Mom turns to hand me two orders of lumpia, pulling me back into the moment. She smooths her hand over the blue bandana she’s wearing as a makeshift hairnet. “So energized, anak.” She turns back to the counter to scoop an order of papaya salad. “I knew a vacation was a good idea. It really recharged your batteries. You’ve been in a good mood every day since you got back.”

If I don’t make direct eye contact, keep my hands busy, and speak in vague statements, I can get away with withholding the truth. But skirting the issue is all I can do. If she grabbed me by the shoulders, pinned me with her stare, and asked me what was really going on, I’d cave. I can’t look her in the eye and lie. So I don’t look at her at all.

Just then, Mrs. Tokushige comes to the window. “Nikki! How was your trip to London? You two have been so busy lately, I haven’t had the chance to ask.”

I smile while pretending to check on the silverware containers. “London was a lot of fun,” I say.

She pats my arm. “I’m so glad. You deserve some time away. Like your mom said, you work so hard.”

Mom perks up. “It’s good, too, that you’re going out more now that you’re back. Having hobbies, meeting people, it’s all so important.”

If only she knew what I’m actually doing when I tell her I’m headed out for the night. I nod, making a split second of eye contact with her before I spin away to wipe down the counter. Anything longer and I’ll break.

Mrs. Tokushige pulls Mom into a chat about the new thriller she’s reading for their book club. I leave to take out the garbage to the trash can, which sits equidistant behind both food trucks. I dump the bag and turn back to my truck, catching Callum’s eye as he leans out of his window to hand a customer their food.

The corner of his mouth darts up when he spots me. That familiar fire ignites within. It’s like I’m running around with some glorious sex-induced fever that leaves me giddy twenty-four seven.

I walk back to my truck and lean on the counter, sipping from my water bottle. My phone buzzes in my pocket. A text from Callum.

How about something different tonight?

He sends a link and I click on it. It’s an advertisement for a masquerade-themed block party in Paia. I swipe through the photos and read the captions. A night of music, dancing in the street, and drinks.