Page 51 of More For Me

“Don’t be silly, I love Angelina’s.” I turn to Bodhi. “Remember we went there after Leo got that fellowship? They practically had to kick us out at the end of the night because we couldn’t stop eating the gnocchi.”

His face softens, gratitude flashing in his eyes. “I remember.”

“Where is Leo?” Mrs. Lakra asks suddenly, looking around the room, like it just occurred to her that he’s missing.

“He was up in Berkley today speaking at a conference,” Bodhi explains. “His flight was delayed and he couldn’t make it.”

“Oh.” She seems to deflate a little. “That’s a shame. I do always like seeing him here.”

“We’ll come for lunch next weekend, okay?” His voice is overly bright, like he’s trying too hard. “He can tell you about his Hawaii trip.”

She seems distracted, turning to Nisha. “What do we have that could work as appetizers? Should I make samosas? They wouldn’t really go with the rest of the dishes but—”

Bodhi takes his mother’s arm and directs her to the couch. “Come and sit down, Ammi. You don’t need to fuss.”

“Everly is a guest,” she says in a low voice, like she thinks I won’t be able to hear her.

“I’m not a guest,” I argue, taking the seat on her other side. “I’m Bodhi’s annoying roommate who he can’t get rid of.”

“She’s like the new Leo,” Dev says from behind his paper. Nisha walks over to him, grabs the paper, and tosses it aside.

“Enough from you. Come help me with the tea.”

I look back to Mrs. Lakra. She’s wearing that slightly dazed expression again, like she’s not exactly sure where she is. I open my mouth to draw her into conversation but Bodhi beats me to it.

“Mom, did I tell you about the custom gown Everly is working on? You know that actor you like? The one from those mafia movies?” Without pausing for breath, he starts to tell her all about the Cain family, the dress I’m making, what other celebrities I’ve worked with, what celebrities Juniper Cain has worked with, who might be at the engagement party. It’s kind of amazing, the way he seamlessly walks her through one topic to the next.

It’s also a little unsettling. Bodhi is known for being high-spirited, but this is something else entirely.

And it doesn’t stop. Not when Dev brings out the tea. Not when Nisha presents a tray of bruschetta. No matter what’s happening, Bodhi keeps up a steady stream of conversation. He tells his mom funny stories about his students. Tells silly jokes to his nephews. Teases Nisha. Rags on Dev. And through it all he keeps a broad smile on his face, like this is any other night.

Fox likes to tease me that Bodhi and I get along so well because he’s the only person who can keep up with my endless, high-speed chatter but I have nothing on him tonight. By the time Nisha says dinner is ready, I’m feeling a little dizzy.

“Aren’t we waiting for Baba?” Bodhi asks when his mother starts to stand. Everyone seems to freeze. Mrs. Lakra looks away. Nisha is breathing hard. Behind her, Dev looks pissed off.

“Dad had a last-minute work trip,” Nisha finally says, and I can hear how hard she’s trying to keep her voice light and even. “I thought I told you.”

“A work trip?” For the first time since we set foot in the house, Bodhi looks less than affable. His eyes are flashing, his mouth set in a grim line. “Tonight?”

“Don’t, Bodhi,” Nisha warns softly as Mrs. Lakra’s shoulders hunch once again. She takes her mother’s arm. “Mom, come and show me how you want the salad dressed. You know I always do too much.”

She allows her daughter to lead her from the room, her expression one of a woman who’s not entirely with us. As soon as they’re gone, Bodhi spins to his brother-in-law. “He’s out of town?” he snaps.

Dev looks nearly as angry as Bodhi. “He didn’t even tell your mother. Called Nisha and asked her to do it.”

Bodhi’s hands clench into fists. “What the hell?”

“I know man. I know.” Dev pats him on the back. “Come on. Let’s just get through this.”

Bodhi heads toward the hallway before pausing and turning back, like he only just remembered me. “You coming?”

I want to pull him back and ask him what’s going on here. Why is it such a big deal that his dad is gone? Why does he seem so desperate to keep everyone smiling and happy tonight? Where does his mom go when she disappears into herself like that?

But he’s clearly eager to get back to her, already inching toward the hall even as he waits for my answer. I wave him ahead. “I’m just gonna use the restroom first.”

He nods, distracted, eyes darting to the direction of the kitchen. “Okay, see you in a minute.”

Once he’s gone, I take a deep breath, trying to wrap my mind around whatever is happening here tonight. I’ve spent enough time with Bodhi’s family to know that this is not normal. Nisha doesn’t usually look so stressed out. The kids are never this quiet. And Mrs. Lakra…she’s like a completely different person. She’s usually cheerful and bold, leading every conversation. She has this beautiful, lilting accent, a musical voice that has a devious streak when she’s teasing her children. She loves to host company—every time I’ve been here she fusses over everyone. She never lets anyone else cook and she certainly never allows carry-out.