Page 96 of Happy Endings

“Ha. Ha. Not funny.” Keisha punched him in the arm, the way she always did when he annoyed her.

“I’ve let down Mama.” Andre rubbed his hand over his head. “Everything she worked for is—just gone. And it’s my fault.”

“You’re not God. Why do you think you can control everything, and when it doesn’t go your way, that it’s your fault?”

“The fire chief did a walkthrough after you went home to search for Mama’s recipes. She said the fire started in the kitchen.” He swallowed hard. “It was the fryer. I was so upset and drunk last night that I forgot to turn everything off.”

“No, Andre.” Keisha shook her head. “Xavier turned everything off last night. I texted him to be sure. It’s not your fault.”

“I failed Mama. She had only one wish before she died.” His voice cracked. “And now it’s in ashes.”

“It’s okay. We can start over.”

“With what? We have nothing. No savings. Piles of bills. Insurance will barely cover replacing the equipment.” This was the first time he’d said it out loud to Keisha. Why had it taken him so long to tell her that they were in over their heads?

“Don’t forget about Mike Chen. He said he had a plan. Even if he doesn’t want to rebuild, we’ll make it happen. I don’t know what the new Mama Hazel’s will look like, but I have faith in us Walkers. We’re tough.”

“Maybe you are. Being tough was what got me in trouble.” Andre could finally admit that he didn’t need to be tough all the time.

“Maybe Trixie can introduce you to the woman who owns the co-op. She might have connections.” Hope lit up Keisha’s face.

“I doubt Trixie will talk to me after last night.”

“You messed up big time, big bro. Call her and apologize.”

The least he could do was try. He patted his pockets for his phone. Andre shook his head.

“My phone must have fallen out of my pocket at Xavier’s last night. He dragged my sorry butt to his place.”

His sister pulled out her phone and dialed Trixie. Keisha paced as she waited for Trixie to pick up. Even as a kid, his sister had boundless energy. Always moving, no matter what she was doing. The only time she stayed still was when Mama taught them to cook.

“No answer.” Keisha frowned. “I’ll text her.”

She tapped on her phone. A moment later it buzzed.

“Was that her? What did she say?”

“Oh no.” Keisha covered her mouth. “Trixie’s dad had a heart attack this morning and was taken to the hospital. She’s at Reagan waiting to board her plane home.”

“It must be serious if she’s flying home. Mr. Nguyen hasn’t spoken to her since she left New Orleans. He’s not a fan of Trixie’s career.”

“That’s awful.” Keisha’s face lit up. “Go to New Orleans. She’s going to need you.”

“But what about this?” He gestured at the burned building.

“Andre, do you love Trixie?”

He thought about how she charmed everyone at family dinner, the way she easily shook off hecklers during her pop-ups, and how her face lit up when she talked about opening a store. She was the best thing that ever happened to him.

“Yes.” He stood up. “Yes, I love Trixie and I need to go to New Orleans.”

“I knew it!” Keisha clapped her hands.

“What about the fire and Mama Hazel’s?” This had been his mess, and he should clean it up.

“Go. I’ll be fine. Xavier and everyone else will help. I’ll meet with Mike and keep you updated.”

Keisha wanted to take the lead now. He liked the sound of it. His sister was resourceful, and she wouldn’t have to clean up alone. She was right. Everything would work out somehow.

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