September 28, Monday

Champagne corks are popping and the Alice team is enjoying a spread of appetizers as they wish me well in my new adventure. Kai is here for the celebration and has a mocktail of juice and club soda made especially for him. Joana and David, Lupe and Juan are all here.

Nora clinks her glass with a fork and everyone quiets down. “Let’s raise a glass to Eva as she begins her new adventure. We wish you only the best for Jaxí, or as I like to think of it, Chez Alice South!”

“Here, here! Hooray! Bon voyage!” Everyone hollers at once. “Speech, speech!”

I raise my glass and look around at everyone. “Thank you all, I will miss you so much. Nora, I learned so much from you. About cooking, about the business of food, about life. All of you are special to me, and I will never forget you. Please come visit Brazil, you will love it.”