Page 14 of Keeping Kama

Leia opened a cupboard, taking out the stack of plates. “I bet you didn’t think you’d be put to work when you came over to eat,” commented Leia.

Leia spread the plates out on the limited counter space still available.

After he opened the rice cooker, Derek snatched the rice scoop and placed a cup of rice in the center of the first plate. “I don’t mind.” Derek tilted his head toward Leia. “I used to bake sometimes with my mom, when I was young.” He scooped out more rice, placing it on the next plate.

Leia shifted, leaning against the counter so she was facing Derek. “What did you usually bake?” asked Leia.

Ladle in mid-scoop, Derek said, “We usually baked cookies, brownies … that sort of thing. My favorite was my mom’s chocolate chip pumpkin bread. She’d let me dump in a whole bag of chocolate chips into the batter.”

“A whole bag?” Leia chuckled. “I’m sure that’s why you liked it. It was half chocolate.”

Teresa interrupted their exchange. “Leia, can you put the hamburger patties on top of the rice. I’m almost done with the eggs.”

Twirling back around, Leia picked up the platter of cooked hamburger patties.

Derek finished scooping rice onto the plates. “What comes next?” he asked.

“Hamburger or the ground beef patties,” replied Leia. “Then the gravy, last is the fried egg.”

He leaned his hip against the counter, Derek causally folded his arms. “How do you make the gravy?” inquired Derek.

Before Leia could answer, Teresa piped up, “The gravy recipe is the one thing I can’t give you. It’s for family only.”

From the table, where Kai and Alana sat next to Noa. Alana chimed in, “I can testify to that. Teresa wouldn’t give me the recipe until after Kai and I had been married for two years.” Holding two fingers up, Alana shook them.

“I wanted to make sure the marriage stuck.” Teresa turned off the stove burner. Removing a ladle from the drawer, she dropped it into the pot with the gravy. “I didn’t want you running off with Noa’s family recipe. You should consider yourself lucky. Noa’s mom didn’t give me the recipe until we celebrated our ten-year anniversary.” She ladled gravy on top of each hamburger patty.

“So, my only hope of getting the recipe is to marry Leia?” asked Derek.

Leia nearly choked on her own saliva. Kai who remained quiet until now, let out a long belly laugh. Leia’s cheeks burned as she shot Kai a narrowed glance.

Teresa laughed too. Shrugging, Teresa said, “I guess that really is the only way.”

Derek crossed his ankles, leaning back against the counter. “I guess then it’s all decided. Though I’m sure Leia’s boyfriend wouldn’t take kindly to me proposing marriage for a gravy recipe.”

Teresa quickly said, “Leia doesn’t have a boyfriend.” Leia’s back stiffened. With the gravy plated, Teresa moved to the frying pan with the fried eggs. “She hasn’t dated anyone for who knows how long.” Teresa raised a knowing eyebrow.

A groan escaped her, and Leia covered her face with both her hands. “Mom,” hissed Leia. “Please stop.”

“It’s okay little sis,” said Kai. “We don’t care you’re single. There’s no shame in it. You just haven’t found the right person yet. We’re only stating the facts.”

Mortified, Leia groaned louder. Her cheeks burned. “Thanks for reminding me.” She skillfully avoided looking in Derek’s direction. “I— I—” stammered Leia.

Interrupting, Teresa announced, “The food’s ready,” like she hadn’t singlehandedly embarrassed Leia. Edging closer to Leia, Teresa gave Leia’s shoulder a squeeze. “Let’s eat.” Then Teresa motioned toward the plated food. “Derek and Leia, can you help bring it to the table?”

Derek quickly replied, “Sure thing.” He found Leia’s eye and smirked.

Alana rose and yelled down the hallway, “Malia and Hilo, it’s time to eat.”

The loud pitter patter of little feet sounded down the hallway, soon Malia and Hilo arrived, out of breath. Alana instructed them to wash their hands before sitting down at the table. Once Malia and Hilo washed their hands and sat down, Leia and Derek each carried two plates to the table. Derek returned for another set. Kai jumped up and snagged two more, while Teresa located some salt and pepper, placing it on the table. Once the plates of food were set in front of each place, they sat down. Leia sat between Derek and Teresa. Noa sat on the other side of Teresa with Alana and Kai next to their children. Kai quickly introduced his children to Derek.

Taking in the sight of the food, Derek said, “This looks delicious.” He rubbed his hands together in anticipation. “I can’t wait to try it. Thanks again for having me.”

Teresa squeezed his forearm. “We’re glad you’re here. Even if you are here to buy half our family farm.” The words ricocheted across the room, making the carefree banter of minutes before dissipate into thin air. Derek stared down at his plate. With a wave of her hand, Teresa said, “Please everyoneeat.” It wasn’t a suggestion. “Before it gets cold.” Teresa took her napkin and placed it on her lap. Next, Teresa tucked Noa’s napkin under his chin, covering his shirt.

“You don’t have to tell me twice.” Picking up his fork, Derek dug in first, taking a bite. For a minute, everyone at the table paused, watching him eat and swallow his first bite. After taking a sip of water, Derek grinned, “Delicious.” He wiped his face with his napkin. “I’m not kidding.” He nudged Leia with his elbow. “Now that I know you’re single. It mightreallybe worth getting married so I can get the gravy recipe.” He shook his fork over his plate. “I can see why this recipe needs to be protected.”

Everyone laughed, but Leia. Her blood pressure simmered to near boiling point. Leia didn’t find any amusement in his words. Tilting her head toward Derek, Leia found his gaze and glared. Derek shifted uncomfortably in his seat. Tugging at his collar, Derek focused on his plate. Slowly, Derek took a bite, swallowing it down with a large gulp of water.

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