"Thanks," I said, returning the hug. "It's good to see you as well. Is August in?"
"He is, he is. I think he has a client upstairs right now, but I am sure he'll send them away if you pop in."
"Thanks," I said, moving toward the stairs.
"Ah, ah ah! Not so fast. You need to eat. Look at you!" she declared, her eyes twinkling. "I have a delicious bolognese tossed with some of my handmade ravioli. Stuffed with cheese and sausage."
My stomach rumbled. I hadn't settled enough to eat properly since my ill-fated attempt at Shuai Tan. Since yesterday the only thing I had to eat was a handful of roast walnuts from a street vendor that morning.
"I suppose I can spare some time for your cooking." I smiled.
Mrs. Sardini laughed delightfully. "You go up and see August. It's nearing his lunch time
