“To talk about the lies Eulalia spread.” I must look as worried as I feel, because Mom makes a face like I’m chastising her. “I had to. You know how those lies tarnished your grandmother’s final days.”

A lump forms in my throat. “What did she say?”

“Dona Fernanda gave me a chance to explain,” Mom says, tying the apron around her waist, one with sunflower patterns she sewed herself, “and not only that, but she brought up that her daughter wants to throw a birthday party next month. They’re considering hiring us for it.”

“Really?”

“It sounds like they will. They had hired Sugar, but I told them we could commission doces, too,” Mom says, a tiny bit pleased with herself. “Justice, at last.”

I drop my smile.

Pedro and I already argued over those empadinhas Sugar baked when they stole the last gig from us. Now we’ll steal their gig and bake their recipes?

I don’t think we should do this.

Besides, this isn’t like Mom. She isn’t vengeful. Why fight the Molinas the same way they fight us?

“Dona Fernanda is going to send someone to inspect our kitchen to put her daughter’s heart at ease,” Mom says, her eyes twinkling for the first time in months, “but I could tell she believed me when I told her it was just Eulalia sabotaging us. Filha, we’ll get to cater again! I should start preparing sample platters with brigadeiros and beijinhos immediately!”

Mom rushes into the kitchen, eager to start working, even though Dona Eulalia was calling her names minutes ago. This burst of energy is great, like newfound hope, but I worry about the fallout. Judging by Dona Eulalia’s reaction to the news, they won’t accept losing the client to us.

I follow Mom into the kitchen.

“Can’t we find a different gig? This will make things worse with the Molinas.”

“Don’t let them scare you. It’s time the Molinas have a taste of their own poison. They started the rumor. You remember how hurt your grandmother was? I’m not an unfair woman. I’m not out to steal anyone’s job, but I must clear your grandmother’s reputation. Salt’s reputation. If the client decides to give me another chance, I won’t refuse it.”

She’s already made up her mind.

It will be Salt’s first commitment without Grandma. One more reason why I desperately need to learn to bake. It’s not fair Mom has to carry this big responsibility on her shoulders alone.

“I’ll help you with anything you need,” I offer.

She halts, poking her head out of the pantry to look at me. “How was your review session today? Will it be a weekly thing?”