American Fairytale (Dreamers)

by Adriana Herrera

  I grabbed the edge of her desk and leaned in. “Don’t play with me, Melissa. I haven’t even had coffee yet.”

  She cackled again, which made it the second time I’d seen her do it in the five years I’d been at the agency. “I’m dead serious. The donor is coming today to meet with us. He said he chose us because we’re a smaller grassroots agency, and we work in areas where there are predominantly immigrants and people of color. Which is the population he’d like to see benefit from the money.” I bobbed my head up and down as she talked, so excited I could barely make words. “He also asked if we worked with LGBT clients. I told him absolutely and that part of our mission was to have the demographics of the clients we worked with well represented within our staff at all levels of the agency. He really loved that.”

  She smiled proudly at the last part, as well she should. Melissa fought our board hard to make sure they committed to having a leadership which was as diverse as our clientele. I respected her for it and had benefitted from her efforts.

  She smiled at me again. “He was happy to hear you were bilingual as well.”

  “Uh that’s good I guess.” She stopped then and looked down, clearing her throat.

  Fuck.

  I knew there had to be a catch. Nothing this good could come with no strings attached.

  “Don’t get freaked out.” She did “calm the angry bear” hands as she spoke and I started to get worried. “The donor asked to be loosely involved with the development of the project.”

  I had a rant about me not having time to babysit rich people ready, but Melissa held up her hand.

  “He’s a busy man and doesn’t need day-to-day involvement. He just wants periodic meetings and to be kept in the loop. He’s ready to give us the first million like today, Camilo, especially after I told him about the Harlem site and how much work it needs.” She gave that last part some emphasis. “He even asked me to send the proposal we’d written for that last grant opportunity we didn’t get. He read it over the weekend, and emailed last night saying he was interested in making it happen for us. That means by next year we could have a fully functioning job placement center and a wellness room on site at the shelter.”

  That last part actually made me a little lightheaded, because those two things had been very improbable wish list items. “He wants the site named in memory of someone.” She sighed and I felt like shit because this dude sounded like a really nice rich person.

  She pressed on taking advantage of my obviously lowered defenses. “This is personal for him, he’s not just a millionaire looking for a tax deduction. I doubt he’ll want to meet more than a couple of times, and probably just in the early stages. Once things actually get going, I assume email updates will be as much as you’ll need to do. Do you think you can do that?”

  I glared at her because for that kind of money I’d throw in a blow job. How could I say no?

  “Of course I can, Melissa. I’ll meet with the guy every week for the next year if he wants. We need that money.”

  She nodded, looking relieved and smiled again like she could barely contain whatever it was she was going to say next, like this was like a game show... Wait there’s more!

  “He also said he’s willing to commit to funding two full-time positions, like forever. He can arrange for an endowment.” This guy was like a nonprofit world unicorn. “He asked that we think about what kind of positions those would be, and to send him a proposal.”

  Melissa’s excitement was infectious and it was getting harder and harder to not start gulping the Kool-Aid. “He’s interested in hearing about things we wish we could have. You know, something we need but can’t get funding for through the usual channels.”

  So many thoughts were going through my head. A paid MSW internship? A therapist for the residential programs who would work exclusively with our clients? A housing advocate? The possibilities were literally endless.

  “You said he’s coming today? I have to be at the Harlem site this morning, but I can move it around.”

  “Will you be back by one?”

  “Yes, definitely. I’m walking over there right now. I’ll be back in time.”

  “Excellent,” she said, clapping her hands with glee. “I’ll call you when he’s here. This is exciting!”

  At this point even my surly ass couldn’t help but be a little giddy. “This is like a dream come true, Melissa. We can do so much with that money.”

  She nodded, her face open and happy. “It is a dream come true.” Then her eyes widened like she remembered something. “Oh I forgot to ask. How did it go Friday?”

  Oh god. I thanked the saints for my minimally blushing brown face and nodded tightly. “Good,” I squeaked out. “Very fun.”

