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Bentley tips his cowboy hat. “The pleasure is ours. You look beautiful.”
Watson licks his teeth, and gives me a smoldering look I’m sure works on all the women he tries it on. “You’re looking fine tonight, Charly. You better save me a dance.”
Anthony hugs me to his side, possession tipping up his chin. “She’s here with me. Back off.”
I grin as I lower myself into the chair beside Beatrice. “It’s really good to see you guys.”
A hush falls over the crowd as we turn our attention back to the man standing at the microphone. “Thank you all for joining me for this very special event. Your generosity tonight will help provide assistance to the estimated 93 billion children in the world living with disabilities. Together, we can remove the barriers standing before them so they can grow and flourish to reach their full potential. We can help their families continue to advocate for them, and receive the assistance they need. And we can continue to build an inclusive community so these children and their families don’t feel isolated.”
We applaud his words before he continues. “I’d like to invite someone up here with me. Someone who can tell you what it’s like firsthand to live with a disability. Someone who we once cheered for as he charged down the field. He’s been our greatest contributor to this charity, year after year, and for the first time is gracing us with his presence. It is an absolute honor to introduce: Bryce Holden.”
My eyes fly to the side of the room, and my mouth falls open.
Bryce?
Bryce is here?
Bryce is giving a speech?!
My lungs forget how to breathe. My eyes won’t blink. Every muscle in my body is frozen, stunned, unable to move. The only organ working is the one slamming into overdrive inside my chest.
Bryce strides to the center of the room with his cane, and waits for the applause to die down. His eyes squint against the spotlight, and he hooks a finger in the collar of his white shirt, giving it a tug. Our table is so close, I can see his Adam’s apple bob as he swallows. He clears his throat, and his eyes flutter closed for a brief moment as he takes a long inhale through his nose. He stands tall in a crisp black suit, so strong and handsome, with his wild hair tamed, slicked back from his neatly shaven face.
He’s wearing a yellow tie.
Beatrice’s hand reaches over and covers mine in my lap, giving me a squeeze. In my peripheral, I know Bryce’s friends are watching me, waiting for my reaction, but the only thing I can focus on is Bryce. I can feel his nerves rolling off of him, and I want to run to him, want to hold his hand and whisper words of encouragement in his ear.
Then his sable eyes drift to our table, and lock with mine.
My skin heats, thawing my frozen body, and my lips part with a gasp for air. Bryce’s intense gaze brings me back to life. The way it always did.
You can do this, my eyes say.
I can do this because of you, is his silent reply before he opens his mouth to speak. “I’m ashamed that this is the first time you’re all seeing me here. I wish I would’ve been able to come sooner. I’m also ashamed to be recognized as a guest of honor tonight. Everyone in this room knows how I became disabled, and that doesn’t feel very honorable. I think that’s why this charity has been so important to me. Kids are innocent. They didn’t ask to be born with a disability, or sustain one after birth. They didn’t make a foolish choice like I did. Still, I received the best care, not because I deserved it, but because I could afford it. That doesn’t seem fair to me. Assistance shouldn’t depend on your financial situation.”
He takes a shaky breath, and his eyes come back to mine. “This summer, I met someone who told me, There has to be something we can do. She wanted to do more than donate money to an important cause. She wanted to advocate for that cause, and raise awareness. Not everyone has the luxury of buying the things they need to support their disabilities, and she’s right—there has to be something we can do about that. So, I’m here tonight because I want to start doing more. I want to help the children who need it.” He laughs. “I’m no role model. Society loves to tell disabled people we’re an inspiration, and give us a medal for doing everyday things. I’m not sure how I feel about that. Sure, it’s hard as fuck to get out of bed when you’re in pain 24/7. But it’s even harder when you don’t have the motility aids you need to help you. I don’t need applause for living my life. I just need access to the equipment and doctors that can help me live like everyone else. Disability isn’t the problem. Accessibility is.”
He shrugs. “I’m not really great with my words, so this is all I could come up with to say to you. Thank you for listening, and thank you for being here tonight. Your donation can change someone’s life.”
The room erupts as everyone stands and claps for Bryce. Pride swells like the cloud of an atomic bomb in my chest as tears prick my eyes.
But then Bryce walks away.
I crane my neck to see where he’s going, lifting out of my chair, about to run after him.
Beatrice grips my hand. “He’ll be back, my dear. He just has to take a few pictures.”
I turn to face her. “He’s coming back?”
She nods. “He won’t leave without seeing you. In the meantime, you can read this.” She reaches into her purse, and pulls out my yellow quilted journal.
“You found it?”
“I told a white lie. I hope you can forgive me.”
“Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”
She places it in my lap. “Read the last entry, and you’ll understand.”
