Page 120 of With a Little Luck

I haven’t seen Ari since Tuesday night, haven’t even texted with her. Pru said something about her being busy with schoolwork this week, but I can’t help but wonder if she’s avoiding me. Could she read the truth on my face after Ezra’s promposal? Could she see my devastation? Does she know?

And if she knows and she’s not talking to me … well, then. I guess that answers one question.

Outside, we hear scattered cheers, and Ari appears outside the glass door, Abuela on her arm and her parents behind them. Ari looks startled at the attention, which—yes, evidently, is forher. She smiles weakly and waves to the people in line as Pru hurries to let her in.

“Perfect timing,” says Pru. “We were just about to open. Dad, will you do the honors?”

Dad steps outside to make a quick speech to the waiting masses and welcome them to Record Store Day at Ventures Vinyl.

“How are you, Abuela?” I ask, carrying a chair over for her to sit in.

“Very good, Jude.” She grins as I bend down to give her a hug, but waves the chair away as she takes in the store. “I want to look around first. Araceli has told me about this beautiful mural you painted, and she was right!” She nods admiringly at the stage. “Muy sofisticado.”

“It turned out really nice,” Ari’s mom agrees, beaming at me. “Next305time I have a client who wants a personalized mural in their home, I know who to call.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Escalante,” I say, blushing. Ari’s parents have been telling me for years that I can call them David and Elena, but I’ve never been able to get pastMr. and Mrs. Escalante. I envy Pru a little. She didn’t even hesitate to call them Mom and Dad way back in middle school, given that they had so quickly become like a second set of parents to her.

As they’re browsing the store, I glance over to catch Ari’s eye. She’s wearing a long crocheted cardigan over a pink sundress, her thick hair braided down her back. She looks beautiful.

But as soon as the thought crosses my mind, Ari quickly looks away.

And that’s when I know. She reallyisavoiding me.

My heart sinks down into the pit of my stomach.

So that’s that. I gave myself away on karaoke night, and she doesn’t feel the same way, and I can’t believe I let myself hope, even for a second, and I … definitely don’t have time for this upswell of emotions because my dad has welcomed everyone and flung open the door and customers are pouring inside.

I take up my spot behind the cash register, but I haven’t even been there for a minute before Pru approaches me, looking anxious.

“Okay, Jude, you’re up.”

I frown at her. “Huh?”

“Your big surprise?” she says, drumming her fingers on the counter. “The thing Ari promised to reveal today, even though she has no idea what it is? People are asking about it.”

“Oh. You mean … we’re doing that now? Right now?”

She doesn’t bother with a response, just gives me alook.

I gulp. Yep, guess we’re doing that now.

By yesterday afternoon I’d convinced myself that my bad luck would keep Ari’s records from showing up, but the delivery truck arrived right before closing, along with four heavy boxes.306

I go to retrieve one of the boxes from the back room and bring it up to the counter.

“I hope this is good,” says Pru, a warning in her tone. “I’d say half the people here came for Ari.”

“That’s incredible.”

“It is. But also …” She gives the box a skeptical look. “They have expectations.”

“Don’t worry, Sis,” I say, opening the box. “People are going to love this.” I sound more confident than I feel.

“I hope so,” says Pru. “Are you going to make the announcement?”

“Announcement?” I pause, the flaps of cardboard half open.

“Yeah. Tell people what the big surprise is? Given that this is sort of your deal.”

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