“Nonbinary,” I said, stepping forward and checking again to make sure Reign’s earbuds were in. “That’s good to hear. Maybeit helps that you’re a few years older. I hope Reign will have more friends when kids are mature enough to understand. Also, watch your language.”
“Sorry.” Jayden made a face. “But so you know, Reign would have plenty of friends if they’d just chill the eff out. They act like a pit bull guarding a fence—getting all mad before you even know if someone’s just walking by or tryna be nice.”
My heart hurt for Reign. Rejecting people before they could reject you was an isolating defensive strategy. Like me hiding my truth to avoid others' reactions to it. Or Deck denying access to his life in the name of protecting me. So much coping. So much surviving. It sucked. I just wanted to open myself up to happiness. And I wanted that for Reign too. And Jayden.
“Jayden, there’s an extra pair of knee pads.” Deck pointed at a box under the sink. “How about you grab them, and then you can help us grout this tile?”
Jayden looked excited as he slipped on the pads. Giving Deck a salute, I slipped from the bathroom. My phone buzzed as I headed toward the office.
GRAHAM EVANS:Hi. Not trying to pester you but still hoping you’re up for coffee? Just thought I’d try once more. Don’t worry, I’m not a crazy stalker. If you don’t reply to this one, it’ll be my last.*smiley face emoji*
Shoot. I’d gotten so bogged down with everything, I’d never set up that coffee with Graham. Probably a good thing since Deck and I needed to hash out our stuff, and I didn’t want to get distracted by anyone else until that happened.
But Graham was a good guy. And if he was okay being just friends, I was too. And maybe he would give me some advice about the Center. He knew a lot of people who could help with our website and social media problems. Was it slightly savage to ask him for favors when I knew he was hoping for more thanfriendship? Possibly. But he was a big boy, and he could turn me down if he wanted to. No harm done. Stabilizing the Center required a certain ruthlessness. And time was ticking. I needed to cast the net far and wide, giving as many people as possible the chance to invest in these kids’ lives.
ME:Sorry for not getting back to you sooner. My new project has taken up a ton of time. I promise it wasn’t intentional. Also, to make sure we are on the same page, this is a coffee between friends. Not a date.
GRAHAM EVANS:You’ve made that clear. Can’t say I’m not disappointed, but I’ll take friends. I’d love to hear about this project.
ME:I was hoping you’d say that. Any chance you’re free now?
I ordered for both of us throughthe Starbucks app, and Graham picked up our coffees on his way to the Center.
When he arrived, I handed him a visitor’s badge and gave him a tour. The Center showed very well that afternoon. In the large art room, kids finished clay pots using the new kiln donated by a local pottery studio. Chuck ran a kickball tournament for the middle schoolers on one side of the gym while the kindergartners giggled through a limbo contest on the other. A dozen older teens completed homework in the computer lab while others hung out in the atrium playingMario Kart. The Center had multiple gaming subscriptions and physical cartridges for the older consoles, but nine times out of ten, the kids wantedMario Kart.
Passing behind the beat-up couches in front of the TV, Graham lingered. When the next game started, he glanced at me for permission before asking to play. At first, the kids thought it was hilarious, considering Graham had on a three-piece suit andshiny shoes. They rolled their eyes when he asked to play Yoshi. Then he kicked all their butts, and his resulting glee made me laugh. Whatever happened, I hoped Graham and I would stay friends.
“I don’t think I’ve ever sweat so hard playing video games,” he said after we retreated to the office. He dropped into the seat across from the desk, fanning himself with his hand as he removed his suit coat. “Those kids are almost as merciless as my nephews.”
“I’m glad you enjoyed yourself.”
During our tour, I’d given him the rundown on what I’d been up to at the Center. He was no dummy, so I knew he was waiting for me to ask him to get involved. As he peered at me from above his coffee cup, I detected the hint of a smile. He was having a fine time making me work for it.
“I did enjoy myself, Cori. Thank you for inviting me. I had no idea this place existed.” This time, his grin broke through, and he finally asked, “Alright, how can I help?”
“Well—” I smiled back at him. “I’ll tell you since you asked, but only because you were so pleasant wiping the floor with those high schoolers.” I sipped the last dregs of my latte. “First, I want to say again how sorry I am for not texting you when I said I would. I promise I’m not usually so flaky.”
He relaxed in his chair. “No harm. I appreciate your honesty.”
I cleared my throat. “In the spirit of honesty… When you initially texted me, I might have been more open to the possibility that this could have been a real date, but now I’m sort of in asituationship, so my friendship and undying gratitude for any help you’re able to offer the Center is all I can offer.”
Graham nodded once. “I figured. Can’t say I’m not sorry, but I can take a no.” He shifted in his chair. “Anyway, let’s steer the conversation away from that awkwardness into how you’regoing to convince me to help this place. Because these kids clearly need help with their gaming skills.”
I barked a laugh. “I think what you meant to ask is how I plan to give you the opportunity to make a significant positive impact on the lives of kids who truly deserve it.”
He leaned back. “I almost forgot how good you are in the boardroom.”
“Thank you. Now, I have a few ideas about how you and TremMark can help…”
Half an hour later, Graham and I shook hands across the desk. He’d been generous. He didn’t have the authority to promise a significant financial gift from TremMark without consulting the other executives, but he felt confident that they could make a six-figure commitment spread out over five years through their corporate giving program. Youth service was one of the company’s core philanthropic missions. The Center would probably have to rebrand the science room with the TremMark logo and have a ceremony with a giant check, but that was par for the course. Graham also agreed to host a table at the gala and ask some deep-pocketed friends to join him for the event.
“I’m going to ask Jason and Brad to host tables as well,” I said. “You’re the first person from JBC or TremMark I’ve spoken with about this.”
“I’m honored.”
“Well, I appreciate the soft landing. The JBC folks don’t know I grew up here, or how invested I am in this place. I’m excited to show it off.” Hearing the words leave my mouth felt liberating. I’d spent so long thinking I had something to hide.
“You deserve to be excited. And proud.” Graham shrugged his coat on.
