Page 72 of Winning Match
Abuelita sits at a table in between Paloma, who smiles broadly, and Rubén, who keeps his face impassive but tosses me a wink when I catch his eye. And there, right in the center of the bar, is Alejandro.
He’s watching me curiously, a hesitant smile on his lips, questions in his eyes.
Is this too much? Not enough? Are you happy?
I laugh, my hand lifting to cover my mouth as he steps in my direction.
And I can’t help it. I don’t know if it’s the natural high of the day, the excitement of my birthday, the fact that his family and friends are all here, staring at us, but a torrent of emotions surge to the surface.
Alejandro did this for me. He planned a surprise birthday party and filled the bar where we first met with the people I’ve connected with in my short time here. A short time that feels more significant and meaningful than any other time in my life.
It’s too much, too real, too…everything.
I rush to meet him, and I don’t hold back.
I know Ale sees it in my expression because the smile that stretches across his face is pure happiness. I catch a glimpse of it before I hurl myself into his arms and plant my lips on his.
We kiss hard, his arms banding around me.
Cheers and whistles ring out, but I’m not embarrassed. Even as Abuela shouts, “Be careful or they’ll send you to La Isla!”
I don’t see the look Rubén gives her, but it must be withering because a fresh peal of laughter sounds. As our friends grab drinks and break out into pockets of conversation, I pull away from Ale. Our eyes hold and, in that moment, we acknowledge what we’ve been ignoring.
This is more. This is real. This is something entirely different than we bargained for.
I can’t put it into words, not right now. But at the expression that crosses my face, Ale dips his chin and kisses my forehead.
And that is enough to center me.
“Are you surprised?” He places me gently on my feet.
“Very. I-I had no idea,” I admit, still amazed by his thoughtfulness.
“I’m glad. It’s small and simple but?—”
“It’s perfect,” I breathe out. “The last time I went out for my birthday, I was twenty-three.”
“You should celebrate every year,” Ale admonishes.
I shrug but grin at him. “Thank you for doing this.”
“It’s my pleasure. Bianca planned a lot of the entertainment so?—”
“Listen up, everybody!” B interrupts, a microphone in her hand. “This karaoke battle is gonna be epic!”
Ale groans, Abuela cheers, and Luca shakes his head.
But I laugh. Right now, I’m at the center of something larger than myself. I’m thriving amongst a group of my peers.
I fit in. I belong. I’m…home.
I stride forward and hold out my hand.
Bianca’s eyes flash with surprise as Ale cuts a loud whistle.
Pushing away the insecurities that have plagued me for years, the burden of constant responsibility, the stress of always rising to the occasion, I spin in front of the hot pink and black backdrop Bianca set up and kick off karaoke.
Bianca cues up the song, grinning wickedly. “My choice, Mar.”
