Homicide And Halo Halo Quotes

Was it so wrong to want to make my own choices, even if they were the wrong ones? I already had Lola Flor and the rest of my family telling me what to do, I didn’t need my romantic partner doing the same.

You're more than your work... More than whatever contributions you think you're supposed to be making. More than whoever people think you're supposed to be.

And that... that just broke me. Because while I didn't agree with her idea of what a mother's love was, I couldn't deny that for both her and my mom, that was absolutely how they showed their love. That's what their love amounted to. My mother had loved in the way that she knew how. It had never felt like enough. But maybe I needed to either let people love me in the limited way they could or learn to ask for what I needed out of a relationship. And if they couldn't provide it... maybe I needed to learn to move on.

Civil engineers go where their work is needed. Chicago is my goal because it's the biggest challenge, and could really use this kind of change. But Shady Palms isn't perfect. I mean, it was here that I noticed which areas get the benefits of the town's services. Working in Chicago is my dream, but Shady Palms is my home. I want to make Shady Palms the safest and most equal place possible." "By overseeing construction projects?" Beth didn't bother to keep the mocking tone out of her voice, which made the other girls in the group snicker, but it didn't seem to affect Joy. Her earnestness shone through as she said, "You work for the Thompsons and are a member of their family. You know that construction projects are political---both in who gets them and which areas benefit from them.

Never ever blame yourself for how someone mistreats you. Especially when it’s an adult in a position of power.

People said that dogs tended to resemble their owners, and considering that my little wiener dog was a super cute brown girl with stubby legs, great fashion sense, and a tendency toward plumpness, I had to agree.

You’re more than your work, Lila. More than whatever contributions you think you’re supposed to be making.” She paused. “More than whoever people think you’re supposed to be.

I present to you ube chocolate chip cookies two ways: one with semisweet chips and the other with white chocolate chips. Tell me which you prefer. I'm honestly a little torn." They took turns sampling my offering, giving each cookie their undivided attention. Elena said, "If you're going to serve the cookies as is, I'd say the semisweet gets my vote. It plays well with the earthiness of the ube, but is still a chocolate chip cookie. The white chocolate is a bit too sweet for me." Adeena, whose capacity for sugar was probably some kind of Guinness World Record, said, "I disagree about the white chocolate being too sweet. It's so good! But it lacks oomph, you know? If you're playing with the classics, why not add macadamia nuts? Then it could be your take on white chocolate macadamia cookies. Which are my favorite cookies, FYI," she said to Elena.

So you're the former beauty queen Rob mentioned. Not quite what I was expecting, honey." The spell she'd cast over me lifted a bit at that remark---I didn't need her reminding me I wasn't beauty queen material. I felt Bernadette's and Adeena's influence stirring in me and returned the smirk. "Same goes for you." "What, because I'm young and Black?" "No, because you seem like you have self-respect.

I eyed the spread, wondering where I should start. Skewers of pork barbecue, the slightest hint of char releasing a delicious, smoky aroma, beckoned me, as did the platter of grilled adobo chicken wings next to it. As I loaded up my plate with meat, my aunt reached over to put a tofu-and-mushroom skewer on my mountain of rice. "Can you tell me what you think of this, anak? I'm testing the recipes for our Founder's Day booth and this will be our main vegetarian offering. I used a similar marinade as our barbecue, but it's not quite right." Looking at the array of food on the table, I noticed it was all pica-pica, or finger food. Things that could easily be prepared at the booth and eaten while wandering the festival. The barbecue skewers were obviously the mains, but she also had fish balls (so much better than it sounded) and my favorite, kwek-kwek. The hard-boiled quail eggs were skewered, dipped in a bright orange batter colored with annatto seeds, and deep-fried. So simple and delicious, especially if you dipped it in my aunt's sweet and spicy vinegar sauces.

How is my freedom at stake and everything is still all about Lila?" I froze, my own dessert spoon halfway to my mouth. "What? The only reason we're all gathered here tonight is for you. You're the one who asked me to investigate." "Yes, to help me. And instead you're twisting it into some quest your beloved suitors need to fulfill in order to win you over. Spoiler alert, Lila: Nobody likes love triangles. Nobody.

I decided to let Longganisa ride with us, both to cheer us up and to make up for having her shut in my room all night. We completed the short drive in silence, Joy stroking Longganisa's short fur and hugging the little chonk against herself.

