Chapter 19 - The Harvest
|
"It smells incredible," I said, walking into the kitchen and kissing the top of her head.
"Leo texted me his secret recipe," Maya beamed, stirring the sauce. "He says the trick is a pinch of sugar to cut the acidity of the tomatoes."
"How is Leo doing?" I asked, leaning against the counter.
"He loves culinary school," Maya said happily. "He said the knife skills class is kicking his butt, but he's passing. He wanted me to tell you thank you again for the tuition help."
I smiled. I had anonymously paid for the remainder of Leo's culinary school tuition after the trial started. It was the least I could do for the boy who had kept my daughter alive when I wasn't there.
We sat down to eat in the dining room. No locked pantries. No half-eaten dinner rolls saved in napkins. Just a father and a daughter, sharing a massive meal in a home filled with light.
"So," Maya said, twirling spaghetti on her fork. "How was the business trip?"
"It was highly productive," I replied honestly. "A very old, very toxic account has been permanently closed."
Maya raised an eyebrow, too smart for her own good. "Are we talking about corporate business, or grandma business?"
"Both," I chuckled softly. "The trial starts next week. Robert Vance says she will likely take a plea deal now that the new evidence was introduced. We won't even have to testify."
Maya let out a long, relieved sigh. "Good. I don't ever want to see her face again."
"You won't," I promised. "She is in our past, Maya. From now on, we only look forward."
After dinner, we sat on the back patio, watching the stars come out over the Texas suburbs. The air was warm, and the crickets were chirping in the manicured lawn.
"Dad?" Maya asked quietly, breaking the comfortable silence.
"Yeah, kiddo?"
May you like
"Thank you for coming to my high school that day," she said, leaning her head on my shoulder. "Thank you for not giving up on me."
I wrapped my arm around her, holding her tight. "I could never give up on you, Maya. You're the best thing I've ever done."
