The emcee began asking for more bids at the five thousand dollar range, and I was surprised to see a few paddles go up. But screw it. Whatever would be would be. I stopped counting as Deck pulled me off to the side of the stage to watch.
“That was unreal,” I whispered in his ear. “I can’t believe you said all that, but I’m so grateful you did.”
Paddles continued to go up at the one thousand dollar level.
“It was all for you, baby. I hope you know that I’ve found my own story to tell about the Center. It’s a love story. A long, twisty love story full of bumps and bruises and near misses for falling off course completely. Being here allowed me to open my heart and tear down my walls so that the love of my life could step over them. Now I know for sure that my place has always been with you.”
“Me too,” I breathed out, resting my head against his shoulder as he slipped an arm around my waist.
More paddles rose at the five hundred dollar and two hundred fifty dollar levels. When it was finished, my phone rattled again.
ANA:Thank Deck for me, will you? We’re still about 20k short, but that’s nothing.
She was right. Seven hundred eighty thousand was close enough. Like the win Deck wanted me to have. I breathed a sigh of relief. It felt good knowing he had my back. I could get used to it.
Suddenly, a shaky voice rose from the main entrance to the gym.
“I want to donate fifty thousand dollars!”
To my shock, Mia stood in front of the double doors, puffing air as though she’d been running. It took me a moment to recognize her, but she exhibited the same resolute look on her face that she’d had that day at the corner market.
Registering the eyes on her, she cringed but didn’t falter, walking demurely toward the emcee. The crowd quieted. Everyone heard as she said, “I’m, uh, sorry I’m late. And I don’t have one of those paddle thingies. But I want to donate fifty thousand.”
“Well then.” The emcee beamed at her. “I’m sure that can be arranged.”
My phone went nuts as Ana sent three quick texts in a row filled with nothing but exclamation points. We’d more than hit our goal.
Thanks to Mia.
Chapter thirty-six
Deck
Dios. Mia had saved the day. Apparently, Jayden’s misguided attempt at robbery would be the gift that kept on giving.
After the emcee acknowledged Mia’s gift to the room, he ended the program by announcing that the Center had exceeded its goal. Guests were then invited to stay for an informal hour of drinks and dancing.
Cori moved immediately to find Mia, while Emilio and Juan made their way to the dance floor. Cruz declared he was going outside for a smoke, promising to walk at least two blocks from the Center. I sat at the table with my parents and sister.
“There have been so many moments I’ve been proud of you, Arturo, but that may have topped them all,” Mamá said.
“Really?” I asked, sounding like the scared eighteen-year-old who knew how often he’d disappointed his parents.
“Ay,mijo. Tú sabes que siempre estamos orgullosos de ti.I’m sorry you’ve ever had to question it.” Mamá sighed. “Things went sideways when Chi-chi came into the picture, but we werealways proud of who you were in here.” She rested her hand lightly on my chest.
I swallowed the lump in my throat.
“I’m glad you and Cori finally found your way to each other,” Pop said. “We already love her like a daughter.” He feigned a stern expression. “So don’t fuck it up.”
He teased, but I was stone-cold serious when I replied, “I won’t.”
More than an hour later, attendees still slowly filtered from the building. The vibes were good, and people lingered to chat or check out the kids’ art. I sat at our table and made small talk with Britta, Marcus, and Cruz while Cori and Marisol said goodbye to some VIPs. My parents had gone home already.
Rosa stayed long enough to reassure the board members of her faith in Marisol and Cori before leaving with Quincy, who she’d invited to have a late-night snack with her and Lupe.
“You’re sure Lupe is feeling up to it?” Quincy asked.
“Claro que sí. She would have been here if she could have. This way we bring the party to her.”
