Duke sat down beside Angel. “Yes, Gabriela, I know. I’m sorry. Do you hear that, Angel? I’m sorry?”

All around them was a whispering rustle as the other adults tried to decide whether the new man in their midst, who looked an awful lot like a famous Bronx Bolt, was really the Duke.

Why is he bothering to apologize to me? I don’t understand why he doesn’t just leave me alone. She struggled with a response, but Gabriela, who still leaned across her, said, “She’s not talkin’ to you. You just take your conceited ass right on outta here. We don’t need you.”

“I know, I know. I said and did terrible things. But I wanted you to know, Angel, I didn’t go through with it. You were right; it wasn’t worth it. I’m not playing anymore.”

There was a collective gasp from the group around them. Duke ignored his audience.

Angel turned her head slowly, dragging her gaze across the upturned, curious faces to meet his gaze. She was sure she had misheard him, since his features were peaceful. Finally allowing herself to stare into those green eyes, which were serene, intent on her, she felt tears welling. I can’t seem to stop crying today.

“Really?”

Duke nodded. “I don’t want to be a fake. I want to win because of the talent God gave me and the skills I’ve worked hard to perfect. I want people to like me because of who I am, for real.”

“Duke! No! Don’t quit!” said one unnerved dad, twisting around in his seat.

His wife shushed the man, embarrassed. Gabriela said, “What is wrong with you people? Mind your own damn business. You all a bunch of rubes, I swear.”

While the hairdresser continued to berate those closest to them, Duke mouthed “Sorry” to the crowd, but then he slid closer to Angel, put his head next to hers, and spoke quietly, earnestly, his breath soft on her cheek. She wanted to caress the spot.

“I need to keep it real for myself. I know that now. I’m woke. I want to live like Mark did, and you, proud of my choices. Maybe even someday be a role model for kids like Jose.” He shrugged, worry creasing his mouth. His voice dropped so low, she had to lean in to him to hear. “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, but I have to get my house in order before I can deal with that.”

“You gave up so much.” She put a hand on his knee, empathy blasting through her. I totally understand how it feels to abandon something you’ve worked so hard for. “It doesn’t really matter what I think, but you did the right thing. I’ll be proud if Jose grows up to make that kind of choice.”