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Rafael lowers me fully into the bed, hovering the best he can over the enormous bump between us. He’s singing each word to me like it’s the performance of his lifetime and I can't stop giggling. It’s sweet and stupid and perfect.
“You know,” I interrupt. “This playlist is literal evidence that neither of us ever fit in. We were all over the place with what cliques and clubs we tried to infiltrate, what kinds of music we tried to get into. Don’t you ever feel like it took forever for us to find our place?”
He looks at me with a pinch to his eyebrows. “My place has always been with you. You’ve always fit in with me because I’ve loved every version of you.”
Chapter 37
October 27th
Angie
“You look gorgeous today,” Rafael says, taking my hand as I step out of his Range wearing a form-fitting yellow sweater dress with a matching cropped sweater. The country club valet is already making his way around to the driver’s side when I grab my boyfriend's arm.
“Thank you,” I smile. “You’re looking rather handsome yourself.” His dark teal, long sleeve polo compliments my outfit just right. And paired with his slacks, expensive watch, and even a couple rings, he’s every bit the sophisticated gentleman. His rich bergamot, lemon, and cedar wood scent fill my senses and wrap me in a comforting embrace as we stroll into the haughty club.
“Ms. Johanssen? Mr. Jimenez?” A staff member dressed in black pants and a white dress shirt asks, standing just inside.
“Yes,” Rafael answers.
She indicates for us to follow her. “Right this way, please.”
I can already hear the 1salsa music playing. Dark wood paneling and bright chandeliers line the enormous hallway with carpet that looks like it was designed specifically for this place.
“I can’t believe Jay’s parents are members here,” I murmur, leaning into Raf.
“Shh, blend in,” he stage-whispers. “They can smell your fear.”
“Shut up,” I mutter, nudging him in the ribs.
“Here we are,” the staff member says with a smile as she stands outside two propped open doors into a freaking ballroom. “If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to ask any member of our staff.”
“Thank you,” we both say and step into the strangest baby shower I’ve ever seen.
People are mingling everywhere, and I spot Raf’s moms already dancing alongside several others including Joaquín and Cora’s Aunt Rose, who’s throwing her head back in cheer as Joaquín spins her.
But my eyes catch on the decorations. Clearly Kathleen had one idea for décor, and… I’m guessing my brothers had another. Mixed between giant vases of autumnal floral arrangements, elegant displays of macrons, and trendy balloon arches, are Halloween decorations. Jack-o-lanterns, a giant inflatable spider, cauldrons, and fun-size candy scattered on all the tables.
Then I noticed the Día de los Muertos décor. Colorful papel picados strung between chandeliers and ceiling beams, candy skulls on the bar, and marigolds everywhere.
“They’re here!” someone shouts, taking me out of my bewilderment. Jonah is the first to run up to us, taking us both in his arms. “Do you like it?” he asks cheerily.
“It’s a little macabre for a baby shower,” I chuckle.
“You think so?” he asks genuinely. “Jay’s mom said we could help with the decorations,” he says, scratching the back of his actually-styled hair.
Isaiah and Dane are the next to come up, also wearing suits. “Look,” Dane says, pointing to the closest string of cut paper banners. “All the guys on the team helped make it.”
“Oh my god,” Rafael says in disbelief. “They managed to cut rugby balls in them,” he chuckles.
“I tried to tell them,” Kathleen Bishops says, coming up to give both me and Raf a hug looking every bit like a member of this country club.
“Oh my gosh, Kathleen,” I beam. “Thank you so much for all of this. Everything is beautiful.”
“It was my pleasure. Are you sure you’re okay with the…spiders and skulls?” she asks, looking around the room with apprehension. “Your brothers kind of…showed up and took over.”
“Honestly, I love it,” I tell her, and I do. It’s all over the place and unexpected—it feels pretty on-brand for Rafael and myself if I’m being honest. It reminds me of all the Día de los Muertos celebrations we had at his house growing up. We’d eat enough sugar to make everyone sick, sing, and celebrate our loved ones who have passed on. We didn’t often talk about my mom in our house, but there was something special about this day that we allowed ourselves to open up to each other.
So yeah, maybe it is macabre for a baby shower theme, but it reminds me of happier times with our families, and it makes me hopeful for our future.
