“Seriously? I don’t know why I’m surprised at you two.” Naya threw her napkin down.

Daniel became slightly nauseated at the glare Naya was throwing them.

“What? We’re being supportive. Ravi is a fabulous cook, and you said he’s been going to culinary school,” Annika threw back at her cousin.

“I mean, of course you two would support him.” She glared at Daniel, sliding her eyes to Annika. “You do whatever you want, no matter who gets hurt.”

Annika snapped her gaze to her cousin, but before she could spout out the rage building in her, Daniel laid a hand on Annika’s thigh under the table and squeezed gently. He couldn’t have her always in a position of defending him.

“Clearly, you’re upset about this. Let’s focus on that.” Daniel used his best patient-soothing voice. “Why does this upset you?”

“Because,” Naya sighed, “he just told his parents he’s joining the Peace Corps with me, and they flipped out! They even told my parents. So now my parents are pissed at me for ‘putting these ideas’ in his head, as well.” She paused for breath. “If he opens this restaurant, everyone will blame me as the ‘bad influence’—especially his parents—and I can’t—”

She broke off as sudden tears choked her. Annika reached for her cousin, but Ravi got there first. “Naya. How many times do I have to tell you? We’re in this together. Who cares what they think? I’ve seen this a million times. Stubborn Indian parents opposed to the person their child chooses to marry. They almost always come around.”

“Almost?”

Annika shook her head at her cousin. “I love you, Naya, but you have got to stop living your life for everyone else. Go with your heart for once. See what happens. This is your life, not theirs.”

“And anyway,” interjected Ravi, “being a chef, opening a restaurant, has always been my dream. I should just let my dreams go because you’re afraid of what my parents will think of you?”

“Well,” Daniel spoke up without thinking, “I don’t think that’s what she’s saying. I think she just wants your parents to love her the way she is prepared to love them.”

Both Naya and Ravi turned to glare at him, and Naya spoke first. “You know what? There’s no way you understand what’s going on here—I don’t care that your grandmother is Indian. It’s not the same.”

Daniel seemed unfazed. “It’s not about that. I’m just offering a different perspective.”