“I’ve made everyone’s favorites.” Papi placed another plate on the table already covered with meats and sauces. “This one is my most requested dish, lechon asado. I made it just for my darling wife.” She presented her cheek, and he kissed it.
“You spoil us, A.” Lucas’ dad placed a generous amount of the pork on his plate before offering the platter to Tessa, and it made its way around the table. The ropa vieja followed, then vaca frita, and a half dozen side dishes. Sindy laughed softly after each entry made its way down the table in an assembly line of Cuban cuisine.
Lucas’ parents fed each other different tidbits of food and smiled and nodded their approval after each bite. Tessa had to sample everything on the table. Sindy constantly widened her eyes at the amount of food passed around. And Lucas sat back and watched it all. His family ate and laughed and talked. He was going to miss these nightly dinners.
He planned on telling his parents about the new apartment when they sat down to eat, but he didn’t want to interrupt the flow of conversation. Meals were about family, and he didn’t want the discussion to be about just him. He’d tell them at dessert.
Papi and Tessa did all the cooking, but with the grand meal tonight, hired staff cleared the table. Presenting the meal was an elaborate ritual reserved just for the two of them, though. Tonight’s matching novelty aprons read, “Dude With Food,” and “Oh, Crêpe!”, which made Lucas smile. Papi and Tessa brought out plate after plate of delectable sweets, announcing each one as it was set down on the table.
“Flan with dulce de leche!”
“Boniatillo!”
“Torticas de Moron!”
“Brazo de gitano!”
“I’ve never heard of any of these things,” Sindy whispered to Lucas. “Everything looks incredible. Oh, I know that one,” Sindy announced happily, pointing to the bowl in Tessa’s hands. “It’s rice pudding.”
Papi gasped, dramatically, and everyone quieted. “It’s arroz con leche.”
Sindy’s cheeks reddened. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean—”
A booming laugh flowed from Papi’s mouth. “I’m just teasing. Of course it’s rice pudding.”
Sindy relaxed and let out a lighthearted laugh. “Lucas, your family is amazing.”
“Yes. They are.” Lucas watched them share desserts and the expressions of joy as they tasted each one. He waited for the right time, which happened after everyone had their fill and couldn’t eat anything else, but still sat around the dining room table. “Mom, Dad, Papi, I saw an apartment today, and I’m going to buy it.” No one said a word and the room became deadly silent. “It’s not far. It’s in one of the new condominium complexes that just went up in Lido Beach.”
“It’s unbelievable,” Tessa added, when none of their parents said anything. “Let Lucas take you there tomorrow. It’s a penthouse with a rooftop patio, and it’s right on the water. Wait until you see the kitchen, Papi. We can make a meal like this over there. It’ll probably be the only time he ever uses the kitchen.” She smiled at Lucas to emphasize her teasing jab about his lack of cooking skills.
Lucas’ mom was the first to reply. “I always knew this day would come.” She pressed her lips together and nodded. “I promised myself I wasn’t going to cry. And I’m not. But I’m going to miss you. Thank you for staying so close to home.”
“This is exciting news, Lucas.” Papi reached across the table and squeezed Lucas’ hand. “Congratulations, my boy. You’re going to be a homeowner. It’s not going to be the same around here without you, though. Don’t get mad if I invent ridiculous reasons just to pay you a visit.”
“Of course not, Papi. Come over any time.” Lucas looked to his dad, who hadn’t said anything yet. “Dad?”
“I know you’re a man, but in my heart you’ll always be my little boy. Every day, you prove to me how mature and level-headed you are. I’m so happy for you, Lucas.”
Lucas smiled and let out a relieved breath. “Thanks. I was a little nervous about telling you.”
“Why?” his dad asked. “Never worry or hesitate to tell us anything. We always support you.” He looked at Tessa. “That goes for you to, Tess.”
“Good. Because I want to buy an apartment, too.”
Their mom’s head snapped in Tessa’s direction so fast Lucas swore he felt a breeze.
“What did you say?” Lucas asked, surprised at her statement.
“I hope you don’t mind, but I went back to the condominium complex, and the lady showed me an apartment in the next unit. One building over. We wouldn’t be in the same building. We wouldn’t even see each other come and go.”
“You really want to live in the building right next to me?” he asked
“If it bothers you I won’t buy it. I just thought that it would be really lonely living upstairs in our wing of the house by myself. This way, I’ll be in a building with other homeowners, and you’ll be right across the street, but still far enough away so we’ll have privacy.”
Lucas was surprised, and touched, that his sister wanted to stay close to him. “I don’t mind. It’ll be nice.”
Tessa turned back to their parents, who looked like they hadn’t blinked since she made the announcement. “We’ll both be 10 minutes away. You can even jog down to the complex on the beach and see us both on one trip.”
