Annika and Daniel took off their shoes and followed Naya and Ravi into the massive gourmet kitchen. “I hope you like chicken—I made my grandmother’s chicken curry. Want a beer, Daniel?”
“Yeah, sure. That’d be great. And I love chicken curry. The spicier the better.”
“Seriously?”
“Yes.”
“Because I went easy on the heat, because I wasn’t sure...”
“Didn’t think the white guy could handle the heat, huh?”
Ravi had the grace to appear abashed. “Truthfully, yes. Guess I should know better.” He opened a beer and handed it to Daniel. “I guess I should’ve known that someone who can do garba like you can also eat the heat.”
Daniel took the beer and waited a beat. “Actually, my mom’s mom is Indian. We grew up next door to her.”
“Humph.” Naya shrugged.“Emma shu?”She looked at Annika and rolled her eyes.“Sajan bhi garba gayay che. Annay eh bhi thiku-thiku kayay.”
Annika opened her mouth, fired up and ready to defend Daniel. He pressed his hand to her back and addressed Naya himself. In Gujarati.
“Thamari vat sachu.Sajan does speak Gujarati, and he can eat spicy food. But he is not here right now.” Daniel rested his gaze on Naya, amusement on his lips. He also couldn’t resist pressing closer to Annika, as if to solidify that he was hers.
Naya’s jaw dropped, and she managed a small smile. “No, I suppose you’re right. Sajan is not here. You are.”
Daniel had used the formal, respectful form ofyouin addressing Naya, and it did not go unnoticed.
“How about some of my specialpakora?” Ravi brought out a plate of mixed-veggie fritters, breaking the tension as everyone turned toward the amazing aroma. The pakora quite literally melted in Daniel’s mouth, and he reached for another.
“How’d you get that extra crunch?”
“Just a little bit of rice flour in the batter.” Ravi beamed. “But wait till you try the chicken.”
The evening progressed amiably, and true to Ravi’s word, the chicken was incredible.
“Okay, I can’t possibly eat more. Your chicken rivals my grandmother’s.” Daniel moved his plate aside.
“How about another beer?” Ravi started to stand.
Daniel waved him back to his seat. “Nah. I’m good.”
“I’m thinking about opening a restaurant.” Ravi sat down and looked around at the group.
“Well, count me in as a regular.” Daniel smiled.
“Me, too.” Annika grinned and squeezed Daniel’s hand under the table.
So far so good.
For a minute.
“Seriously? I don’t know why I’m surprised at you two.” Naya threw her napkin down.
Daniel became slightly nauseated at the glare Naya was throwing them.
“What? We’re being supportive. Ravi is a fabulous cook, and you said he’s been going to culinary school,” Annika threw back at her cousin.
“I mean, of course you two would support him.” She glared at Daniel, sliding her eyes to Annika. “You do whatever you want, no matter who gets hurt.”
Annika snapped her gaze to her cousin, but before she could spout out the rage building in her, Daniel laid a hand on Annika’s thigh under the table and squeezed gently. He couldn’t have her always in a position of defending him.
