Quince Clash by Malín Alegría Page B

time with the equipment, huffing loudly behind them.
    â€œIs it always this hot around here?” Grace asked. Her voice was light and playful.
    Fabi nodded, fanning herself with her hand. “April is pretty bad. But just be glad it’s not July or August. That’s when the canícula hits. They say you can fry an egg on the sidewalk. I’ve never tried it. My dad would throw a fit if I wasted an egg. Thank God for air-conditioning, although my abuelita Alpha doesn’t care for the AC; she says it’s not good for her lungs and refuses to get one for her house —” Fabi was babbling and caught herself.
    Grace laughed politely. “Now, Fabi, you’re a very special girl. I must tell you, we chose you over hundreds of other entries.”
    Fabi flinched. Hundreds!
    â€œYou’re just the perfect girl for Quince Dreams . To be honest, I truly loved your story. I pushed really hard to get you selected. Now” — her voice dropped and her face became serious — “I don’t want you to change for the camera. If you’ve seen our show, you’ll know that some girls have been very dramatic, a bit over the top. They become very demanding, start fights with their friends, etc. We actually had a stabbing in the last show. That’s not what we’re trying to do here. Quince Dreams is trying to change its image. Put more heartfelt stories on air. Showcase Latina role models who are making a difference in their communities.”
    Fabi tried to hold her smile even though anxiety was running loose throughout her body — out of control. She didn’t know how to react to Grace’s comment. Role model? Her? Where was Alexis? She should be here. Alexis and Grandma Trini submitted the entry to Quince Dreams . Who knew what they actually wrote. Worry started to fester in Fabi’s stomach. But she couldn’t say anything to Grace. Fabi couldn’t ruin this opportunity. It was her only chance of winning the bet with Melodee. Plus, the whole town was now expecting the ultimate televised quince experience. One of Abuelita Alpha’s sayings rang out in her mind: “Al mal tiempo buena cara.” She put on a brave face and smiled despite her growing anxiety.
    â€œI want you to pretend like the camera is not even there,” Grace instructed. “We want some shots of you in class, at home, and at your job — doing normal stuff. I’d like to interview your best friends, the girls who’re going to be your damas .”
    â€œOkay, that’s easy.”
    Grace reviewed her notes and went on, “I think it’s great that you asked your grandmother to be a dama . I’ve never heard of anyone doing that. But you two sound real close. Grandma …”
    â€œTrinidad,” Fabi said through clenched teeth. She was going to kill her grandmother when she got home. “That’s me,” Fabi said, harsher than she wanted to. “Good ol’ Fabi.”
    Grace smiled. “Now, there’re a couple of other things you need to know about our show. Our sponsors provide all the items for the party. They’re amazing and we’ll just need to do some product placement, nothing major. We’ll weave it into the event. You won’t even notice. We’ve got the runner-up on America’s Top Fashion Designer to make the gowns. She’ll be calling this week to set up fittings and talk themes and colors.”
    â€œReally!” Fabi loved that show.
    â€œTarjay will be providing all the decorations, mementos, tableware, dishware, everything you can imagine. They’re even covering the choreographer for the dance. Who is” — she paused for emphasis — “none other than Jennifer Lopez’s personal dance choreographer!”
    â€œNo way!” Fabi’s worries faded as she grew more excited.
    â€œAnd that’s not all. We just signed on the hot new reggaeton dance hall duo from