Page 131 of My Heart Still Beats
Not the same one, though.
I have the cabbie drop me off about two blocks away and then wait for me.
I throw a couple hundred-dollar bills in his lap to show him I’m serious. “Double that if you wait.”
“Not a problem, sir.”
I walk, then, the two blocks to the warehouse, to the address on the card Dirk gave me.
I’m going to finish this once and for all.
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Tessa
Sherlock drops me off at my place, and I head up.
I won’t be getting another kiss from Ben tonight after all.
It’s early in the day yet, about two p.m.
I sigh.
The zoo seemed the perfect place to feel Da one last time, but I know something else that will be nearly as perfect. I’ll make one of Mommy’s recipes—Da’s favorite food in the world.
I’ll cook for him. I’ll cook for me.
I have to go to the market. I grab my mom’s recipe for cheese enchiladas, which is my favorite. It was also Da’s favorite.
I grab my purse and walk to the nearest market. It’s Sunday, so they will close soon, but I make it just in time. Mommy’s red sauce requires a bunch of different ground peppers, but I can’t find them all. Regular chili powder will do, laced with a little cayenne.
Corn tortillas, cheddar jack cheese, and lettuce, onions, and tomatoes for toppings. And for the sauce? Chili powder, cayenne, garlic, onion, cumin, tomato paste, and water with flour for thickening.
I grab everything I need, and then, on a whim, I also grab the ingredients to make caramel flan, one of my mother’s signature desserts.
I didn’t expect to buy so many groceries, and as I load my two reusable bags, I realize how heavy they are for the walk back to my place.
But that doesn’t matter, as my step is light, and I’m excited.
I’m going to make enchiladas and flan for Da and me.
I smile.
And Ben.
I’m going to invite Ben over for dinner.
He may not be able to come, since he had to go to work, but I’m going to invite him anyway. And if he can’t make it? I’ll eat and have leftovers.
What’s important is that I feel like eating.
My enchiladas won’t be as good as what Aunt Lily made yesterday as part of her feast for Da’s reception. But that’s okay.
These are for Da and me. If Ben’s available, I’ll invite him over to share them. But I need to remember to do good things for myself, too. I’m important.
I get back to my place, and I’m gathering the ingredients together when my phone rings.
It’s Skye. She’s checking in as usual.
