Page 121 of With a Little Luck

“Do I have to?” At no point did I consider that I might have to make anannouncement. The whole point was kind of for the records to speakforme.

Yes, this was my way of helping out the store when our merchandise didn’t arrive on time, but more than that, this was supposed to be my big moment. My chance to reveal something special to Ari.ForAri.

My heart, wrapped up in a vinyl LP.

My big gesture does feel bittersweet now, given my failure to tell Ari how I felt. Given that she’s going to prom with a guy who’s my exact opposite.

But I still want her to have this. To love this. Even if my attempt at a big romantic gesture is too late. I glance around the store. People are flipping through bins and holding Ventures Vinyl T-shirts against their chests to check the sizes. Mom and Dad are being social butterflies, thanking everyone for coming and asking if they need help finding anything. Lucy seems to be taking a gazillion photos and videos, Penny has disappeared into the back room to get in one last practice on her violin, and Ellie is walking around offering cookies to our customers from a platter. Ari is surrounded by people who seem to be gushing about her viral video. I even see her signing something—are people asking forautographs?307

“Okay,” I mutter to myself, working up my courage. I grab the box off the counter and carry it up to the little stage, apologizing to the people who have to squeeze to the sides of the narrow aisles to let me pass. When I reach the platform, I set the box by my feet and turn on the microphone.

“Uh … hello,” I say, my heart pounding. I feel Ari’s presence just off the stage, the way you feel the sun on your skin on a summer afternoon, but now it’s my turn to avoid looking ather. “I’m Jude. I work here, and also my parents own the place.”

“Yeah, Jude! You got this!” shouts Lucy from the back.

I cringe. Wave jerkily.

“So, I know a lot of you are here for today’s live performance by our very own award-winning singer/songwriter … Araceli Escalante.”

I dare to meet her gaze. Ari rolls her eyes at me, but then flashes a cute smile at the crowd, framing her face with jazz hands. A few people chuckle.

“If you’ve been following Ari on social media, you may also have heard that today we have a very special surprise for her fans.”

“I don’t havefans,” Ari stage-whispers.

“Yes, youdo,” Pru says, appearing beside her. “Get used to it.”

My hands are sweating. I release the microphone and instinctively stick one hand in my pocket, hoping for courage. A charisma check would be really helpful right about now.

But of course, there’s nothing there. Why, oh why, didn’t I drop everything to run to Maya’s house after school yesterday and get my dice back?

“Pru is right,” I say, looking at Ari. “I think we’ve established that I am actually your biggest fan.” I pause, my voice quieting. “Always have been. Always will be.”

Ari bites her lower lip.

“Which is why,” I say, glancing around at the rest of the audience, “I wanted to do something special. For Ari and for all of you, who are coming to love this girl …” My lungs hiccup. “Loveher music, as much as I do.”308

Anxiety is beginning to set in, and I realize I need to wrap this up and get off this stage as quickly as possible. “So today, while supplies last, we are releasing an exclusive album that you won’t find anywhere else.” I pull an album out of the box. It isn’t shrink-wrapped (that cost extra), and the card stock used for the jacket is a little thin, but … it’s real. A real vinyl record, with my artwork on the front and Ari’s name printed across the top.

I hold it up so everyone can see, and Ari gasps, covering her mouth with her hands.

“I present to you:Downpour, the debut album by Araceli Escalante, featuring eight songs written and recorded by this incredible artist.” I pause before adding, quietly, “And also, artwork by me.” I squint one eye shut and hold the album toward Ari. “I hope you like it.”

“Jude,” she breathes, taking the record and cradling it in her hands. She studies the drawing—the elven bard performing onstage at a modern-day music festival. A quiet laugh escapes her as she runs her thumb over the drawing. She flips it over, taking in the doodles, the song list, the credits printed along the bottom. “This is incredible.”

She looks up, and there are actual tears shimmering in her eyes, which makes me squeeze my arms into my body and feel like I should apologize, even though I can tell these are happy tears.

“Thank you,” she whispers.

Pru strides onto the stage. “Jude, this is brilliant,” she says. “Why didn’t I think of it?”

Then she’s nudging me off the stage and taking the mic. “Ari’s exclusive debut album will be available at the counter for anyone who wants to take one home today. And … maybe Ari will even sign them after her performance?”

She looks at Ari, who shrugs back. “I guess so?”

“But first …,” says Pru, “let’s get this party started with our live performance of Ari’s viral song, ‘Downpour,’ with special guest on the violin, my little sister … Penny Barnett!”

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