From: Gourmet Adventures Contest

October 1st, 7:30 AM

To: Maria Tomas

Subject: Congratulations!

Congratulations Maria,

We've selected your account "Rialoves2cook" to advance to round two! You've brought your flavour, so don't hold back now. This round is divided into themes: Amazing appetizers, Better-than-your-Mama's Soups and Salads, Sweet Treats, Mouth-watering Mains, and Tastes of the World. Within the next 3-5 days, you'll receive a box of ingredients from our sponsors. To move to round three, you must use each item at least once throughout the month. You will also be judged on your ability to cultivate and engage with an audience, your creativity, and the uniqueness of your posts.

Best of luck,

The Gourmet Adventures Team

***

Maria hopped out of bed, rubbed her eyes, and brought her phone into the kitchen where her mom was getting ready for work. Camilla furrowed her brow.

"What's wrong, Ria?"

Maria extended the device to her mom. "Does this say what I think it does?"

"Diyos ko! You did it." Camilla crushed her in a hug. "My daughter, the chef! You should ask about the prize money."

Biting her lip, Maria nodded. The relatives they'd approached to borrow money apologetically admitted between summer vacations and back-to-school shopping they could use loans too.

"I looked yesterday. They mail out a cheque."

"All that work and that's how they treat you. Don't worry, the Lord will see that your plan works."

"I'm not sick or dying, ma."

"Come, come, I have a backup idea." Camilla led her into the family room to the computer desk. She logged into her bank account then muttered, "Humanda ka, Rodrigo."

"What's wrong?"

"He moved the money I wanted to give you. Can Music Boy repay you?"

Maria winced at the thought of asking him. He'd probably make her life difficult if he didn't outright ignore her. They hadn't spoken since the concert unless Will's scathing accusations on her social media accounts about sabotaging their band counted. With their history, she expected he'd care she was leaving for a year, but she was worthless compared to Kelsey.

"No."

"What about his mother? It's her son's fault you need to go to Thailand."

Maria's stomach flipped. There was no need to involve Kathy in Maria's mess, and there was no telling what stories Adrian had told her about what Maria had done to him and how he suffered. "I couldn't do that."

"You should consider it, iha. There aren't many options left."

***

Rialoves2cook: For my final Amazing Appetizer, I bring you bacon-wrapped water chestnuts. They're simple, but an instant crowd-pleaser in my pork-loving household. They're often devoured before I can have seconds of the juicy, crispy, sweet and salty delight. I've borrowed the recipe from a friend who has helped make my fresh start a reality. In a week, I'm moving to the continent where one of this recipe's ingredients originates. I'll be including hints in my dishes every day. Post your guesses below, and I'll give a shout-out to you clever folks who figure it out. Can't wait to share this surprise with you!

#familyrecipe #AmazingAppetizer #ReadyJetGo #secretdestination #adventurehereIcome

posted: October 6th, 5:00 pm

***

Seven days before Maria needed to be in Bangkok, she couldn't afford her flight. The Gourmet Adventures cheque hadn't arrived yet, and she didn't have one credit card with enough remaining balance to book the ticket, nor the cash to pay off her debts. The flight cost rose daily, while her father was as stubborn as a mule and had transferred the money to more 'deserving' relatives in the Philippines. Maria may have found a legitimate way out of the crazy Thailand scheme that absolved her of blame.

Tapping her nails on the laminated menu, Maria failed to focus on the appetizers. From across the table, Kathy eyed Maria through dark-framed glasses, a bright smile knocking ten years off the age Adrian claimed she was. Maria returned the gesture, unsure why Adrian's mother had invited her out. Was it his way of reaching out or had his mother done this alone?

"Thanks for meeting with me. I miss days like this, our girl time." Kathy sipped her red wine.

Maria's heart grew heavy. This could be the last visit for a while. "Me too." She hadn't just lost Adrian but the warm family who had cared for her for three years.

The TVs behind Kathy broadcasted a golf tournament and a tennis match.

She ran her fingers along the stem of the glass. "I don't agree with my son's actions. He kept your financial struggles quiet until he asked for more money last week and admitted he hadn't paid rent in months. If I had known what a mess he'd gotten you in sooner..."

"Adrian wanted your help, but I asked him not to. You know me, the one who has to shoulder her burdens alone," Maria joked half-heartedly. She wasn't sure why she still had the urge to defend him after everything he'd done.

Kathy frowned. "Those were Adrian's burdens he unjustly put on you, Ria. You should never be ashamed of wanting to be independent and successful." Her eyes swept around the bar and the handful of midday patrons. "I have an ulterior motive for inviting you out today."

As Maria set aside the menu and leaned forward, the possibilities raced through her mind, but only one illogical stuck: return for Adrian and get her old life back. Or had he sent Kathy to hurt Maria even more? She wrung her hands together.

"My son mentioned you're moving to Thailand."

Closing her eyes, Maria wondered why he denied her an apology after her heartbroken contest posts but had talked with his mother about the situation. "I am, or I hope to," her bleak tone wouldn't match her words.

"That's so exciting, Ria. It takes real courage to jump into the unknown, and you'll have a great time. We've missed you at our home."

Was Kathy hinting that Adrian still cared for Maria? Was there an attack coming after Kathy's compliments? She'd always been kind to Maria, but Adrian was her son.

"As amazing as you've been for Adrian, I'm happy you two are spending time apart. You're a well of kindness, and you've dug deeper and deeper to meet his needs, even when there's nothing left for yourself. My husband and I want to repay what our son owes you."

"I can't accept that," flew out of Maria's mouth before her brain argued she needed it.

"It's your money, and you have a big trip ahead. What are you doing in Thailand, relaxing on the beach, exploring temples? That all has a cost."

"Teaching English."

Kathy smiled. "That doesn't surprise me. You'll be great. Are you sure we can't help you?"

Maria soothed the unsettled sensation rising in her throat with a gulp of ice water. It was a repayment, not a handout. If she accepted it, she'd fly away from the mess with Adrian, the pain and anxiety of his reactions or lack thereof. She'd also have to say goodbye to her family, Sunshine, and her job with Felipe. Unlike Adrian, they would understand, except for her dad. She took a deep breath.

"I need to book my flight."

"Perfect, when do you want to leave?"

Maria grimaced. "They're expecting me next week."

Kathy's eyes widened. "How exciting! It's fortunate we met today." She handed Maria her phone. "Pick your flight. It's on us."

"I can repay you."

"Nonsense, my son somehow bought a new guitar while you two were struggling, and he's nowhere near getting sponsored. With that and rent, we're short-changing you."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, Ria. Book it."

Maria inhaled the fried food aroma and keyed in the details for the flight she'd watched all week that made her palms sweat. Could she do this? She'd be leaving everyone she loved, everyone who cared about her.

"If you don't go, I might take a sabbatical and travel in your place," Kathy teased. "I've heard nothing but praise for Thailand."

Maria swallowed the lump in her throat. Why couldn't her dad share Kathy's optimism and support? "My cousin adored it, and I already agreed to teach out there."

"These are the experiences you remember for the rest of your life."

With fumbling fingers, Maria typed her personal information then handed the phone to Kathy. The woman drew out a credit card and entered the numbers without having to check her balance like Maria would. Shortly after Kathy put the phone down, Maria's device lit up with an e-mail from the airline.

Maria's heart raced. "I'm going to Thailand."

"Damn right! Now let's celebrate with some wings since my darling son's not around to judge us."

With a grin, Maria ran her trembling hands over her jeans. She had an entire year without cold winters, her family drama, or Adrian. She had to convince herself it would improve her life.