Everyone began talking back and forth at an exceptionally loud decibel. Laughter and jovial conversations permeated the air, but the most endearing thing to watch was Lucas and Mason. The two boys had obviously missed one another and chatted exclusively with each other nonstop. The five years that separated them made no difference whatsoever. They were the best of friends.
“What did we miss while we were gone?” Tommy asked, scanning his eyes around the table. “Anything exciting?”
Audra sat a little taller and her face lit up with pride. “Mason has big news. Do you want to tell everyone, Mase?”
Mason displayed a bashful smile, made more adorable by his dimples. “It’s not that big of a deal, Mom.”
“Of course, it is!” Kira exclaimed. “We’re so proud of you.”
“Aunt Kira . . .” he whined.
“C’mon, Mase,” Jimmy encouraged. “Tell them. You deserve the bragging rights. Go ahead.”
Mason toyed with his food, still smiling his adorable, crooked smile. “Oh, all right.” He put his fork down and enthusiasm poured from his facial expression and his posture. He gripped the edge of the table and looked directly at Lucas. “I’m gonna play drums on a commercial! Just the tracks. Not my face. But it’s going to be awesome!”
It really shouldn’t have been a surprise. Mason was light years ahead of any kid his age and played better than most adults. His career was already blooming, having made the rounds on the daytime TV circuit last year.
Everyone congratulated Mason, and Jessi went as far as embarrassing the boy by hugging him over the back of the chair and kissing his cheek.
Tommy’s eyes drifted to Lucas, who was staring at Mason in awe. “You’re really going to be on TV?” he asked his friend.
“Not me. My drum tracks,” Mason clarified. “No one is going to see my face, but you’re going to hear me play the drums in the background on a commercial.”
“Like how we hear our dads on the radio in the car?” If Lucas’ eyes grew any wider, they’d pop out of his head.
Mason nodded. “Kinda like that. Yeah.”
“That’s awesome!”
Watching these kids grow into their talent filled Tommy with delight and gratitude. Opportunity was theirs for the taking, and that’s all a parent could ask for their child.
Wait staff collected the dishes in preparation for the main course, which Angel prided on delivering himself so he could announce them to everyone. It didn’t matter that they’d eaten some of the entries dozens of times, Angel still had to present them by name and list any special ingredients. Alyssa loved to tease him about it, but everyone, especially Angel, knew that it was because he had a special place in her heart. And Angel was easy to tease.
Everyone watched, fascinated, as Angel delivered each item to the table, adding the appropriate yummy noises.
“I present, my famous lechón asado.” Angel announced the dish as if he were introducing his first-born child, practically dancing into the room. “As you all know, it’s marinated in a beautiful tangy citrus garlic mojo sauce and slow roasted to perfection.” He returned a few seconds later with another platter. “Bistec empanizado—fork-tender steak that has been breaded and pan fried, made especially for Damien because he always complains that I make too much pork and not enough beef.” He dashed back into the kitchen and returned with another platter. “Pollo agridulce—chicken with mango, ginger, and cumin—for Kira, because I know it’s her favorite.” One more trip to the kitchen and Angel returned with a huge platter. “As a tribute to the magnificent island seafood we’ve been eating, langosta a la Cubana,” he proclaimed, as he placed the lobster dish in the center of the table. He paused to send a playful smirk in Alyssa’s direction. “That’s lobster, Cuban style, for those that couldn’t figure it out. It’s sautéed in an exemplary sauvignon blanc with pork, fresh Roma tomatoes, sweet onion, bell peppers, garlic, and fresh cilantro from the garden. Can you help me with the sides, sweetheart?” Angel asked Jessi, and she jumped up and followed him into the kitchen.
“Papas rellenas,” Angel said upon his return, placing the plate of potatoes on the table. “And, naturally, frijoles negros y arroz.”
Alyssa leaned over the table to curiously inspect the second platter Angel set down, then she fell back in her chair. “Would you just please call it black beans and rice, all ready? I thought it was something fancy I never ate before.”
Angel placed his hands on his hips and rattled off something in Spanish that no one understood.
“I have pineapple and avocado salad!” Jessi announced.
When she placed it on the table, Jimmy burst out laughing
“Are you laughing because I didn’t get to say it in Spanish?” Angel asked. He spread his arms out and announced, “Ensalada de piña y aguacate.”
“No. I’m laughing at Jessi’s apron,” Jimmy said, smiling like a loon.
“I was afraid I’d spill something on my new top,” Jessi explained. “It’s the first time I’m wearing it. I got it in Bora Bora.”
Tommy guffawed when he saw the apron. Damien snickered. Alyssa cackled. Audra and Kira chuckled. Brett smiled. And Aunt Mary’s hands went to her cheeks.
Angel’s gaze drifted to the apron, and he covered his mouth as he laughed. “That’s so inappropriate.”
Jessi looked down at the apron, which had a photo of a hand pointing south and the words, “May I Suggest the Sausage?” She quickly blocked it with her arms and laughed. “I just grabbed it out of the drawer.” She untied the apron, lifted it over her head, and swatted Angel with it. “This was a joke. You weren’t supposed to leave it in the kitchen drawer!”
