“OK, but then you have to watch Hadestown with me and learn ‘Wait for Me’ for our next karaoke night.”
Adeena shook her head. “You and your musicals. Fine, but you have to bring home mushroom quesadillas and those awesome beans from El Gato Negro next time you’re there. And you still owe me a mezcal cocktail for the menu, so I’m expecting a tasting soon.”
“It’s a date, mi amor.” Elena gave her a quick kiss that managed to linger just long enough to make my heart twinge.
I didn’t appreciate all their jabs, but they were so freakin’ cute together. Why didn’t I have someone to watch musicals with and supply me with tasty Mexican food and cocktails? I glanced over at Amir, who was watching his sister and her girlfriend with the saddest expression on his face.
Ah. Right.
I cleared my throat. “So, uh, what do you all think my next move should be? I need to talk to Bernadette, obviously. I wonder if I can get the Calendar Crew together without Lola Flor throwing them out of our house.”
Amir looked at his watch. “It’s almost closing time for Auntie, right? Maybe if you get them all together at the restaurant after your customers are gone, Grandma Flor would be more interested in their money than being petty.”
If he thought my grandmother kicking Ninang June out of our house was pettier than the disrespect Ninang June showed our family, then he did not need to be at this dinner. Adeena met my eyes and the line connecting us, the understanding that flowed between our gazes, gave me the support I needed.
“I’ll contact the aunties and Bernadette. Tita Rosie’s Kitchen doesn’t close for another hour, so that should be plenty of notice.” I drew my shoulders back and gestured Amir toward the door. “Anyway, we have some work to do here. Thanks for the update.”
Taking his cue, Amir picked up his briefcase and headed to the door. “The ice candies were great. Can’t wait to try yours, Lila. Stay out of trouble, you three.”
Elena wrinkled her nose, but waited till he was gone before speaking. “Lila, I know that man is fine as hell,” she glanced at Adeena to say, “Sorry, babe,” before turning her attention back to me, “but you can do better. Every time he opens his mouth, he sounds like the precursor to a ‘Why are men’ meme.”
Adeena sighed. “He’s always thought he was right, but he never used to be condescending. He’s good at admitting he’s wrong, but I do worry that he’s changing for the worse.”
Glad to see I wasn’t the only one who’d noticed. “I wonder what’s going on with him. Like you said, he could be overbearing, but he was never an out-and-out jerk. I was half expecting him to pet me on the head before he left.”
“I think he’s under a lot of pressure at work. He’s been spending a lot more time in Chicago trying to fit in with the good ol’ boys at the head of the firm.” Adeena frowned. “He got passed over for a promotion and he thinks it’s because he doesn’t socialize with the other lawyers enough. Apparently the guy they chose over him is big on schmoozing.”
Amir worked for a fairly prestigious law firm in Chicago and had arranged his schedule so that he could spend half the week working from Shady Palms, only traveling to Chicago to meet new clients and attend court. It seemed exhausting, but he didn’t like being away from his family. He also didn’t drink alcohol, which probably made those nights out with his fellow lawyers a little awkward.
“Is he thinking of moving to Chicago full-time?” I asked, not knowing what I’d prefer. Even though I’d only been back home a short time, I couldn’t imagine him not being around all the time. He was a good friend who’d come through for me and my family time and again. But things between us had gotten so weird, and I of all people understood doing what you could to advance in your career. I’d hate for him to feel as stuck in Shady Palms as I used to.
“I think that depends on you, actually.”
“Excuse me?”
She sighed. “I know I wasn’t supportive of you two from the beginning, but I’m OK with it now. You being all hot and cold toward him is really confusing. For all of us. He wants to be with you and is willing to stay in Shady Palms if it means you can finally be together. So if you’d rather be with Jae, let my brother know. And soon. He’s being a jerk, but you’re not innocent in this, either. He doesn’t deserve to be kept hanging like this. And I’m not choosing sides!” she added, putting her hands up to ward off my protests. “I love you both and you both kinda suck right now, so I’m hoping you two figure things out before it’s too late.”