28. Cori
Chapter twenty-eight
Cori
B y unspoken agreement, Deck and I put our conversation on ice.
After the incident at the market, we drove Jayden to school in one of the Center’s vans.
Shockingly, he told us he’d made it to his first four periods that morning, so evidently his plan had been to commit a casual felony during his lunch period.
We extracted a promise from him to come to the Center that afternoon, and maybe it was naive, but I had no doubt he’d keep his word.
When Deck and I were alone again in the van, he asked what I’d said to Mia.
“Nothing much,” I replied. “I thanked her again, and she said she was glad it was her and not someone else who might have done something different. She said that she was only in the store because she’d had lunch near the waterfront earlier and got turned around since she doesn’t know the area.”
“Explains the church clothes.”
“I gave her my card and told her to reach out anytime, in case she wanted to check on Jayden.”
Deck hummed thoughtfully. “It’s nice to be reminded there are good people in the world.”
I nodded. “I only hope Jayden saw. Not just Mia but also you, me, Amos, and even that one cop who clearly knew something was up.”
“It’s tough to get a kid like that, with such a big chip on his shoulder, to see he has people. Being part of his brother’s old crew is tempting because no one’s asking him to make a hard choice.”
“Wild how robbing a store is somehow the easy choice.”
“Neighborhood logic.” Deck lifted his shoulders as we pulled into the Center’s parking lot.
When Jayden arrived a few hours later, he’d switched out his hoodie for a plain white T-shirt. He checked in with Marisol, just as he did on any other day, as I stood next to her at the front counter.
“Remember, no more fights with Tycho.” She gave him a warning stare.
“We’re cool. Imma keep my head down,” he said, eyeing me.
“Glad to hear it,” Marisol replied.
“Jayden, I was wondering if you’d like to help Deck,” I said. “He’s working in the bathroom.”
The teen stuffed his fists in his pockets. “Uh, yeah. Sure.”
If his quick agreement surprised Marisol, she didn’t show it. “That’s a great idea, Cori.”
“It was Deck’s idea, actually.”
I walked with Jayden across the atrium to the bathroom, lifting the caution tape.
Inside, Deck and Reign kneeled on the floor.
Sandra, the volunteer, sat in a chair engrossed in her phone.
Since the bathroom project had evolved from a repair to a full makeover, it looked nicer every time I came in.
There were still holes in the ground where toilets should be, but the freshly installed sinks gleamed.
Deck saw me noticing them.
“Those are leftovers from an apartment project we worked on in Bellevue,” he said. “I know they’re modern, but they’re commercial-grade and should hold up fine.”
“They’re gorgeous,” I said. “A real upgrade. I just hope they don’t put the rest of the place to shame.”
Deck smiled with the cocky confidence I’d seen way too little of this past month.
“Don’t worry. I have a few other tricks up my sleeve.
When I’m done, this bathroom will shine like it's brand new. In fact, I spoke to Juan this morning, and I can do the other downstairs bathroom to match, if you want. The project owners are fine with donating their excess materials.”
“That’s incredibly generous, Deck. Of course I won’t say no.”
He stood and waved an awkward hello to Jayden. Reign paused in their work, watching from the floor with flattened lips.
“Hey, Jayden.” Deck tipped his head downward. “Do you know Reign?”
“Yeah, I’ve seen them around.” Jayden glanced at the other teen. “’Sup.”
Reign looked suspicious but nodded at Jayden before turning back to the tile, making a point of slipping in earbuds first.
“Reign helps me with projects, too,” Deck told Jayden. “That won’t be a problem, will it?”
“Huh?” Jayden’s attention was stuck on Reign’s movements.
He seemed genuinely curious about what the other teen was doing.
“I got no beef with Reign. I know some people are assholes about the non-bi—… the non-bini—…the not a boy or a girl thing, but far as I know, they never did shit to me or mine, so we’re cool. ”
“Nonbinary,” I said, stepping forward and checking again to make sure Reign’s earbuds were in. “That’s good to hear. Maybe it helps that you’re a few years older. I hope Reign will have more friends when kids are mature enough to understand. Also, watch your language.”
“Sorry.” Jayden made a face. “But so you know, Reign would have plenty of friends if they’d just chill the eff out. They act like a pit bull guarding a fence—getting all mad before you even know if someone’s just walking by or tryna be nice.”
My heart hurt for Reign. Rejecting people before they could reject you was an isolating defensive strategy.
Like me hiding my truth to avoid others' reactions to it.
Or Deck denying access to his life in the name of protecting me.
So much coping. So much surviving. It sucked.
I just wanted to open myself up to happiness.
And I wanted that for Reign too. And Jayden.
“Jayden, there’s an extra pair of knee pads.” Deck pointed at a box under the sink. “How about you grab them, and then you can help us grout this tile?”
Jayden looked excited as he slipped on the pads. Giving Deck a salute, I slipped from the bathroom. My phone buzzed as I headed toward the office.
GRAHAM EVANS: Hi. Not trying to pester you but still hoping you’re up for coffee? Just thought I’d try once more. Don’t worry, I’m not a crazy stalker. If you don’t reply to this one, it’ll be my last. *smiley face emoji*
Shoot. I’d gotten so bogged down with everything, I’d never set up that coffee with Graham. Probably a good thing since Deck and I needed to hash out our stuff, and I didn’t want to get distracted by anyone else until that happened.
But Graham was a good guy. And if he was okay being just friends, I was too.
And maybe he would give me some advice about the Center.
