Chapter 31

“What’s palabok?”

“It’s a noodle dish. Has cooked shrimp, boiled pork, crushed pork rinds, fried tofu, scallions, and fried garlic,” Ruth said.

“Well, it’s getting late,” Janeth said. As if on cue, they all rose except for Adam and Jojo, who sat there in the courtyard, watching the tiki torches flicker and the breeze cool off the garden.

“Jizelle’s flight got delayed. She’s suggesting we meet up tomorrow night, if you’re off. Or this weekend.”

“I’m off this weekend,” Adam said. He walked up to one of the hammocks and put some pressure on it to make sure his weight could handle him. “Want to join me?”

“Sure,” Jojo said, taking the other hammock without reservation.

“I haven’t forgotten, by the way,” Adam said.

“Forgotten about what?”

“You can read me poetry. After all this hammock is under the sampaguita.”

Jojo smiled. “I don’t have any books of poetry on me.”

“You have your phone. You can read me something. I’m not letting you off the hook.”