Page 33 of Rush

Oh fuck yes! Consider me your number 1 groupie!

Broderick

New number who’s this?

Andrew

Ha, nice one bro.

Riley

Who invited B1 & B2?

Elena

LOL, hope y’all are in the mood to celebrate! Come over tonight-bring booze!

Tonight, we’d celebrate the only way I know how—Delicious food. drinks. And karaoke.

Later that night,my apartment smells likehome—soy sauce and vinegar simmering on the stove, garlic and bay leaves filling the air.

Chicken Adobo.Just like Mom used to make.

Preparing for a night of celebration feels good. I love cooking, especially the dishes my mom taught me, I was never into the fashion and glitz like she was, so it was one of the things we bonded over, because food brings everyone together.

I stir the pot, glancing over my shoulder at the sound of the door.

“Smells amazing in here,” Philippa calls out, slipping off her heels, in favor of house slippers and bounces into the kitchen, Andrew right behind her, a bottle of wine in hand.

“Is that—?” she asks.

“Chicken Adobo,” I confirm with a small smile.

Philippa gasps, eyes wide, “Just like Mom used to make?”

I nod, a lump rising in my throat, but her excited grin keeps me grounded.

“She can cook and she can sing, Elena you’re such a show-off,” Andrew teases, leaning over to sneak a taste from the pot before I swat him away.

“Get out of my kitchen,” I scold, though a smile tugs at my lips.

“You need help setting the table?” Philippa asks, already moving toward the cabinets before I can answer.

Riley bursts through the door, dropping her work bag and kicking off her shoes like a whirlwind.

“Honey I’m home!” she yells. “Okay, what is this I hear aboutAva freaking Edwards?!” she gushes, coming over to hug me from behind, squeezing me tight.

“Hi, nice to see you too, how was work?” I laugh, and she pulls back, eyes sparkling.

“Fuck work, babe you’re going ontour!” She smiles wide, shaking my shoulders. “Tonight’s going to be a blast. Tell me there’s tequila.”

“Wine and rum.” I wag my brows. “Butdinner first.”

“And dessert,” adds Philippa. “I brought pastries from that bakery you like.”

“Fine. But I expect karaoke,” Riley demands.

Andrew snorts. “Obviously.”