We talked about lighter things after that. Mama told me about the garden she was planning for spring. I told her about Mrs. Santos's attempts to teach me how to cook Italian food.
"She gave up after I burned water," I admitted.
Mama laughed. "You burned water? How is that even possible?"
"I left the pot on the stove and forgot about it. All the water evaporated and the pot started smoking."
"Oh, Maliya." But she was smiling. "You get that from your father. He couldn't cook to save his life either."
"Great. I inherited his criminal tendencies and his inability to cook."
"You didn't inherit his criminal tendencies. You're nothing like him in that way."
"I hope not." I took a sip of my iced tea. "Mama, can I ask you something?"
"Of course."
"Do you regret it? Marrying Papa, I mean. K
