Andie laughed and I knocked my shoulder gently into hers, thankful that she was here with me, but quickly straightened up when the door opened. We were greeted by a tall older woman with impeccably styled light brown hair, sprayed into place so that not one strand moved when she did. She was wearing a floral dress with short sleeves that was buttoned up to her throat with a peter pan collar. A light blue apron dotted with spots of flour and the words, ‘Kiss the Cook’ in pink cursive letters covered the dress. Her makeup was immaculate with perfectly rosy cheeks and pink lipstick. She seemed to be plucked right out of a 1960s family drama.

She gasped and clasped her hands together. ‘Oh, just look at you. I can tell right away you’re a Dominio.’

I smiled uncomfortably and held out my hand. ‘Hi, I’m Liz, and this is—’

The woman pulled me into a tight hug, cutting me off mid-sentence. I wasn’t sure how to react. I came from a family of huggers, but I’d just met this woman. After several long seconds, I finally pulled away because it seemed like if I hadn’t, we’d be locked in the embrace for hours. ‘This is my cousin, Andie.’

‘Andie?’ the woman asked while shaking Andie’s hand. Her forehead was scrunched up in confusion.

‘Short for Andrea,’ Andie replied, stifling an amused smile.

‘Oh, that’s a lovely name. Andrea,’ she repeated. ‘I’m Rosie.’ She looked back at me with a big smile and grabbed my hand. ‘Come on in.’ I followed behind her and Andie mouthed the words, ‘Is this lady for real?’ behind Rosie’s back. I gave her a stern look, telling her with my eyes to cut it out. ‘Cris is going to be just thrilled to see you.’

We walked through the kitchen and into the dining room. Rosie motioned for us to sit at the long, polished oak table covered with full steamy bowls of rice and beans and a platter of enchiladas that made my mouth water. As we sat down, Rosie took a long moment to look at me. I shifted in my seat and plastered a smile on my face, hoping I didn’t look too awkward.

‘You just look so much like Teresa, it’s uncanny. In certain places, like your eyes and nose. Your expressions, too.’ I felt uncomfortable being sized up in this way and was unsure of what to say. I let Rosie watch me for another minute before she said, ‘What can I get you girls to drink? We have coffee, tea, soda, juice, whatever you like. Cris!’ She shouted in the direction of the stairs. ‘They’re here. Come on down.’

‘Water is fine, thank you.’

‘I’ll take a soda. Do you have Pepsi?’ Andie asked.