I search through the mass of stuffed animals until I spot it. “A ladybug!”
Gabriel’s lips form the half grin that I love so much. “You know I have to win that for you, right? Hal can stay with Bump for a few.”
With a glance in their direction, I see Bump stop in front of a temporary tattoo station with a line of six people ahead of him.
“I think Bump’s about to get tattooed, so you might have enough time to win that ladybug for me before he’s done.”
“Want to make a bet about how long it’ll take me to win?” he asks with a dazzling blue wink. “Because I’ll totally wager sexual favors any day of the week with you, ladybug.”
“I already know you’re going to win it.”
“How?”
I lean in and press a kiss to his lips. “Because you’re unstoppable when you set your mind to something. Bump might believe in me, but I believe in you even more.”
Gabriel’s face goes soft. “Thank you. I needed to hear that. It means a hell of a lot.”
“Whatever happens with this fight, we’re going to be fine. I’ve already decided. Okay?” Who knows why I’m bringing it up now, but I need to hear him say it too. Win, lose, or draw, what he and I have is solid. We’re going to flourish, no matter what.
“Yeah, I agree with you there. We’re going to be just fine. But, first, I’m going to win my ladybug a ladybug.”
“Okay,” I say with a smile I can feel all the way into my chest.
Meryl finds us shortly after we’ve rejoined Bump and Hal. She nods at the two stuffed animals in my arms. “It looks like you’re having a good time.”
“We’re having a great time. Thank you so much for the invite.”
Bump stares at his feet instead of talking to Meryl, and for a moment, I’m worried he won’t want to speak to her.
“Hi, Bump. Remember me? I’m Meryl from the arcade. I’m glad you could join us today. There are some kids I’d love for you to meet, if you’re interested.”
Bump’s head pops up. “I like kids, even though they make fun of me sometimes for looking old but sounding like them.”
My heart breaks right then and there for whatever teasing Bump has endured.
“These kids are very special, and they know what it’s like not to be like everyone else. It’s like a club, and I think they’ll be really happy if you hang out with them.”
Bump’s eyes widen. “Really? That could be cool. I’m good at basketball. And Skee-Ball. And I really like—”
I freeze, afraid the next words out of his mouth will have something to do with Kitty the stripper. Thankfully, Gabriel wades into the conversation.
“He really likes making new friends. It’s good to see you again, ma’am.” And there’s Gabriel’s Southern charm again, making the temperature in the room rise. “Thanks for inviting us. Bump’s having a great time. This place is impressive as hell, but I can see why you need more room. Lots of good work going on here.”
From the pleased look on her face, Gabriel just slipped right onto Meryl’s good side with that comment. I applaud silently in my head.
“Thank you, Gabriel. It’s my passion. I know I’ve been a bit insistent on Bump coming, but you’ll see why in a moment. Come with me.”
All four of us follow her across the gym to a corner where a ring-toss game is set up. There are two boys in wheelchairs, and they look like they’re both around eighteen.
“Omar. Ashton. Do you think you’ve got room for one more player?”
One of them turns around and looks at us and Meryl. “Why you wanna know, Mrs. Fosse? You bringing in another stray?”
“I’m not a stray,” Bump says, and the boy who spoke looks him up and down from the wheelchair.
“No, but you old. You ain’t no kid.”
I open my mouth to intervene and explain, before Bump gets offended, but Meryl dives right in.