Free Quince Clash by Malín Alegría

pretending to be surprised. “It’s true.”
    Grace smiled, enjoying the banter. “So will you be in the quince party?”
    â€œFor sure,” Santiago said, breaking out into a little dance. “I’ve got moves.”
    Grace laughed at Santiago’s antics. Then she looked at Fabi and the light dimmed in her eyes. She pulled out a manila envelope from her large leather handbag. “I’m really sorry to have to do this, but my boss really wants you to sign these documents.”
    â€œNo problem,” Fabi said, walking over to her.
    â€œIt’s just some legal documents giving us permission to tape you at home and …” Her face fell completely, and Fabi became nervous. This couldn’t be good. “There’s no delicate way to say this. My boss wants permission to film you if you get sick.”
    Santiago shot Fabi a surprised look.
    Fabi shrugged back at him. “Okay,” she said.
    â€œI’m really sorry. But he really wants to tape everything, you know.”
    This conversation was getting stranger and stranger. What was she talking about? But instead of asking, Fabi just nodded.
    Grace let out a sigh of relief and smiled sadly. “Oh, Fabi, you’re such a good sport. I really appreciate you letting us do this. You’re a brave girl.” She glanced at her watch. “Great! I’ve got to go. We want to get some shots of the town before the light goes. See you tomorrow.” Grace waved and headed down the alley.
    Santiago turned to her. “What was that all about?”
    â€œBeats me,” Fabi said, shaking her head in confusion. Something was up, and she couldn’t shake the feeling that things were going seriously wrong. “But I know who does, and I’m getting to the bottom of it right now.”
    Â 
    Fabi and Santiago entered the restaurant from the back. A Johnny Cash classic was playing on the old jukebox and customers were chattering excitedly. The usual clanging of pots came from the kitchen, where her father was busy preparing meals. Chuy was rushing between the comal and the counter, filling orders for more flour tortillas.
    Chuy saw them and called out in Spanish, “Where you guys been? That TV lady was here looking for you.”
    â€œI saw her out back,” Fabi said, gesturing to the alley.
    Chuy nodded, then turned to Santiago. “Hey, those dishes aren’t going to wash themselves.”
    Santiago grabbed Fabi’s elbow and said, “Promise me you won’t mention what you saw back there, you know, with the Salinas brothers. I meant it when I said I’d take care of it. I don’t want you to worry about it, okay?”
    â€œBut, Santi —” Fabi protested.
    He pinched her cheek softly. “You just focus on being amazing for the cameras. Okay, guapa ?”
    â€œFine,” she agreed. “Promise me you won’t do anything crazy without talking to me first?”
    Santiago smiled just as Mr. Garza repeated Chuy’s request for him to wash the dishes. “Got to go. Boss man wants his dishes clean.”
    Fabi shook her head as Santiago hurried into the kitchen. She couldn’t help but worry about her cousin. But this wasn’t the time. Fabi looked across the room at her grandma Trini and Alexis. They were flipping through some fashion magazine and ripping out pictures they liked. She marched over to them to get some answers.
    â€œHey,” Alexis said with a big smile, “what do you think of this dress? I like off the shoulders, but Grandma Trini wants a mermaid-style dama dress.”
    â€œI have to show off what God gave me,” Grandma Trini said, gesturing to her bosom. “You know, before they go down to my knees.” Alexis started to giggle. But Fabi wasn’t laughing.
    â€œWhat’s the matter?”
    â€œWhat’s the matter?” Fabi cried. “What’s the matter?” The customers nearest her stopped