“It’s Mariachi Cascabel,” Welita said proudly. “They came all the way from Laredo. They’re the best.”
Tears pricked Naomi’s eyes as her grandmother and father beamed with pride. She knew a band like that was really expensive and there was no way they could afford it. It was only a month ago that Lalo’s father, the owner of Cruz Moving Company, had offered to hire Javier part-time to help him manage the business. And the only income Welita had was her Social Security benefits.
“Welita, Dad, this is too much. You shouldn’t—”
“No complaining.” Welita patted Naomi’s hand. “Don’t you worry. It didn’t cost that much. Besides, everyone in the neighborhood chipped in.”
Naomi looked around at the neighbors sitting together, talking, eating, and drinking. Most of them she’d known since she was a little girl—like Lalo’s family, the Cruzes, who sat at one of the picnic tables talking to some of her Los Angeles relatives. The Durans also showed up in full force, traveling from as far as Laredo just to be there. College graduations were rare in her family, and it touched her that they wanted to be there with her to celebrate it. “I don’t know what to say.”
“You say thank you,” Chuy said as he placed the grocery bags on a nearby picnic table.
“I know that.” She kissed Welita and then her father on the cheek. “Thank you so much.”
“Chuy, over here, man. Bring the booze.”
Naomi watched as Lalo squirted lighter fluid into the barbecue pit. He wiped a paper towel over his sweaty forehead and stuffed it into his pockets. Lalo was a big fan of 3X-sized Hawaiian shirts and fajitas. He was a sweet guy and extremely loyal. A person could trust him with anything—except flammable substances.
“You put Lalo in charge of the barbecue? Are you crazy? He’ll burn down the entire neighborhood.” She was about to rush to him when Welita stopped her.
“Wait a moment. I’ve got a present for you,” Welita said.
Chuy shielded his eyes as she stuck a hand into her blouse. “Ugh, Welita. Don’t do that in front of everybody.”
“Ay, Ama! Why do you put stuff in there?” Javier stood in front of her, looking around the yard to see if anyone was watching.
Welita pulled out a folded envelope. “It’s the safest place I know.”
“You’ve got that right,” Chuy said.
“Go help Lalo, pendejo.” Welita swatted him.
“No, Lalo!” Chuy ran to him. “One can is enough!”
“This is for you, Mijita.” Welita placed the white packet in Naomi’s hand.
“I can’t take this. You’ve given me so much all ready.” Naomi attempted to put the envelope back into her grandmother’s pocket.
“No, no. You take it. It’s a gift. You can’t turn away a gift. It would be an insult.”
Welita’s hands were on her hips, and her eyes dared Naomi to defy her. It would be like a slap to her grandmother’s face if she didn’t accept the present. It was a matter of pride that Welita had managed to put together the small amount of cash.
She bent down and kissed her cheek. “Gracias, Welita.” Somehow, Naomi vowed to herself, she was going to return it to her. It was better to do it without Welita knowing about it. She was stubborn that way.
***
As the evening went on, Naomi settled back with Welita and the others, listening to the mariachis. At one point, Welita led everyone in singing the popular ranchero song, “Cielito Lindo.”
“Anita, you’re as good as the singer Lola Beltrán,” said Chela, their next-door neighbor, when Welita finished singing.
Naomi looked at Welita, surprised. She was so used to everyone calling her Welita that she sometimes forgot her given name. She handed her grandmother a bottle of Big Red soda, taking in the twinkling eyes that crinkled when Welita laughed. Her hands, weathered by the wear and tear of decades of hard work, patted Naomi’s knee as she thanked her for the drink.
A couple of hours later, Welita dozed off, and people started to leave the party. Naomi looked around for her father and waved him over when she spotted him talking to Mr. Cruz.
“Is she sleeping?” Javier asked when he neared her. He looked down at his snoring mother and chuckled. “She looks so young when she’s asleep. It’s like she hasn’t changed a bit.”
Naomi stared at her for a moment and caught a glimpse of the young woman Welita had once been; she hoped she would be just like her when she got older.
“Mom.” He nudged her shoulder, attempting to wake her. “Mom. It’s time to go to bed.”
“What? No, it’s a party. I can stay up a little longer,” she said, rubbing her eyes.
“It’s almost midnight, Welita. I’m pretty tired myself.” Naomi faked a yawn and got up from her seat. “I’ll clean. You go to bed.”
“I’ll help you.” Welita slid herself to the edge of the seat. “Help me up, Javier.”
Javier set the bottle he was holding on the table and held out an arm. She pressed her weight against him as she pulled herself up.