of the cupboards and doled a piece out to each of the children. What do you say? he asked when he handed the biscuit to little Alf. Thank you! all four chorused. Ginger regarded the lot in dismay. And to think they virtually demolished no, annihilated lunch today! she exclaimed. Not to mention dessert, Puck chuckled, lightly kissing his wifes temple. And you still managed to come home with leftovers? Max exclaimed in disbelief. We over-ordered on purpose, Puck replied, shrugging. We could nae let ye miss out on the fun; the food was lovely. He winked at Max. I daresay ye ought to eat now; ye might nae hae an appetite later. Max stuck his tongue out at him rather childishly and went back to unpacking the leftovers.

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Black Forest Bun

350 grams all-purpose flour 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder 2 tablespoons granulated white sugar 1 sachet fast-acting yeast 1/2 teaspoon fine salt 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 150mL water 1 teaspoon almond extract or Amaretto liqueur 1/4 cup flaked almonds 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips or two 50g bars of dark chocolate, coarsely chopped 1/4 cup cherry-flavored dried cranberries or dried cherries melted butter for brushing

In a large mixing bowl, combine cocoa powder, flour, yeast, almonds, salt, sugar, and 1/4 cup of the chocolate chips; set aside. Place the water, oil, and almond extract in a heatproof bowl and microwave at HIGH for a minute and thirty seconds. Pour the heated liquids into the dry

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ingredients and mix until a shaggy mess of dough is formed. Flour your hands well (the dough will be very sticky) and knead the dough for about twelve minutes. Form into a ball and cover with a clean dishcloth. Place in a warm, draft-free area and leave it to rise for an hour. After an hour, punch down the dough and knead in the remaining chocolate chips and the dried cranberries. Grease and 8-inch round cake tin and press the dough evenly in it. Cover with a dishcloth and leave to prove for about fifteen to twenty minutes. Preheat your oven to 450 degrees / Gas Mark 7. Bake the proven dough for ten minutes, then lower the heat to 350 degrees / Gas Mark 5. Bake an additional 25 minutes. Remove the loaf from the oven and cool for about five minutes in the pan. Brush the top of the loaf with the melted butter and remove from the pan; cool completely before slicing. Makes 1 loaf.

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