“You’re right. Do you think I have a real shot at this?”
“Are you kidding me? You’re going to be the one to watch. You’re more than the face for Fresco or Smoke. You’re Xia Foley. The smart, funny girl who keeps them all in the loop and entertains them. You’ve built your own following. Think of Alton Brown. It’s his personality, flair, and knowledge that makes him so incredible. Not his actual skill. Half the time he outshines the cooks on his show. You may not realize it, but you have that. It’s why you’re so relatable to everyone.”
“Alton Brown is interesting. Me, not so much.”
“You’re an alternative black girl with green hair who wants to run her own unicorn themed food truck. You’re plenty interesting. You’re the Foley evolution, my friend. Your brothers follow in the footsteps of your father. In comparison, you are as different as it gets. The things you’ve got planned. The unique themes and cosplay specials are the ultimate blend of good food and pop culture. The folks in this town are going to eat it up.”
“Do you think so? I just figured it makes sense to incorporate the things I love in some way. I mean I’d have killed for a butter beer truck. Of course, I can’t call it that. But a Wizards’ food truck that appears every now and then with specialty drinks and meals. How could I not?”
“This is exactly why you’re going to succeed. You bring a new perspective to a crowded market.”
“Thank you for always believing in me. You keep my dreams going even when I can’t believe for myself.”
She smiles at me. “That’s what I’m here for.”
We reach my car and hug. “Wish me luck.”
“Luck.”
I linger outside the boys’ home. Now it’s my turn to show up unexpected late at night. I lucked out; Casp isn’t even at home. Stepping out, I make my way up the driveway. I ring the doorbell and wait.
The light turns on, and the door opens. Ellis blinks. “Holy crap … Xia?”
I hold out my arms and curtsey. “The one and only.”
“You look so different.”
“Is that a bad thing?”
“Huh? No, I just … I’m so used to seeing you in our uniform. I forget my baby sister is all grown up. I figured you were playing hooky today.” He steps back. “Come on in.”
“Trust me, you wouldn’t have wanted me there today. I was a mess. I didn’t get the loan. Go ahead and gloat.”
Frowning, he scrubs a hand over his face. “Xi, don’t be like that. I’m not happy that the loan didn’t go through. I don’t take pleasure in your sadness. That you think I would, tells me things are seriously off with us. I took your suggestion to heart. Casp and I have been acting like entitled, spoiled dicks. I get that. I failed at my big brother gig, and for that I’m sorry. I’ve always viewed you and Casp as mine. That comes with the age difference. When you were first born, I called you my baby. I’m sorry we’ve gotten so far away from that.”
“Did you really do that?”
He chuckles. “Oh yeah. I was proud and possessive. You’ve heard mom tell the stories.”
“Yeah, but I wasn’t sure if you remembered it.”
“I was almost five when you came alone, I absolutely remember.”
His words warm me as I follow him inside, taking note of his black T-shirt and plaid pajamas pants. “Are you dressed for bed?”
“It’s been long days lately. Come on, let’s go to the kitchen. I’ll make you hot cocoa just the way you like it.”
“And a snack?” I ask hopefully. My brother is no slouch when it comes to baking.
He smiles.“And a snack. I have fresh spice cake.”
I climb onto the stool, and he busies himself preparing our snacks. I’m brought back to school days. He always made us snacks when we got home if Mom wasn’t there.
“Casp and I bought into all the hype and got really self-centered. You going after the loan and telling me about myself grounded me. I’ve been thinking about the way things run in our family. I haven’t liked everything, so I’m changing what I can.”
“But what about Mandy?”
“I hired her to ease the transition period when you got your loan or give you more time to go after your own goals if you didn’t.”