You've really got to do something about that jealous streak, Lila. It's very unbecoming." I counted to ten in my head before unclenching my teeth. "Jae, Millie, it was lovely seeing you this morning. If you'll excuse me, I need to get to my pageant duties." "Already? I feel like I never see you anymore." Millie sighed. "Ah well, I guess it's to be expected. Responsibilities of a winner and all, am I right?" At that, Bernadette threw her paper cup in the trash and stalked out, the door shutting heavily behind her. Millie raised her eyebrows. "Well, someone's in a snit.

don’t waste time worrying about what others think or say about you. You’re clearly intelligent and driven. Haters are insignificant and whether you win here or make your own way, your success will show them how little they matter.

I wondered at what age you stopped caring what other people thought about you and just spoke your mind.

I dished up a big plate of longsilog---longganisa (the delicious sausages I loved so much I'd named my adorable dachshund after them), sinangag (garlic fried rice), and itlog (fried egg). Traditional Filipino breakfasts typically included sinangag and itlog, as well as some form of protein you chose---tocilog, tapsilog, spamsilog, bangsilog, etc. It sounded intense, but this hearty meal was the only real way to start the day. No bowls of cereal or skipping meals in the Macapagal household. We worked long, hard hours and needed the delicious fuel to get us through the day.

Rob ordered my aunt's signature mixed adobo lunch platter, while Sana echoed my order for shrimp sinigang, a delicious, tangy soup that managed to be both comforting and refreshing. Valerie went with one of our breakfast platters, available all day due to their popularity. She couldn't decide which meat to choose---I kept pushing her toward longganisa, the most delicious sausage ever---so Joy told her she could get a sampler platter with small portions of the sweet, garlicky longganisa, sweet, cured tocino, and salty, lightly dried tapa.

I did! I’m saving up to get a 3D printer so I can start designing more pieces and sell them on Etsy.” She lit up, pleased that I’d noticed. “You have a nice style, too. Just . . . dark. Jewel tones would go well with your tan skin

We both turned to watch Joy laughing across the room with her friends, and my heart went out to her. I wondered what was worse: to grow up without your parents or to have parents who didn’t give you the time of day? Or to be like Katie and not even know who one of your parents was?

But was it meant to convey I know the people in this town will judge me if I look too perfect after my husband’s death or Look at this poor grieving widow who’s been without sleep since losing the love of her life, of course she’s not a killer? I couldn’t overlook either option.

The life I’ve had, you really learn to look past the marketing copy to discern the true intent.

I don’t see how she gets off acting all wounded like that. As if she hasn’t been scheming to break up Rob’s marriage and take over her brother’s position for years,” Mary Ann said, her chin thrust out as she attempted to save face in front of all the momtestants.

must’ve looked like one of those shoving-popcorn-in-mouth GIFs as I leaned forward, eager to learn more about this sordid tale.

Most of the time, my godmothers' most bluntness was a huge pain, but I appreciated it at tune times like this. The Calendar Crew absolutely did not care what you thought about them, and they would stop at nothing to get to the bottom of the latest but of tsismis.

I agree and went about my usual nighttime routine. But after she headed to her room, I downed the rest of the sangria pitcher and waited for red wine- fueled oblivion to take me. Thinking was the last thing I wanted to do.

I set out a loaf of zucchini-pandan bread, the green coloring from the extract adding an interesting tinge to the crumb. The grassy, floral taste complemented the neutral flavor of the zucchini well, and the turbinado sugar I'd sprinkled on top added a delicious crunch.

Sweating is healthy and helps us cool off. Removes toxins from the body, too. Though it does do a number to my hair,” she said, dabbing at her edges.

don’t trust him, either. I think we should keep an eye on him and make sure he’s never alone with the girls for any of the events. And the minute we see something shady, we report him to the committee. He may be her brother, but Valerie would back us up.

Rosie, sit down. This woman insulted us in our home and now she’s insulting us in our restaurant. If she wants to apologize for the disrespect she’s shown to all of us, she will eat the food she’s given. It’s poor manners to turn down the food your host has prepared.” Lola Flor turned to Bernadette. “You. Say grace.

They could’ve killed him for other reasons though. We need to look at the four L’s of motives: Love, Lust, Loathing, and Loot,” Ninang Mae said.

You wouldn’t understand. Asians do not go to therapy. We don’t even acknowledge that mental health issues exist. It’s considered a sign of weakness, that we couldn’t work things out for ourselves. And a sign of shame, that we even needed help in the first place. Tita Rosie is the kindest, most loving

Why do you act like this is specifically a race thing? As if this society doesn’t push this mental health stigma on everyone? You think Black families love having relatives who are in therapy? That hasn’t stopped me.” “You’re in therapy?

