Her sister walked to their mother’s bedside. At the sight of her, Ammi’s face brightened.
“Sorry I’m late,” Lulu said. “It’s chaos out there.”
“That is the way of weddings,” her mother replied.
“This is extra, even for a wedding,” Lulu said. “We have to reschedule tonight’s fireworks due to forecasted storms. And Sritala dropped off the shaadi cake four days early.”
“Oh dear.” Khala’s brow furrowed. “I saw it on the kitchen island. I wasn’t sure…”
“The staff got so flustered they dropped it offhere.What amIsupposed to do with it? She said I called and asked her to switch the date! Can you believe her?” Lulu exclaimed. “I went off. Why would you blame me? Mistakes happen, but own it!”
“Could we store it in one of the industrial fridges downstairs?” Hena asked.
“Chantilly cream isn’t meant to sit. Besides, the berries will bleed through the sponge by morning,” Lulu said. “It’s fine. She’ll remake it, but between this and the snake situation, I’m ready for this week to be over.”
“I heard about the pythons,” their mother said.
Lulu shuddered. “I’m mortified.”
“There’s nothing to be mortified about. Nature happens,” Hena reassured her.
“But so many of them?” Lulu said. “The wildlife team is here now. Lucinda’s showing them around. Once they remove the pythons, they’ll set up a snake gate around the property so it doesn’t happen again. I can’t imagine if this had happened after we were fully launched.”
“Lucinda is lovely,” Hena said. “She gave me her personal cell in case I needed anything.”
Lulu smiled. “She’s great, isn’t she? Did you know she used to work for our dad?”
Hena grew still. She looked at her mother, then back at Lulu.
“She did?”
Lulu nodded. “She helped with organizing and bookkeeping. When I saw her résumé, I did a double take. Small world, right?”
“She looks barely older than me,” Hena said.
“She started in high school over at his Miramar resort. You know he loved giving kids who needed it the extra boost.”
But the hotel in Miramar wasn’t just a resort. It was where his side business lived, tucked in the shadows of the palm-lined drive where kids desperate enough for cash did the jobs no one spoke about—delivering envelopes with no questions asked, knocking on doors with threats and ultimatums.
“She’s shared so many great stories about him,” Lulu continued. “It’s a totally different perspective. He was a natural at this business stuff. Hopefully I have some of that in me.” She sighed. “I just have the one property, we haven’t even opened officially, and already it’s one thing after another. Sometimes I miss culinary school, but I’m sure I’ll get the hang of it soon enough. I like thinking he’s looking down on us. That he’s proud we’re at least trying to keep his legacy alive.”
A doorbell chimed, and she heard Gita go to answer the door.
Hena looked at her mother. Her expression was unreadable. She refused to meet Hena’s gaze.
This, this right here, was why Hena had told her mother countless times that Lulu deserved to know who her father really was. No matter how much she’d tried, Ammi wouldn’t hear of it.What’s the harm?Her mother would retort in the face of Hena’s arguments.He’s gone. Let her love him.
But why love a man who didn’t deserve it? And Lulu didn’t just love their father—she revered him. Or at least the man she believed he was. His absence had only amplified his legendary status in her eyes.
“The steamer dropped off tonight’s outfit,” Gita said, appearing at the doorway. “She was in a rush, but she’ll be back in a little while for tomorrow’s clothing. I can put it out for you?”
“No, it’s all right.” Lulu massaged her temples. “I’ll hang it by the service entrance, it’s—” Lulu cut off. She touched her throat, blinking fast.
Hena tensed. “Lulu?”
“I—” Lulu coughed. “My throat feels…weird.”
Ammi gasped. “She’s having an allergic reaction.”