Page 50 of Top Scorer
I peek under the foil. “What’sturon?”
“Fried banana spring rolls. Protect them with your life.”
“Yes, chef.”
She makes a snort that should not be so damn cute.
“My parents will be disappointed if you squish those.”
“What if I drop this purple jelly thing?”
“You’ll be haunted by the ghost of Christmasubeforever.”
I lead her to my SUV and lift my chin toward her car when we pass it.
“How old is that thing?”
“Georgie? He is not old. I got a new transmission recently.”
“You named your car?”
“Who doesn’t?”
I let that one go, arranging the dessert trays in the back seat and carefully belting them like they’re babies. I’m struck by a thought.
“You OK?” she asks from the front passenger seat.
“This time next year, we’re buckling two little babies in the back seat. I’m wrapping my mind around that.”
“Shit, you’re right.” Her voice tightens. Ligaya closes her eyes and takes deep breaths that lift her chest in a steady, mesmerizing rhythm.
“Anyway, what’s the plan tonight?” I look away from her body and fiddle with the heat in the car, making sure she’s comfortable. “Do we tell them right away or wait after we’ve had theturon?”
“My parents are hostingNoche Buenatonight for a few Filipino families in the area,” she says. “We’re early, so we can tell them right away.”
“They’re expecting me, though, right?”
“They think I’m bringing a friend. Which you kind of are, technically.”
“You’re carrying our twins, sweetheart. I feel like we’ve moved past the friend tier. And what exactly isNoche Buena?”
“It’s our Christmas Eve feast. Food, drinks, music, more food. If you see a circle-shaped food, don’t question it. That’s for good luck. Grapes, oranges, fish balls. Anything round and vaguely edible.”
“Did you say fish balls?”
“In soup. Like I said, don’t question it.”
“Balls are festive. Got it.”
She chuckles. “If you say that in front of my mom, I swear to God—”
“I won’t.” I grin. “Scout’s honor.”
“You were never a scout. You were chaos in high school.”
“And yet your mom always liked me.”
“She’s nice to everyone. Don’t read into it.” Although her words are dismissive, Ligaya’s fondness is genuine.
