A giant eel that had practically delivered itself to their door had been marinated, steamed, and smoked, leaving Alvin under the illusion that he had mastered the culinary arts.
He carefully turned the eel over on the foil, then brushed it with honey again. After a few more minutes in the oven, a richly fragrant honey-glazed teriyaki eel was ready.
Nick, who had been impatiently waiting, tied a bib around little Ginny's neck, then led the drooling girl over to the stove and called to Alvin, "Good Lord, what is that?
Little Ginny's about to starve to death! Hurry up and give us a taste..."
Alvin glanced sideways at the little brat, who had no qualms about selling out his sister, and said, "Then leave little Ginny here and go get everyone off the yacht. We're eating..."
Ignoring Nick's frozen expression, Alvin smiled and pinched little Ginny's cheek. "This is the best I've ever cooked. I'll give you a taste first. The best eel deserves the best praise..."
Little Ginny narrowed her eyes, sniffed appreciatively, and swallowed. Then she looked at Alvin and asked, "Dad, what's 'the best praise'? I want to give you the best praise..."
Alvin smiled with satisfaction, then used a fork to pop a small piece of eel, browned from smoking, into little Ginny's mouth.
Little Ginny smacked her lips and finished the eel in a few bites. Then she kept licking her lips with her little tongue, as if savoring its sweet, fresh flavor.
Alvin looked at her satisfied expression and said with a smile, "Your expression is the best praise..."
Nick, who still hadn't left, couldn't resist the temptation any longer. He reached out, grabbed a piece of eel, and stuffed it into his mouth. After chewing greedily a couple of times, he gave