One of the things that caught Brian’s attention about me on our first date was the giant scoop of pineapple-habanero salsa I put on my chip while we were awkwardly sharing an 8-person round booth at a Mexican restaurant. I didn’t mind the spice as much as the pineapple (I loathe pineapple), but WOW was it hot! Brian figured if I was someone who fearlessly dove into a spicy salsa, I must be worth getting to know.

Our kitchen always had hot peppers. Ghost pepper, Carolina Reaper, Trinidad Scorpion and more. Brian used to delight hiding hot peppers flakes in my food. He once brought hot peppers to a family Thanksgiving event. Another year he brought hot peppers cheese to Christmas. And being the very convincing Brian he was, he of course got many people to sample them. Nearly everyone who knows Brian has a story of spice.

Fast forward to tonight. Friends came over and we got Mexican delivery from the local delicious Los Mayas.

Bryce happily munched on a chip and then spotted the salsa. He indicated he wanted a bite. I cautioned against it, but he persisted. I put the tiniest drop of salsa on his chip. He ate it, immediately said, “Hot!” Then demanded “Water, water.”

We had a good laugh and figured that was the end of it until a moment later. Bryce asked for more salsa. I put another drop on, he ate it then immediately sucked down water. This repeated several times.

Bryce comes by his newfound love of salsa very honestly and I think Brian is smiling and laughing right along with us.