Valla accepted the plate from Julian with a smile; she liked the courtesy. "It is much appreciated," she said in reply as she turned to find a place to sit. Passing Tommy, Valla gave him a little eyebrow wiggle, as though saying, "Ha ha, I got mine before you!" She just couldn't help being competitive with Tommy.<br/><br/>She found a place a little apart from the others. She took a few bites of the meat, savored the flavor, but otherwise saved her meal as she waited for Tommy to join her.<br/>