He knew a lot of people who could help with our website and social media problems. Was it slightly savage to ask him for favors when I knew he was hoping for more than friendship?
Possibly. But he was a big boy, and he could turn me down if he wanted to.
No harm done. Stabilizing the Center required a certain ruthlessness.
And time was ticking. I needed to cast the net far and wide, giving as many people as possible the chance to invest in these kids’ lives.
ME: Sorry for not getting back to you sooner. My new project has taken up a ton of time. I promise it wasn’t intentional. Also, to make sure we are on the same page, this is a coffee between friends. Not a date.
GRAHAM EVANS: You’ve made that clear. Can’t say I’m not disappointed, but I’ll take friends. I’d love to hear about this project.
ME: I was hoping you’d say that. Any chance you’re free now?
I ordered for both of us through the Starbucks app, and Graham picked up our coffees on his way to the Center.
When he arrived, I handed him a visitor’s badge and gave him a tour.
The Center showed very well that afternoon.
In the large art room, kids finished clay pots using the new kiln donated by a local pottery studio.
Chuck ran a kickball tournament for the middle schoolers on one side of the gym while the kindergartners giggled through a limbo contest on the other.
A dozen older teens completed homework in the computer lab while others hung out in the atrium playing Mario Kart .
The Center had multiple gaming subscriptions and physical cartridges for the older consoles, but nine times out of ten, the kids wanted Mario Kart .
Passing behind the beat-up couches in front of the TV, Graham lingered.
When the next game started, he glanced at me for permission before asking to play.
At first, the kids thought it was hilarious, considering Graham had on a three-piece suit and shiny shoes.
They rolled their eyes when he asked to play Yoshi.
Then he kicked all their butts, and his resulting glee made me laugh.
Whatever happened, I hoped Graham and I would stay friends.
“I don’t think I’ve ever sweat so hard playing video games,” he said after we retreated to the office. He dropped into the seat across from the desk, fanning himself with his hand as he removed his suit coat. “Those kids are almost as merciless as my nephews.”
“I’m glad you enjoyed yourself.”
During our tour, I’d given him the rundown on what I’d been up to at the Center. He was no dummy, so I knew he was waiting for me to ask him to get involved. As he peered at me from above his coffee cup, I detected the hint of a smile. He was having a fine time making me work for it.
“I did enjoy myself, Cori. Thank you for inviting me. I had no idea this place existed.” This time, his grin broke through, and he finally asked, “Alright, how can I help?”
“Well—” I smiled back at him. “I’ll tell you since you asked, but only because you were so pleasant wiping the floor with those high schoolers.
” I sipped the last dregs of my latte. “First, I want to say again how sorry I am for not texting you when I said I would. I promise I’m not usually so flaky. ”
He relaxed in his chair. “No harm. I appreciate your honesty.”
I cleared my throat. “In the spirit of honesty… When you initially texted me, I might have been more open to the possibility that this could have been a real date, but now I’m sort of in a situationship , so my friendship and undying gratitude for any help you’re able to offer the Center is all I can offer. ”
Graham nodded once. “I figured. Can’t say I’m not sorry, but I can take a no.” He shifted in his chair. “Anyway, let’s steer the conversation away from that awkwardness into how you’re going to convince me to help this place. Because these kids clearly need help with their gaming skills.”
I barked a laugh. “I think what you meant to ask is how I plan to give you the opportunity to make a significant positive impact on the lives of kids who truly deserve it.”
He leaned back. “I almost forgot how good you are in the boardroom.”
“Thank you. Now, I have a few ideas about how you and TremMark can help…”
Half an hour later, Graham and I shook hands across the desk.
He’d been generous. He didn’t have the authority to promise a significant financial gift from TremMark without consulting the other executives, but he felt confident that they could make a six-figure commitment spread out over five years through their corporate giving program.
Youth service was one of the company’s core philanthropic missions.
The Center would probably have to rebrand the science room with the TremMark logo and have a ceremony with a giant check, but that was par for the course.
Graham also agreed to host a table at the gala and ask some deep-pocketed friends to join him for the event.
“I’m going to ask Jason and Brad to host tables as well,” I said. “You’re the first person from JBC or TremMark I’ve spoken with about this.”
“I’m honored.”
“Well, I appreciate the soft landing. The JBC folks don’t know I grew up here, or how invested I am in this place. I’m excited to show it off.” Hearing the words leave my mouth felt liberating. I’d spent so long thinking I had something to hide.
“You deserve to be excited. And proud.” Graham shrugged his coat on.
“Let me walk you to your car.”
Graham waved to the Mario Kart group as we passed through the atrium. In the parking lot, he stopped in front of a sleek white Range Rover.
“I’m so glad you came by today. Thanks again.” I smiled and gave him a stiff hug.
“Me too,” he said, leaning close to my ear. “I hope we do it again soon. And I’ll set up the meeting with the giving team.”
We pulled apart, and he grasped my shoulders, running his palms down my arms to squeeze my hands before getting into his car and driving away.
I turned toward the Center.
Deck stood at the entrance. Based on his expression, he’d seen it all—the smiles, the hug, and Graham running his hands down my arms.
Expression tightening, he went back into the building.
Dammit.
I released a groan into the deserted parking lot, raising my eyes heavenward. Sometimes Deck made me crazy because I wanted him so much. Other times, he made me crazy by being a big, insecure self-saboteur.
I shook my head.
It wasn’t going to go down like that. Not this time.
This time, we were putting those demons to rest.