  “Great, I’m so glad you guys could make it. It would’ve been a shame for the tickets to go to waste.”

  “Oh no, we sucked the marrow out of the evening.”

  She gave that indulgent laugh she’d use sometimes with me and Ayako. “I wouldn’t expect any less from you two.”

  If you only knew how literal I just got with you, boss.

  “How are Rita and Theo? All better?”

  She nodded a big smile on her face when I mentioned her wife and son. “They’re much better, thanks for asking.”

  I nodded and pointed towards the door. “Okay, I’m heading to the shelter. I’ll see you at one.”

  As I walked out of her office I realized I never asked her for the donor’s name.

  Tom

  “Are you fully recovered from Friday, Thomas? Because even I’m still thinking about that guy’s mouth.” I didn’t answer, hurrying to take Priya off the speaker.

  I was still thinking about that mouth too. In fact, I hadn’t been able to get anything about Milo out of my mind all weekend. Remembering how hot it had been with him for those few moments, to succumb to a desire so strong I forgot where and who I was.

  “I know what you are up to, Priya Raghunathan,” I said unable to hide the humor in my voice. Priya had been on a mission to get me to “get out more” for years now, so I was not surprised she was not letting this one go. “I’m on my way to my meeting and I’m running late.” I looked out the window of my Rover.

  “Well if you ask me—”

  I did laugh this time interrupting her. “But, I didn’t ask.”

  She went on unbothered. “You’re so cute, acting as if I’m not going to tell you what to do regardless. Anyway, I just wanted to say that I thought it was great that you did something a little impulsive, Tom.”

  Her tone shifted and I knew we would get into the “you’ve changed” conversation that came up every few months since my divorce. I put my head back on the warm leather headrest and sighed. “Priya, that was more than a little impulsive. I could’ve really embarrassed myself.”

  “So fucking what? You relaxed for once. The way you were looking at him, I hadn’t seen that glint in your eyes since the Boston days.” She clicked her tongue before she spoke. “You’ve always been serious and measured, but since things ended with Maxwell it’s like you’ve been dead set on denying yourself of anything that’s just for you. I just wanted to tell you how good it was to see you cut loose a bit, that’s all. Even if you could’ve been arrested for public indecency, I feel like it was totally worth it.”

  I laughed again as we reached the Harlem address where I had my next meeting.

  “Priya, I gotta go. I’m almost at the New Beginning offices.”

  “Oh! I forgot you were going to that. Can’t wait to hear about it this afternoon. See you later.”

  “See you later. And Priya?” One thing I’d vowed after that whole mess with my ex was that I would tell the people in my life how grateful I was for them.

  “Yes?”

  “Thanks.”

  “Don’t get too emo on me. You know I love you and everything,
but that I’m also nosy as fuck!” We both laughed at that truth.

  We ended the call as my driver pulled up in front of the building. As the director of New Beginning had explained, there was a very discreet sign in the front indicating this was the right place.

  “Manny, this meeting shouldn’t take long. Go find a spot and let me know where you are, I’ll walk over to you.”

  My driver turned around with the annoyed face he always made when I tried to do too much for myself, like walking a few blocks to meet him. “You sure, boss? It’s wet out there.”

  I looked out the window. The rain had mostly stopped.

  “I’m good, really.”

  I stepped out before he could fight me some more. As I walked into the offices of New Beginning, I realized I was almost twenty minutes late. You’d think someone who was semi-retired could manage to arrive on time to meetings he requested, but no.

  I stepped up to the receptionist who had just finished talking with someone, mindful not to make any sudden moves, hyper aware of all the space I was taking up. There were a few women in the waiting area, and I didn’t want to scare or intimidate them by being too loud. This was a place which provided services for people who had experienced domestic violence after all. In the gentlest voice I could manage I said to the receptionist, “Hi, my name is Thomas Hughes. I’m here to meet with Melissa.”

