Page 58 of Peak of Love
“Without further ado, let’s welcome Sebastian Beaumont, everybody!”
The welcoming noise was about as loud as cheering in an arena. The acoustics were very flattering in community centers, it turned out.
“Thank you so much, Mr. Watson. And thank you all for being here to welcome me,” Sebastian began cheerfully. “When I heard that the community center needed to make improvements, I knew I had to do something. This is a great place for kids and I, um, I spent a lot of time in places like this where I grew up.”
Sebastian’s voice dipped lower. “My mom was a single parent and so, after school, community centers were part of my everyday life. I know that’s the case for many of you.”
His eyes grazed over the crowd of kids sitting on the floor or sharing seats everywhere in the lobby, many in middle school or early high school years and from minority populations. Young, vulnerable, and impressionable kids who had few choices for after-school activities. Or rather, few choices that didn’t involve loitering or getting into trouble.
Jaya knew how important this facility was to their everyday lives. It kept them off the streets and provided access to counselors and tutors. It wasn’t merely a few basketball courts they were sprucing up; the campaign was meant to revive a safe space for kids to thrive.
Jaya was shaken out of her reverie by Shirley’s drooling. Or was it the collective drooling that came with gushing sighs? Sebastian’s smile, soft words, and warm demeanor enthralled everyone. She couldn’t blame them. The crowd didn’t know whatsheknew about Sebastian’s extracurricular activities.
He projected friendliness and empathy. “I know there are a few fundraising events scheduled in the future, but I asked for this tour with you guys because I wanted to introduce myself. More importantly, I want to get to know you and understand what this place means to you. I never want to forget who this is for so yeah, well, I guess that’s it. Thanks,” he concluded and pressed his lips together. Sounds of “aww” emanated from all corners of the lobby.
Jaya went to work, flitting around and coordinating the kids to take their places. They were assigned different areas in the community center. She organized to have three to four kids in different sections: the athletic gym, the general playroom, the two different locker rooms, and the game tables that converted to tutoring spaces in the basement.
The tour involved the campaign chairman, Mr. Watson, taking Sebastian to each section while the kids explained how the incoming resources were going to improve that part of the community center. A couple of adult staff members or counselors would be with each group, although the point of the mini-presentation was for thekidsto deliver the message. Jaya was proud of their willingness to engage in the process. They were a bit nervous, as kids can be, yet they were ready. Besides, what truly mattered was that they spoke from the heart.
When she finalized her instructions, Jaya sat at the front desk. She meant to stay in the lobby in case she was needed by any of the presenters. Mr. Watson walked up to her with his hand out and with Sebastian in tow.
“Jaya, hello! Thank you,thank youfor getting the kids ready. Have you met Sebastian? Sebastian, Jaya Patel is our fantastic coordinator for youth services at the Freedom Community Center. She’s a big reason for the positive strides we’re making here. The kids absolutely adore her.” He shook her hand vigorously while singing those praises.
Jaya didn’t care for this sort of attention, and she certainly didn’t like Sebastian’s all-knowing, smug gaze when he said, “In fact, wehavemet. Through the Hockey-For-All program. How’s it going Jaya?” the esteemed guest asked with a twinkle in his eye.
Jaya managed a curt smile. “I’m doing well. Nice to see you again, Mr. Beaumont.”
“Please, you’ve always called me Sebastian,” he teased conspiratorially.
To your face maybe,Jaya said to herself then shook off the snarkiness. Even she couldn’t understand why his mere presence made her so grumpy. “Right. Well, good to see you, Sebastian. Have fun meeting the kids. They’re excited to give you the tour.”
Pleased with the exchange, Mr. Watson said, “Jaya, would you mind joining us for the tour? You planned everything so carefully, I want to make sure I show Sebastian all the ins and outs of the center.”
She was already shaking her head. “Oh, it’s easy to get around. You don’t need me.”
“Now, don’t be so humble,” Sebastian said smoothly. “I’m sure you’ll havesomethingto add.” His tone was friendly yet the way he cocked his head was so affected, he was undoubtedly thinking of the last time they saw each other.
She prickled. The last time she had to put up with this man, she definitely hadsomethingto add. Choice words and snide derision to add to the tirade unleashed by her friend, Molly Eastwood, when they saw Sebastian at The Union dance club a few weekends ago. According to Molly, Sebastian was one of those guys who made you feel special and beautiful and wonderful. Before they ghosted you. A real catch.
Jaya had a couple of run-ins with Sebastian through the Hockey-For-All program as well, where she was a volunteer and he had made donations of Thrashers hockey equipment. But that wasn’t where she got toknowSebastian. No. She learned about his misogynistic fuckboy ways through her friend.
Sebastian might be able to fool the hockey folks and community at large with his façade of goodwill. Unfortunately, sleeping with all the single women in the city and then treating them like shit was bound to chip away at that reputation.
Both men were intently staring at Jaya, waiting for her to process her unsavory thoughts. She gave a curt nod and shook off her discomfort.For the kids, she said to herself.You can do this for the kids.
“Let’s head this way, please.” She brought them to the decrepit gym first. Jaydon, his little sister Aleena, as well as Gus and Azeem were playing basketball as they approached. Well, at least the three teenage boys were, while little Aleena was left out of the scrimmage, idly kicking up her heels and pouting from the sidelines.
Sebastian ran up and picked up a pass. He dribbled a few times and gave a gentle bounce pass to the sixth-grade girl who was left out. She glowed at the attention. Aleena made a few of her own bounces and gave a solid pass back to Sebastian. The hockey player caught the ball and attempted a shot. Or more like an airball. Azeem jumped for the rebound, displayed some impressive footwork, then sank a jump shot.
Sebastian clapped as he walked to Aleena whom he high-fived. “Great pass,” he said. “Sorry I didn’t sink it.”
The kid smiled and blushed, answering with her timid voice, “It’s OK.”
Jaya introduced the kids who did their little spiel about the benefits of after-school sports for youth health and self-esteem. The space needed to be converted to a high school regulation gymnasium to house different activities including volleyball, badminton, and basketball. Funds would update equipment as well.
They moved on to the locker rooms that needed extended storage spaces and bathrooms that needed updates from the twenty-first century. The girls had an especially compelling presentation on what they summarized as “potty parity.”
Jaya picked the sassiest girls of the cohort and felt a sense of pride when they outlined why women’s bathrooms needed more stalls than men’s bathrooms. Words like “menstruation” and “diaper changing” and “breastfeeding” and “complicated clothing” might have made Jaya blush when she was their age. Not these girls. They were great. She loved this generation of fiery young women. Reena and Cathy ended the presentation by splitting the punchlines.
