The Shape of Family by Shilpi Somaya Gowda

Author:Shilpi Somaya Gowda [Gowda, Shilpi Somaya]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HarperCollins Canada
Published: 2019-09-11T00:00:00+00:00

27 | karina

NOVEMBER 2014

The community of Rancho Paraiso featured single-lane roads winding through gently rolling hills surrounded with thick foliage. Every so often, there was a driveway leading to an imposing gate marked with pillars, but no houses were visible from the road. Eventually, Karina came upon the right address and followed a long gravel driveway, bordered on both sides by lemon trees. At the top, a roundabout with a tiered fountain sat in front of a sprawling two-story house with a four-door garage, where several cars were parked.

Stepping out of her car, Karina tugged at the hem of the sweaterdress she’d chosen to wear with her favorite tall boots and approached the house’s towering front doors, thick slabs of wood against which her knuckles barely made a sound. The door swung wide open to reveal Micah, more dressed up than usual in a collarless long-sleeve white shirt and dark blue jeans. Karina held out the bunch of sunflowers she’d brought.

“Karina.” Micah opened his arms wide and took a few steps backwards to allow her to enter. Behind him was an enormous picture window with a striking vista of the pool and gardens, with rolling hills in the distance. “Welcome to the Sanctuary, our little piece of heaven.” He took the bouquet with an appreciative bow and led her into the house. “Come on in.”

They entered the largest kitchen Karina had ever seen, with an expansive island around the perimeter and a dozen people who were all working but greeted her warmly. Ericka wiped her hands on a kitchen towel and came over to give her a hug before returning to her green beans.

“That’s Chef Guy at the stove, doing the heavy lifting,” said Micah, pointing to a plump black man in an apron.

Guy smiled widely as they approached. “Salut, ma cherie,” he said in a distinct French accent as he leaned in to kiss her on both cheeks.

“Can I help with something?” she asked, aware of the busy hive around her.

Micah handed her a glass of white wine and gestured to a counter stool. “Relax a bit first. You’ve been running around all morning, am I right?”

Karina nodded as she sat. “I helped open the store this morning. Feels good to get off my feet for a minute.” The wine was crisp, not too sweet, and made her feel very adult. The only times she’d tasted good wine like this were when she had a few sips at special dinners with her parents. The kitchen was fragrant with pungent herbs, garlic and turkey roasting in the oven. Karina took in the scene: knives scraping against boards, people laughing and chatting as they reached past each other, mismatched aprons, and assorted wineglasses scattered along the long granite countertop. The space was filled with people who represented a mix of complexions and races. It felt messy and delicious and warm and festive.

“When you’re done,” Micah nodded toward her glass, “I’ll show you around the property.” Karina warmed at the prospect of some time alone with him.

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