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.”
It was amazing how many times I had to hear that very same advice before I actually took it. Nettie Bishop had said something similar to me a few months ago, back when Adeena and I were feuding. I cared about Amir. Bernadette was family. I’d managed to fix things with Jae, so I knew I could do it. Time to begin the Lila Macapagal Apology Tour.
Pushing down my anxiety about what I was going to do, I pulled out my phone. I had some calls to make.
Chapter Eighteen
What’s this all about, Lila?” Lola Flor settled into her usual place, exerting enough authority that it was obvious she sat at the head of the table, even though the table was round and that should’ve been impossible. Ordinarily, she and the aunties would’ve made a big fuss over my hair since they loved commenting on my appearance, but this was no ordinary dinner. Lola Flor surveyed the food my aunt was bringing out, a wicked smile spreading across her face as she took in Ninang June’s reaction to the spread—Lola Flor had purposely chosen Ninang June’s least favorite dishes for this meal.
Lola Flor may not have gotten along with my mother, but my mom was still a member of the Macapagals, and the woman could hold a grudge when you messed with her family. If avoidance was my Olympic event, pettiness was Lola Flor’s. The purpose of this meal was a reconciliation, but I couldn’t help but admire this pro-level shade disguised as hospitality. My grandmother and I were both Scorpios, and game couldn’t help but recognize game.
I tried to arrange my expression to a more neutral one because this wasn’t going to work if Ninang June and Bernadette saw how much I was enjoying this. “Our last dinner didn’t end well, and I think we need to have it out so we can focus on what’s important: helping Ate Bernie and keeping the pageant girls safe.”
Ninang June sniffed, eyeing the platter Joy had just set in front of her. A stir-fry of shrimp and ampalaya. Next to that was a plate of tortang talong, or eggplant omelet. Bitter gourd and eggplant were her most hated foods, and to cap it all off, Tita Rosie proudly set down a plate of chicken adobo with liver. She rarely served this dish since it wasn’t popular with the general public, but it was one of her absolute favorites. It was rich, tasty, and relatively healthy due to all the iron and vitamins it provided. Unfortunately, Ninang June didn’t like liver either, and while Tita Rosie might not have realized what Lola Flor was doing when she requested these dishes, Ninang June definitely did.
“If this is your idea of an apology, I don’t accept. It’s bad enough that you insult my daughter, but now you try to serve me this? This slap in the face?” Ninang June shoved her plate away.
Tita Rosie’s face crumbled. “What’s wrong, June? I wanted us to all be OK again, so I took extra care when preparing the food. What did I . . .” Her voice trailed off as she took stock of the dishes and realized what her mother had done. “Nay! How could you!” My aunt turned to my godmother. “We have other food prepared in the kitchen. I’ll get you something else to eat, something you like.”
“Rosie, sit down. This woman insulted us in our home and now she’s insulting us in our restaurant. If she wants to apologize for the disrespect she’s shown to all of us, she will eat the food she’s given. It’s poor manners to turn down the food your host has prepared.” Lola Flor turned to Bernadette. “You. Say grace.”
Bernadette started, glancing guiltily at her mother before crossing herself and leading us in a brief prayer. After we all said, “Amen,” we helped ourselves to the food in the middle of the table. First my grandmother, then Ninang Mae and April, then finally me and Joy. Tita Rosie always served herself last, so she looked at Ninang June and Bernadette in anxious anticipation.
Bernadette took a deep breath and helped herself to large portions of all the different foods—from what I remembered, she actually liked these dishes, so she probably didn’t want to drag on a fight that her mother had started. Besides, for all her faults, she would never purposely hurt Tita Rosie and she knew that if she refused to eat, it would break Tita Rosie’s heart. She scooped up a large spoonful of omelet and rice, and after she chewed and swallowed, she turned a big smile toward my aunt. “This is delicious, Tita Rosie! Thank you for this meal.”