What was supposed to be an intimate celebration of Tito Isaiah's birthday turned into a grand and lively affair when Arik's cousins and their spouses suddenly arrived.
They set up a barbecue party in the spacious backyard of the Rioflorida mansion. It was an impromptu decision, and the older Rioflorida had different plans for that evening.
"Are you close to your cousins?" I asked Arik as he busied himself with grilling the barbecue.
He wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me close, not even looking at me.
"Yeah. I met them in the US when we left the country and lived there for a few years. They're all on my father's side because I don't have much connection with my Mom's side."
"But why did they recognize me so quickly?" I asked him again.