Luckily, we always had chicken legs in the fridge and plenty of soy sauce and brown sugar. But what else was in it? The salty sweetness was the dominant flavor, but it was more well-rounded than that. There was a depth and brightness. Calamansi! My eyes alit on the bottle of citrus juice we kept on hand when we couldn't find the fresh fruit. That must've been what she used. And what else... I closed my eyes, picturing myself at this kitchen table, the fragrant chicken piled on top of a steaming bowl of white rice, a tiny dribble of dark sauce squiggled across. I smiled and opened my eyes. Garlic. Of course.

Ah, so that explained why Mary Ann behaved the way she did. One of the reasons I hated the pageant was because the winners who stayed in Shady Palms acted like they deserved special treatment, as if they were above everyone else. Though according to Bernadette, I’d acted that way even before winning the crown. I wished she were here with me now. She was way better at putting people in their place than I was, and I had little interest in playing nice with any of these women.

My life had become such a cliché that I actually let out a breath I hadn't realized I'd been holding.

FOOD Adobo (uh-doh-boh)---Considered the Philippines's national dish, it's any food cooked with soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and black peppercorns (though there are many regional and personal variations) Arroz caldo (ah-rohs cahl-doh)---A soothing rice porridge containing chicken, ginger, and green onions Halo-halo (hah-loh hah-loh)---Probably the Philippines's national dessert, this dish consists of shaved ice layered with sweet beans and preserved fruits, topped with evaporated milk and often a slice of leche flan (crème caramel) and ube halaya or ube ice cream. The name means "mix-mix" because it's a mix of many different things and you usually mix it all together to eat it. Lumpia (loom-pyah)---Filipino spring rolls (many variations) Matamis na bao (mah-tah-mees nah bah-oh)---Coconut jam (also known as "minatamis na bao") Pandesal (pahn deh sahl)---Lightly sweetened Filipino rolls topped with breadcrumbs (also written as "pan de sal") Patis (pah-tees)---Fish sauce Salabat (sah-lah-baht)---Filipino ginger tea Sinigang (sih-ni-gahng)---A light, tangy soup filled with vegetables such as long beans, tomatoes, onions, leafy greens, and taro, plus a protein such as pork or seafood Turon (tuh-rohn)---Sweet banana and jackfruit spring rolls, fried and rolled in caramelized sugar Ube (oo-beh)---Purple yam

The one where you don’t know whether to run away or puke. You really need to start dealing with your anxiety and stop sticking your head in the sand over every little thing.

You know, wild things like decent pay and benefits. They also hated that I got a master’s in women’s studies and wanted to teach at a community college before taking over the company. A waste of time and money, according to them. Still, they might’ve gotten over it if . . .

hated to admit it, but she was right. She’d risked her job standing by me last time, and if nothing else, I prided myself on paying my debts. I usually avoided conflict, but there was something about my family that fired me up every time. Though if I was back in the sleuthing game, I knew I couldn’t do it alone. Guess it was time to go next door and beg forgiveness so we could get the gang back together.

From her tone, they clearly did not. It’s like every time I thought the Shady Palms PD couldn’t get any lazier, they were like, Hold my beer! But in this case, they were saying it to a minor.

Enough.” Winnie frowned at her daughter. “When I told you to use your looks to get ahead, I didn’t mean so you can go off to college and get your Mrs. I meant beautiful people have special advantages and you should use

don’t know what’s going on, but if someone’s talking about your mom and we need to throw hands, I’m in. You don’t mess with the ancestors.

Even though it wasn’t publicly announced, most of the town knows Rob slept with his wife and got him kicked off the panel. On top of that, his business is struggling and that position would’ve come with free advertisement and other perks. He probably wanted to ruin something he knew Rob cared about.

Most of the time, my godmothers' most bluntness was a huge pain, but I appreciated it at times like this. The Calendar Crew absolutely did not care what you thought about them, and they would stop at nothing to get to the bottom of the latest but of tsismis.

I come bearing brews and treats for Longganisa. There was a gourmet pet store by the restaurant I went to last night and the salesperson promised these treats were both delicious and diet-friendly." Jae held up a four-pack of beer, a bottle of Adeena's cold brew, a bag of Elena's calming tea blend, and a box of organic dog treats. "Where should I put them?" I led him into the kitchen, where Longganisa lay in wait. As soon as he stepped into the room, she pounced on his legs, barking and nudging him until he'd set down everything and stooped down to pet her. "Hey there, Longganisa. I missed you, too." He held out a treat and she went still. "Son jooseyo." She put a chubby paw in his hand and received a treat in return. I laughed to myself at this scene as I washed my hands and got dinner ready. Jae had taken Nisa out one day when I was sick, and his mom had taught my dog the command for "paw" in Korean. Which was adorable in itself, but it wasn't until Jae translated and explained his mom had been politely asking my dog to "please give me your hand" that I melted.

