Best Friends and Other Comforts
Chapter 11
You are reading The Misadventures of Endora Pan, a romantic comedy exploring the unpredictable nature of love and the chaos of everyday life. Set in the world of a young Taiwanese-American woman, this story delves into themes of self-discovery, cultural identity, and finding connection in unexpected places. Written in a witty, self-aware style, this novel is for readers looking for a light-hearted yet emotional read.
“Doorbell,” Marius called from upstairs.
Tiffany rolled her eyes. Her husband had many redeeming qualities, but choosing video games that could be paused was not one of them. She rinsed her hands, sticky from a lunchtime battle with the almost-toddler, and went to open the door. “Hi honey!” The sight of her best friend on the doorstep, luggage in hand, was a familiar and comforting one.
Endora let go of her suitcase so the two could leap into each other’s arms—or rather, bump boobs, as Tiffany preferred to call it.
“I see you’re as stiff as ever,” she said, poking at one of Endora’s.
“Yeah, I’ve been lifting weights again. It’s a good stress reliever!” Endora flexed her biceps for good measure.
Tiffany raised her eyebrows. “And I will never understand how you find that fun.”
The sound of footsteps cut their conversation short, as Marius finally made his way down. “Hey Endora. Need help getting stuff from the car?”
Endora always did, of course. One would be forgiven for thinking she was planning for a month-long trip, the way she packed a cooler full of food and cooking ingredients every time she came for a visit to Tiffany’s.
Not that the Chus minded. They were always ready to be spoiled with Endora’s scrumptious cookies and cherry bars, galbi-jjim and dukbokki, aesthetic and delicious charcuterie boards, and long, deep conversations. Endora visits were synonymous with feasting.
Marius and Tiffany helped Endora bring her things upstairs (“I love my room! And my bed! My second home!”) before the two women trotted back to the living room and collapsing on the off-white sofa. Marius went back to his video games.
Endora gazed around, taking in the sight of the open kitchen with its giant island and grey marbled countertops. Her best friend had only moved into the house a year ago, but it already had the feeling of being well lived in. “It’s so much cooler here than Chino. And I love your house, honey.”
“It’s a mess.”
“Shut up.”
Tiffany nudged her with her foot in response, then snuggled her head onto Endora’s shoulder and slipped her arm through her friend’s.
They stayed like that for a few quiet moments. The only sound came from Marius’s frantic keyboard clacking and mouse clicking above.
“The kids are napping? Or are they at your parents’ today?” Endora said.
“Napping, thank fuck. Morgan is in a throwing phase which includes food, so that’s great. She’s chucked blocks at Colin’s head a couple times and doesn’t listen to us. And Colin never stops talking or asking questions. You know how it is. Have fun. Make him do some workouts with you or something and try to tire him out. I don’t know where he gets all his energy. Definitely not from me.”
Endora sighed. “Are you ever going to stop cursing?”
“Nope. Tell me about Fedex Guy.”
Endora slumped dramatically halfway down the couch. She stared at the fake recessed lighting in the ceiling and could have kicked herself for the little leap she felt in her stomach when Tiffany mentioned Dominic. And not even by name, she thought.
Tiffany flipped onto her stomach like they were teenagers again gossiping at a slumber party, and poked Endora’s stomach. “So? Did you get his number? Tell me he gave it to you. Or that you gave him yours. Come on.”
There would be no getting out of this. Her best friend was like a dog with a bone sometimes.
Endora resigned herself to her fate. She pulled herself up and looked at Tiffany’s eager face.