Jim groaned from his position on the couch where he'd stretched out to relieve the tensions of the day. But a new tension was creeping up. The last time Blair had a "new recipe to try out on him" it left him with sentinel heartburn. What had it been? Yak ala king or something. Jim doubted he could stand another meal from the "Favorite Dishes from the High Lama" cookbook.
Blair approached his friend. "Come on, Jim, I think you'll like this one," he said aware of his reluctance.
Jim propped himself on his elbows. "Sandburg, I know you mean well but I'm still having twinges from the last great new recipe."
Blair fished into the pocket of his jeans. "Look, Jim," he said pulling out a folded piece of paper, "just check it out."
Jim snatched the paper from Blair's hand and unfolded it totally expecting to see "first catch and kill one animal of your choice that no human in his right mind would eat.' JIm's expression changed quickly and he chuckled as he rose from the couch and asked, "Where did you get this?"
Blair rounded the couch to stand in front of Jim. "From Professor Futterman. She got it from a minister friend."
Jim shook his head in wonder as he reread what was in his hand: *PASTOR DAVID'S RECIPE FOR THE PERFECT HUG. He especially noted instructions 4,5, and 6. 'Believe that you are worthy and able to give love. Believe that your friend is worthy to receive love. Give your friend a hug.'
Blair's gaze met Jim's, "Well?"
Jim chuckled again. "Yeah, this is a recipe I can go for."
It was impossible to tell who moved to hug who first. But Blair and Jim found themselves in a tight clench. In the embrace Jim kissed the top of Blair's head. Even though Blair had come to expect that from his friend he pulled back a bit to ask softly, "What was that for?"
Jim ran his hand over Blair's face. "Just throwing in an extra ingredient."