Book Club Appetizers Novels & Stories

Chef Palstin cleared her throat, though the amusement in her eyes didn’t fade. “Excellent choice,” she said cheerfully, pulling out a thick binder. “Now, for the waiting period before the reception, I’ve prepared a variety of appetizer dishes. We’ll have royal lobster crostini, parmesan truffle arancini, crab cakes with lemon aioli, and several other elegant finger foods.” She flipped the page. “I also included a selection of signature sweet treats—chocolate-covered strawberries in different varieties, macarons, mini tarts, lemon bars, and the vanilla bean cheesecake shooters.”

Rose, gentle and steady, folding napkins with care. Claire, calm and deep, making sure everyone had a seat. And Sophia — in the middle, finally home. The celebration began in full force. They ordered not just dinner. They ordered a feast. Burgers, wings, sushi, tacos, two kinds of pizza, garlic knots, onion rings, fries with three dipping sauces, and dessert from Sweet Maple, the bakery Sophia loved — chocolate tarts, cinnamon rolls, and a box of mini cupcakes with little fondant books on top.

In fact, he looked like he had planned the whole thing. "Right! Well, since we're all here," Celeste said, her voice sounding forced as she stepped between us. She held up a platter of toasted bread. "Who wants appetizers? I made bruschetta and some smoked salmon canapes. Eli, do you want a glass of wine or a beer?" Neither of us looked at her. We were too busy staring each other down across the marble counter like two animals fighting over territory. "I didn't realize you were a regular guest here, Mr. Ashford," I muttered in sarcasm. "If I had known, I would have stayed at my apartment."

she drops three plates of deliciously looking appetizers" “Here we have steamed bao buns with duck confit, taro chips with steak tartare, and a sea urchin ad osetra caviar spoon.” “whoa! that’s a mouthful” hazel chuckles as soon as the waitress leaves I scope a spoonful of the appetizer; the creamy sea urchin and caviar to feed her “Open up hazel” She opens her mouth wide and blissfully closes her eyes with a moan

The assistant asked as she stared at Rebecca waiting for her answer "Well, considering the guest list, I thought Alpha Tristan favorites, a mix of appetizers and finger foods, would be ideal," Rebecca suggested, contemplating the upcoming event. The assistant nodded, "Good idea, Luna. How about some mini sliders, meat skewers, and perhaps a cheese platter?" "That sounds great, and maybe we can include some heavy meat options for those who like to eat a lot of meat," Rebecca added, "Absolutely, we want everyone to enjoy the food. I'll work on finalizing the menu and coordinating with the caterers," the assistant assured as they continued planning the details for the upcoming party.

“We are. We are pairing our Merlot with a cheese and fruit platter. The kitchen is also making truffle meatballs, a smoke duck tostada with cherry salsa, and…” “That sounds wonderful but I want you to make an appetizer that celebrates… me.” She twisted her lips as she considered her words. “Well… inspired by me. I think that will solidify my party-girl reputation for the night.” Dominic immediately thought of a dessert and just as quickly rejected it. It wasn’t elegant and it couldn’t compete with the other appetizers. Her eyes widened with delight. “You just had an idea...” “It won’t work. It’s not fancy enough.”

For the first time in ages, I didn’t see the girl who was rejected, scorned, or tossed aside—I saw a Luna. I can't help but wonder how they put all that together in such a little time for that matter. I guess they really do move mountains for the future of the pack. The kitchen has turned into a warzone. The omega cooks have been up before dawn, preparing tasting trays. They keep arguing over the appetizers—should we do smoked salmon tartlets or mini blood sausages?—and someone had the audacity to suggest we serve fairy wine at the reception. Fairy wine...

Hearing this alone offended my stomach and intestines that they only want to come out and eat the waitress who announced it. How can you just give someone something as little as that, some a five year old boy would see and even end up crying. Yet, they call it appetizer. A cup of wine and an apple with a bunch of berries. I mean the smallest size of berries staring back at us. They expected us to share it together since we are couples. Although, some people own are different cause some got watermelon, oranges and so on.

“Shall we?” She nodded, smiling. “So, what’s the special occasion?” Caesar’s head snapped up from the Chef’s station in the corner of the room, but I quickly shook my head. “Let’s eat first.” Caesar set an appetizer of Artichoke Heart Dip and crackers in the center of the table. “Your dinner will be ready soon.” He bowed slightly and headed back to the small cooking station. “Everything looks delicious.” Breanna scooped some dip onto a cracker and took a bite. “Um... this is really good.”

He returned it with his trademark wide smile. The drink station was set up in the spacious living room, with bottles of premium wine and champagne brands like Chardonnay, Merlot, and Prosecco. There was also sparkling water and fresh fruit juice for non-alcoholic options. Bianca, who'd gone overboard by hiring a celebrity chef, set up an appetizer station, which included miniature crab cakes, bruschetta with ripe tomatoes, and crispy spring rolls. "So how many kids do you plan to have?" she winked at me when I was helping myself to a serving.