I learn that Isa and Opal are sisters. Isa is the youngest and they came from Mexico City to the United States as soon as Isa was eighteen because Opal had met Joe – a pecan farmer turned businessman who traveled between Mexico City and Valley for work. Opal and Joe have three kids – Lucas, Will, and Karla. Karla is the only one here today with her husband Pete and Dylan the magician is their son.

Dax has two sisters, Lupita and Bonnie. They moved here with their parents at a much earlier age. The exact reasoning is a bit fuzzy but the general consensus seemed to be more opportunities. Lupita is married to Jose and they have two kids Anita and Celeste – neither married. Bonnie is also Dax’s sister, but she’s unmarried too as far as I can tell.

“How did the two of you meet?” I ask Isa and motion between her and Dax. It’s hard to tell what the age difference is. Isa could pass for thirty, but if I’ve gotten the timeline right by the various dates they’ve thrown out, she’s around forty. I think Dax is older, maybe as much as ten years older, but the way they look at each other I don’t think anyone could call him a sugar daddy or her a gold digger.

“I met her first,” Lupita announces proudly.

Isa and Lupita share a smile that hints at years of friendship and sisterhood. “I applied for a job at the university.”

“I didn’t know you worked there too.”

“I don’t,” she says with a laugh. “I didn’t get the job, but I did meet Lupita and she found me a job with Jose’s real estate company.”

The man I can only assume is Jose raises his drink to her. “Best agent I ever had.”

“I met Dax at Jose’s thirtieth birthday party about six months later.”

Isa reaches over and places a hand on Dax’s cheek and the moment is so intimate I force my gaze elsewhere. Looking over at Joel, he watches his parents with such love and appreciation it’s hard to reconcile this side of him with the guy who has been slinging cheesy pickup lines at me for months.

“When is the play, Katrina? I’d love to come see it.” Lupita’s smile and voice are sincere.

I have the date memorized of course, but I stumble over my answer because I hadn’t anticipated that level of interest. “Oh, it’s not until April.”

“Opening night is April fourth,” Dax adds. “Isa and I attend the Spring Showcase every year.”

The youngest family member barges over to the table, face covered in cinnamon and sugar. “Can I show you my new magic trick now?” He looks up at Joel with big pleading eyes.

“Does it involve cutting or fire?” Joel asks in a serious tone.

Dylan shakes his head. “Nope. Mom says no more magic that requires anything sharp or flammable.” The last word is said in his mother’s tone and with total disregard for the meaning.