You Had Me at Hola(92)

Besides, hadn’t it all worked out for the best anyway?

Jasmine leaned in and gave Kitty a hug. “Thank you,” she whispered. “I know it’s hard.”

When she leaned back, Kitty had tears shining in her hazel eyes. She pointed the mic toward the carpet and said in a soft voice, “You’re an incredible actress, and I just really want you to go far.” She sniffled, then turned to Ashton. “You too. We need more Latinx actors breaking new ground in this industry.”

Ashton nodded. “We’re trying.”

Kitty pulled herself together and held up the mic again. “Okay, I do have some real interview questions, if you have time?”

When they were done, Ava and Michelle wandered closer. Yadiel dropped their hands and grabbed Ashton’s, reporting back on all the actors he’d seen and recognized. He was over the moon at how many superheroes had shown up.

“What was that about?” Ava asked lightly.

Jasmine sighed. “That was Kitty Sanchez. Turns out she’s a huge fan.”

Michelle barked out a laugh. “’Course she is.” Then she linked her arm through Jasmine’s. “Thanks for bringing us. Maybe I’ll hook up with an Avenger while we’re here.”

Jasmine smiled, but she knew Michelle was joking. Michelle didn’t date.

Ava slipped her arm through Jasmine’s other arm. “I just saw Rita Moreno. Now I can die happy.”

“We’ve come a long way,” Jasmine murmured, remembering their days watching the red-carpet broadcast in their grandparents’ living room. She knew everyone back at home was watching tonight, and while she wanted to win, it would be okay if they didn’t.

This was only the beginning.

And she was just happy to share it with the people she loved.





Acknowledgments


First, I want to send my love to Puerto Rico. While I’ve never lived there, I feel a deep connection to the island. I still have family there, which makes that bond even stronger. Over the last few years, the people of Puerto Rico have weathered one blow after another. But Puerto Ricans are resilient and compassionate, and I am inspired by their strength every day. With these stories, I hope to show mi gente living our best lives—with success, happiness, and, most of all, love.

This book would never have happened if not for the unwavering support and enthusiasm of my agent, Sarah E. Younger. At every step, she goes above and beyond, and I’m so grateful to have her on my team.

I also owe tremendous gratitude to my editor, Elle Keck, for her guidance and encouragement. She built me up during low moments in the creative process and cheered me on during the highs.

Sarah and Elle, I can’t thank you both enough!

I also give my thanks to the publicity team at Avon, including Rhina, Pam, and Kayleigh; to the art department, especially Elsie; to my copyeditor, Cecilia; and to the production team, Rachel W., Rachel M., Pamela, Lizz, and Diahann. It takes a village! Thanks for all you do.

Special thanks go to Bo Feng Lin for creating a cover illustration beyond my wildest dreams. It’s perfect and I love it more than I can say.

I have a lot more people to thank, so please bear with me. Books may be written by the writer, but the support system is huge.

To my fellow #LatinxRom authors—Adriana Herrera, Priscilla Oliveras, Mia Sosa, Sabrina Sol, Zoraida Córdova, Lydia San Andres, Angelina M. Lopez, Diana Mu?oz Stewart, Natalie Ca?a, Liana De la Rosa, and more—you remind me why I’m doing this, and I’m so honored to be part of this vibrant and growing community with all of you.

To my Golden Heart Rebelles, you are an endless source of encouragement and love. Special thanks to Evi Kline, Scarlett Peckham, Laurel Kerr, and Sarah Morgenthaler for providing early feedback.

To my friend Susan Lee, who, at times, served as my writing babysitter, and who also made sure I took breaks to see Broadway musicals.

To my Team RWchat mastermind group, thank you for being with me every step of the way—Kimberly Bell, C. L. Polk, and especially Robin Lovett, who read each scene as I wrote it and assured me it was fine and to just keep going.

To my cousins Kathryn, Lisa, and CarlyAnn, who championed this book when it was just a glimmer of an idea scribbled in a notebook.

To my fellow New York City romance writers, who always remind me to celebrate. Cheers!

To my beta readers, who provided invaluable insights: Ana Coqui, Audrey Flegel, Elizabeth Mahon, Marianne Robles, and Amber Friendly. This book is better because of your help. And to Laura Clifton, who gave me details and encouragement early on.

To Kate Brauning, my excellent writing coach, who asks the best (and toughest) questions, and to her Breakthrough Writers community for the accountability.

I also have to thank my parents, who encouraged my artistic pursuits, and my boyfriend’s parents, for their unfailing support.

And as always, I give thanks for my boyfriend, who refills my mug with tea and refills my confidence with impromptu pep talks. Thank you for believing in me when I don’t always believe in myself.

And last but most certainly not least, I am grateful for my readers. Thank you for giving this book the gift of your time, your attention, your feelings. It means the world to me.