daughter you are, giving her the day off so she can rest.”
If only Mrs. Tokushige knew that I practically have to order Mom to stay home. She’d work twelve-hour days every day if she had her way. But she needs at least one or two days of rest a week to do low-stress activities, like going for walks, playing cards, and reading. Since Dad passed away, she’s thrown herself into working at the food truck with me, which is good. It’s helpful for her to stay occupied, to have a focus other than missing him and worrying about money. But pacing herself is vital. I refuse to lose her to exhaustion after the horror of losing Dad.
I swallow back the lump in my throat. “I can handle it alone just fine. You know how she is. She’ll push herself to exhaustion if I don’t watch her. Can’t have that.”
“I’m sure she could use some time away after all that’s happening with that new food truck,” Mrs. Tokushige says. “The nerve of those boys to park next to you like that. And to argue with you all the time.”
I pull into the clearing on Makena Road and park right next to the Hungry Chaps truck. Already, a couple dozen people mill around the area. I bite back a grin, the excitement coursing within me. I’ve never had a crowd of customers waiting to eat my food before I even opened for the day.
“You should report them to the local authorities,” Mrs. Tokushige says, her voice booming with conviction through the speakerphone. “They shouldn’t get away with the trouble they’re causing you.”
The thought’s tempting, but I can’t. As much as it pains me to admit, Callum is right. It’s not illegal for him to park his truck next to mine, no matter how much I hate it. He’s violated zero laws or policies. Even if I gave in and complained about him, it would be more trouble than it’s worth. Food trucks on Maui are required by law to move every thirty minutes, but most don’t to keep a steady business stream during the day. If I tattle on Callum, it could cause authorities to crack down on other foods trucks, costing them business. Getting back at him isn’t worth hurting everyone else.
I politely thank her for the suggestion.
“I’ve heard the food from those British boys isn’t even that great,” she says. “I wouldn’t know though. I’d never dream of eating there out of respect for you and Tiva.”
I smile. “That’s very sweet of you, Mrs. Tokushige.”
We say good-bye and I put the truck in park. When I step out, I spot a sign posted next to the Hungry Chaps food truck, right next to where we normally park. I park, get out, then scan the text.
“. . . surpasses the daily nutritional guidelines for saturated fat and sodium. Though lumpia, turon, and other fried foods are delicious, they should be consumed in moderation. It is not recommended that you include them as a regular part of your diet.”
Lava pummels through my veins. The bastard posted a phony health warning against the food I serve. I should have seen this coming. Shame on me for underestimating the enemy.
I kick over the sign, then crouch down so I can rip it to pieces. It’s a good several seconds before I hear Callum’s angry shout.
“What do you think you’re doing?”
He darts from the door of his truck to me. We’re toe-to-toe once more, staring each other down.
I crumple a chunk in my hand and chuck it at him. It bounces off his impressive pec. “You are so out of line.”
He crosses his arms across his broad chest. Smugness dances across the straight line of his mouth. “Nikki, I’m merely giving customers nutritional information about the food they’re consuming.” The cheerful uptick in his tone sounds almost innocent, as if he isn’t trying to ruin my business. “Fried food isn’t the best option for a lot of people’s diets.”
“You serve fried fish-and-chips, you dick!”
A deadpan stare is all he gives me. “We have a grilled fish option.”
Throwing my head back, I growl. “You have no right to mess with my business. You have no idea how hard my mom and I have worked to establish ourselves here.”
He tilts his head down to me. “And you have no idea how hard my brother and I have worked either. It’s ridiculous for you to assume you’re the only one around here who’s trying to get their business