“My daughter told me so much about your cooking club, Lari,” she tells me. I wave Cintia, Victor, and PC over to introduce them to her. She’s stunned that we’re all here, her smile spreading on a freckled face just like Amandinha’s. “My baby admires you so much. All she does is talk about your club. How Cintia and Victor give the best hugs, how PC is so funny. And how Pedro saved her, of course.” She looks back at me. “And you, Lari... She says you have fairy hands like your grandmother. She wants to grow up to be just like you. You helped her see that food is magical. I’m so grateful for everything you kids have done for my daughter and everyone at Vozes!”

I don’t know what to say. I feel like a balloon is inflating in my chest.

“You shouldn’t stay on your feet for so long, Rosa,” Chef Lorêncio says, and Pedro nods in agreement, looking a little starstruck.

“I’m fine. The doctor said I’m fine,” she says, nodding toward her co-workers. “Look, everything happens for a reason. I had to be here today to hear Lari and Pedro’s message. I’m sorry you didn’t win. I truly am floored thinking about all it took to enter the contest together,” she says.

“All of us were impressed,” the woman who interviewed us says. “I’m Chef Giselle Leal. These are Chef Augusto and Chef Lorêncio. Although you didn’t win, we hope that won’t keep you from competing again next year.”

“I love your show!” Pedro says to them, unable to control himself, and they smile like they’re used to enthusiastic fans. It’s funny seeing him act like this for once, when he’s usually the one with a throng of fans at school, acting all broody and nonchalantly cool.

Above all, it makes me happy for him. He’s living his dream.

“Is that why you asked to speak with us? To remind our kids that they’ve lost?” Dona Eulalia snaps, not bothering to hide her hurt.

“I knew these types of contests can’t be trusted,” Mom sneers.

They nod at each other, and I bet they are starting to realize how they are more alike than they wanted to admit.

I know they are trying to keep us from any more hurt, but I feel put on the spot in front of the judges. Pedro goes bright red, too. I guess that is what we get when our mothers team up... But, you know what? I never thought I would feel so glad that our moms are embarrassing us with their outspoken protectiveness, because at least they are starting to side with each other more and more. That is the best sign possible!