The Year I Stopped Being His novel Chapter 166

"Josh, Diego, let me help you guys with the cooking."

Sloane had barely stood up when Josh turned his head, shooting her a look that carried an undeniable tone of authority.

"Sloane, just sit there and rest. We've got this covered."

A moment later, a steaming mug of hot cocoa was placed gently on the table in front of her. The rich, sweet aroma of chocolate wafted up with the swirling steam.

"Drink this to warm up first. Dinner will be ready soon."

"Thank you, Josh."

Sloane was so used to taking care of everyone else that being pampered like this felt a little foreign to her. She felt slightly embarrassed, but a profound warmth spread through her chest.

"Dinner is served!"

A short while later, Diego's voice rang out from the kitchenette, dripping with undisguised pride.

Sloane walked over to the table and saw a full spread waiting for them—

Rich beef stew with tender potatoes, simmering in a thick, savory gravy.

Sautéed greens that somehow retained a fresh, crisp snap despite being rehydrated.

Canned ham seared to perfection, the edges curled and beautifully caramelized.

A tangy side salad packed with sharp vinaigrette, and a steaming pot of tomato soup that perfectly blended the acidity of tomatoes with silky ribbons of egg.

"Wow! Did you make all of this?"

Just then, Josh walked over holding a bottle of wine. He pointed a finger exclusively at the tangy side salad. "That is the only thing Diego made. And to be perfectly accurate, he just... tossed it. I made the vinaigrette."

Diego huffed. "...Come on, Josh, can't you just let me have my moment!"

"Hahaha! Josh learned all his culinary skills from me!" Professor Harrison chuckled warmly as he pulled up a chair. "Half the girls in our department fight over field assignments with Josh just to get a taste of the packed lunches he makes."

Professor Harrison took a slow sip, narrowing his eyes as if tracing the edges of a fond memory.

"It's hard to believe, but this is my third time coming to Antarctica..." he murmured, his pace slower and more reflective than usual. "The first time was twenty years ago. The conditions back then were nothing like this. We had canvas tents that collapsed the second the wind picked up. I remember waking up in the middle of the night to shovel snow, only to realize halfway through that our tent had completely vanished."

Diego snorted with laughter. "What did you do?"

"I dug."

Professor Harrison took another sip. "I dug all night, clawing that tent out of the snowbank." He paused. "The next morning, I realized I had dug in the completely wrong direction. I had unearthed the Russian team's tent next door. They were still asleep inside, and I practically smacked one of them in the face with my shovel."

Diego burst into a fit of hysterical laughter, wiping tears from his eyes.

Professor Harrison smiled as well, the deep wrinkles on his face softening as if the brutal storms of his youth had simply melted into the wine.

Josh reached over and refilled his mentor's glass.