  The receptionist, who had perked up as soon as she saw me walk in, beamed when I told her my name. “Yes, Mr. Hughes, she’s expecting you. She asked me to call her when you arrived so she can come down.”

  I waved my hand at the suggestion. “She doesn’t need to come down. I’ll go up there.”

  She looked a little frazzled at this change of plans, so I tried for the smile that usually smoothed things over. “You can let her know I’m on my way, so I don’t surprise her.” Then I whispered. “I just don’t want to make anyone uncomfortable with the tall guy looming in the waiting room.”

  She smiled at that and nodded. “Right. I’ll buzz the door open and you can just take the elevator up to the third floor. That’s where Melissa’s office is. She’ll be waiting for you when you get there.”

  “Excellent. Thanks so much, what’s your name?”

  “Miosotis.”

  “Gracias, Miosotis.” I grinned at the surprise on her face when she heard my Spanish. It always threw people off when the white guy busted out the Dominican. I waved at her, then walked through the door when she buzzed me in.

  As I went up to meet Melissa I thought about how glad I was to be finally doing this. Being able to help an agency like this had been years in the making. Of all the places I’d reviewed, New Beginning had by far been the closest to what I’d had in mind when I started looking for an agency to fund. I hoped the people I was meeting today were as impressive in person as they’d been on paper.

  The elevator opened and a short woman with a pixie haircut and a huge smile was waiting on the other side. She looked exactly like the idea I had of a social worker. Warm, friendly and seemed like she gave amazing hugs.

  She extended her hand out to me. “Hi, Mr. Hughes, I’m Melissa Stein-Campos. Thank you so much for coming today.”

  “Hi, Melissa, please call me Tom.”

  Her smile got bigger as we shook hands. “Of course, Tom. My office is over there.” She pointed to a door at the back of the floor. Once we were in the office, she quickly walked to her desk and got on the phone, holding a finger up.

  “Hey.” She smiled at whatever the person on the phone said.

  “Yep, he’s here. Okay see you in a minute.” She winked at me as she hung up the phone.

  “That was Camilo, our residential programs director, he’ll be right down. Would you like me to get you something to drink before we start, Tom?”

  “Some water would be great actually.”

  “Of course, I’ll be right back.”

  While she went to get the water I glanced around the room. There were some posters of what looked like old events the agency had hosted, and a couple of prints with inspirational quotes. She also had some photos on the ledge behind her desk.

  One was of her and a beautiful woman who looked Latina holding a little boy between them. They were all smiling brightly at the camera, a lovely family photo. I was about to look closer at what looked like a group of people at a New Beginning event when the door opened. I turned around expecting to see Melissa, but instead I saw Milo from the gala walk in looking very serious. Having spent over a decade doing business at some of the highest echelons of the tech-world there was not much that could put me off my game in a meeting, but when I saw him, I actually stumbled.

  This must be the Camilo who would be in charge of the project. I was not one to wax poetic about fate, but this was a pretty spectacular coincidence.

  Because regardless of what I told Priya, I’d felt pangs of regret all weekend at letting him slip away at the gala. Now he was here.

  In my surprise I moved abruptly and bumped into a chair. The noise startled Camilo, making him look up. When he saw me all the blood seemed to drain from his face. The flutter of happiness in my chest at seeing him again didn’t go unnoticed, but I had to think fast. He was probably freaking out and thinking this would somehow affect the project I was here to talk about.

  I walked up to him and extended my hand. “It’s nice to see you again, Camilo. This is a very pleasant surprise. Are you the shelter director?”

  He nodded slowly like he was trying not to make any sudden movements.

  “Hi. Yes, I manage all the housing-related programs for the agency. It’s nice to see you again as well.” I could see red creeping up his neck. The impulse to touch him and get closer was intense. He had his hair in a half knot today and was wearing skinny jeans, with a very slim fitting dark green corduroy jacket over a purple button-down shirt. His style was so different than what usually caught my attention. It didn’t make a difference though. To me, everything about Camilo shined.

