“Hi, I’m Tina and that,” motioning to the bowl,” is grits.” Bette managed a slight smile and to hold out her hand to take Tina’s.

            “Hi,” Bette mumbles still slightly stunned. She smiles wider, recovering from the glorious vision in front of her. “I’m Bette, the Yankee.” Tina takes the offered hand. The handshake last longer than necessary, neither of the women quite willing to let go.

            “Oh, where are my manners would you like to join me?” Bette asks, reluctantly letting go of Tina’s hand. Seeing Tina hesitate she continues, “I could really use some pointers. I am afraid I don’t even know what a grit is.” Bette picks up a spoonful for emphasis.  

Tina laughs again and nods. Sitting down opposite Bette in the booth, Tina said in a heavy southern accent,”Grits are made from the kernel of corn. When corn has been soaked in lye and the casing has been removed it becomes Hominy. The lye is rinsed out very well and the corn is left to harden. Then the swollen hominy is ground up to the texture of tiny pellets. When boiled with water, milk and butter it becomes a cereal similar to cream of wheat. It’s used as a side dish for a good ol’ fashioned Southron breakfast. My mama makes them with cheese and garlic for a casserole. I usually eat mine with butter, salt & pepper.”

            “That was a very through definition. Nice accent by the way.” Bette is all smiles, she can’t stop smiling nor does she want to.

            Tina smiles in return. “Believe it or not I use to sound like that all the time. I guess living in LA, I lost some of it,” she says in barely discernable southern accent. “I use to get that question every morning back at college.”  

            Bette positive beams at her good luck, “You live in LA? What a small world! What brings you back to the south, Tina?”

            “Well, I”

            “Tina, you want the usual?” asks the waitress as she approaches with a cup of coffee. She sets down the cup in front of Tina producing two creams from her apron.

            “Yes thanks, Millie. What time are you coming to the festival? Mama made her special corn bread just for you!”