“Then it would be my honor,” Quincy asserted, following it up with one of his signatureheh-heh-hehs.
After they left, I caught Juan chatting up Ana. From his body language, I could tell he was interested in more than fundraising tips. That made me smile.
Reign stopped by the table for a quick goodbye before saying they’d see me soon. I hoped that was true. My project list was nearly finished, but I planned to keep teaching construction basics to kids on a volunteer basis.
“Are you going to be okay at home?” I asked.
They nodded. “My dad’s an asshole, but he doesn’t, like, lay hands on me. He’ll yell, but my mom can be okay sometimes. She’ll probably make him stop.”
I hummed. It wasn’t a great answer, but it was honest. “Don’t forget to tell your mom how much everyone liked your art tonight. Maybe take home a program so she can see how it was front and center.”
Reign nodded noncommittally, but I saw them grab a few extra programs and stuff them into their backpack.
Cori and Marisol made their way back to the table.
I pulled out the chair next to me. Cori glared at it before plopping herself down in my lap.
“I guess now that it’s out in the open, you’re going full on, huh?” Britta asked jokingly.
Cori laid her head on my shoulder. “No decorum whatsoever. Expect public displays of affection and declarations of love on the daily.”
I didn’t miss the approving nod Marcus sent Cori’s way. Somehow, I knew she had never sat on his lap in public. I looped my arms around her waist.
Cori noticed Mia on the side of the gym and waved at her.
Mia walked over wearing an apologetic smile. “I had to fill out a bunch of forms at the volunteer table. I’m sorry I didn’t pre-register. Coming here was sort of a game-day decision.”
Cori grinned. “Well, as far as last-minute plans go, it sure worked out great for the Center, so no worries.” She gestured to the seat next to Marisol. “Please join us.”
Mia lifted the heavy material of her long-sleeved sequined gown, which looked somewhat odd on someone as young as her, and sat. Almost immediately, she began coughing.
“Are you alright?” Marisol asked.
Mia coughed again delicately. “It’s okay. I’ll get used to it. I think maybe… Probably someone nearby has been smoking.”
My eyes shot to Cruz, hunched in a chair two seats away. He’d been quiet for the past half hour since coming back in from outside. While he hadn't been openly hostile, his silentpresence wasn't exactly soothing either. I'd thought having him come to the event would be good for him, would show him the positive things going on in the neighborhood. Now I saw how shortsighted that was.
Mia cleared her throat a third time, and Cruz stood abruptly. “My bad,” he announced, sounding more surly than remorseful. “I had a cigarette outside an hour ago.” Glaring at Mia, he continued, “Habit I picked up in prison.”
If he’d meant to shock her, he failed. She observed him placidly before saying, “No, I apologize for being so sensitive to it. I’m sure I’ll acclimate in a moment, so there’s no need to leave, Mr…. I’m sorry, but I don’t know your name.”
“Cruz.”
“Mr. Cruz.”
“Nah. No mister, just Cruz.”
Mia nodded once before another cough escaped her. She covered her mouth with a fist. “I’m sure it’ll level off in a moment.”
Cruz made a derisive sound. “Don’t worry about it, princess. I was leaving anyway.”
“Hey,” I chided him. “No need to be rude.”
Cruz sharpened his gaze at me but then turned to Mia with an exaggerated bow. “Perdón, madame. I didn’t mean to offend the woman who saved the poor kids.”
“Cruz!” Cori and Marisol exclaimed.
“What the fuck, man?!” I hissed.