No bowls of cereal or skipping meals in the Macapagal household. We worked long, hard hours and needed the delicious fuel to get us through the day.

There’s no limit to what you can accomplish here. You can be so much more. And I know how to get you there.” These memories of my mother always stirred up something uncomfortable in me, both tender and resentful

Let her go so she can inform the police? Go running to their detective buddy who’s always hanging around? I don’t think so. If I go to jail, what do you think happens to you, Katie? We don’t have family. We only have each other. Now let’s go.” “I’m sorry,” Katie whispered as she pulled Joy along with her.

Love doesn’t last. Security is what’s important. That’s what Mom says anyway.” Katie frowned. “It sucks but it’s true. All the relationships I’ve seen end pretty fast. It’s not like in the movies.” I laughed. “Nothing’s ever like it is in the movies. They’re not meant to reflect real life.

So your family taught you to not talk about your problems and throw yourself into your work to avoid dealing with them? Does that sound healthy to you?” I shrugged. “It’s what we do.

knew he was hurting, both emotionally and financially, after the mess his fiancée, Janet, got him into a few months ago.

took their hush money, but that was it. I had no plans to force my way into their lives or try to claim Katie’s inheritance. All he had to do was keep his hands to himself, but he couldn’t. I wasn’t going to let him ruin another girl’s future the way he did mine.

No, he threatened to take her away. He’d been trying for an heir for years, but Beth kept miscarrying. So he saw Katie as a way to continue his legacy. He was going to pay me to just hand over my daughter. When I said no . . .

But Valerie and Beth were both powerhouses in their own way. The fact that they were setting their egos aside long enough to care for this girl together spoke volumes.

This tastes so familiar!" Sana said. "That sourness... is it from tamarind?" When I nodded, she grinned, the dazzling smile lighting up her whole face. "I knew it. My family's originally from Trinidad, and we use it in a bunch of dishes. This soup is new to me, but somehow it tastes like home, you know?" She attacked the soup and rice with new vigor, and so did I, both of us patting sweat away with the paper napkins on the table. Rob noticed this and frowned. "I don't understand how you two can eat soup on such a hot day." I snorted. "What, do you think people in hot climates never eat soup?" Sana added, "Why do you think so many tropical countries eat spicy food? Sweating is healthy and helps us cool off. Removes toxins from the body, too.

Ah, so that explained the floral scent my trusty nose detected. I wasn’t as into the woo-woo stuff as Adeena and Elena, but I appreciated how thoughtful Elena was being. Besides, the place could use a good cleanse after what happened here back in March.

Large fountain glasses arrived at our table, layered with sweet beans, caramelized saba bananas, jackfruit, palm fruit, nata de coco, and strips of macapuno topped with shaved ice, evaporated milk, a slice of leche flan, a healthy scoop of ube halaya, and a scattering of pinipig, the toasted glutinous rice adding a nice bit of crunch. This frosty rainbow confection raised my spirits every time I saw it, and both Sana and I pulled out our phones to take pictures of the dish. She laughed. "This is almost too pretty to eat, so I wanted to document its loveliness before digging in." "This is for the restaurant's social media pages. My grandmother only prepares this dish in the summer, so I need to remind our customers to come while it lasts." "How do we go about this?" Rob asked, looking at his rapidly melting treat in trepidation. "Up to you. You can mix everything together like the name says so that you get a bit of everything in each bite. Or you can tackle it layer by layer. I'm a mixing girl, but you better figure it out fast or you're going to be eating dessert soup." We all dug in, each snowy bite punishing my teeth making me shiver in delight. I loved the interplay of textures---the firmness of the beans versus the softness of the banana and jackfruit mingling with the chewiness of the palm fruit, nata de coco, and macapuno. The fluffy texture of the shaved ice soaked through with evaporated milk, with the silky smoothness of the leche flan matched against the creaminess of the ube halaya and crispiness of the pinipig. A texture eater's (and sweet tooth's) paradise. "This is so strange," Valerie said. "I never would've thought of putting all these things together, especially not in a dessert. But it works. I mean, I don't love the beans, but they're certainly interesting. And what are these yellow strips?" "Jackfruit. When ripe, they're yellow and very sweet and fragrant, so they make a nice addition to lots of Filipino desserts. They were also in the turon I brought to the meeting earlier. Unripe jackfruit is green and used in vegetarian recipes, usually.

After you slashed Bernadette’s tires, I remembered Mr. Weinman’s plan to mess with the stage, so I loosened the railing’s screws so I’d get hurt. I needed you to snap out of it and get out of Shady Palms so we’d be safe. Why couldn’t you do that?

loved