  “Excellent, I’m excited to hear your ideas on how I can help with the great work you’re doing here.” I sounded a bit more enthusiastic than necessary, but I really wanted to put him at ease. He swallowed visibly and then exhaled like he was realizing I wasn’t going to make what happened on Friday a thing.

  “Okay, yeah, I’m excited too.” He still looked a little startled, but seemed to be coming around. “What you’re doing is incredibly generous, so thank you.”

  “Not necessary but you’re welcome.”

  As we stood there in an awkward silence the door opened again and we both turned to see Melissa walking into the room with some water bottles in her hands.

  “Camilo, you’re here. I see you met Mr. Hughes. Excellent.” She extended a hand towards a small table near the door. “Let’s sit at the table where we can talk more comfortably. Tom, I didn’t know what you liked so I brought flat water and seltzer.”

  “Flat is fine.” She passed me a bottle, gave Camilo a seltzer, and took another for herself. Once we were all seated, Melissa passed me a packet of papers and we got to the business at hand.

  She gestured towards Camilo and smiled. “So this is Camilo Briggs, our residential programs director. He’s been with New Beginning for almost five years. He started as the program coordinator for residential. Working with advocates who support our clients in preparing for the job market and securing permanent housing among many other things. He did such an amazing job and developed such wonderful initiatives there, we had to give him a raise and a lot more work!” Melissa and I chuckled at Camilo’s mortified face. “He’s been in the position for two years and he’s been killing it there too.”

  She waved a hand over the folder in front of me. “As I mentioned when we spoke on the phone. Our agency has a strengths-based, client-centered approach. We meet our clients where they’re at in every way, and walk with them as they figure ou
t how they want to move forward after finding safety. Camilo is an amazing advocate and leader, and his programs have thrived because of it. I couldn’t have wished for a better person to head the renovation of our Harlem site.” Melissa stopped talking suddenly and gave Camilo a funny look.

  He lifted his eyebrows and she laughed. “I’m sorry, it’s just you’re so quiet! You’re usually a lot more opinionated than this.” The look of astonishment on her face was so genuine I almost laughed too.

  “Maybe it’s me.” I winked at Camilo, hoping I didn’t scare him if I mentioned we’d met. “Camilo and I actually met at a gala on Friday. We were both kind of surprised at the coincidence.”

  “Really?” Poor Melissa sounded like this meeting was turning out to be a lot more of a roller coaster than she’d planned for. “That’s wild! New York City can be like a small town sometimes, huh?”

  I laughed with her, but just nodded silently, hoping Camilo could tell I had no intention of divulging any more information about our first encounter. After a moment his shoulders seemed to relax, but not by much. I looked from Camilo to Melissa, hoping I looked harmless enough to get them to relax a bit. “Thanks for the introductions, Melissa. Camilo sounds like the perfect person to lead this project.” I turned around so I could speak to him directly and on impulse I decided to switch to Spanish. “Me dice Melissa que tú hablas español. Eso será de mucha ayuda para mí.”

  At this Camilo’s eyebrows shot up and he blurted out, “Wait, why’s your accent Dominican?” The suspicious look on his face was so endearing, I almost had to sit on my hands to keep from touching him.

  Melissa’s eyes widened like she hoped Camilo would not open his mouth again and I chuckled before answering.

  “I’m Dominican. Born and raised.”

  Chapter Four

  Camilo

  I knew I hadn’t fallen into some bizarre parallel universe, because Melissa’s office was stifling hot as usual and those corny affirmation posters she had all over the place were still hanging on the walls. But something or someone was definitely fucking with me today. First, the random I decided to give a blow job on Friday turns out to be the mysterious billionaire donor for the shelter project. Then the guy—whose name is Thomas Hughes—breaks out into Dominican Spanish. I mean both these things were possible, obviously, but it was all just too fucking weird.