having Yadiel close by helped too.
And just when she thought things couldn’t get any better, Carmen in Charge had been nominated for a Golden Globe.
She cuddled against Ashton’s side and gave a happy sigh. “I love you,” she whispered just for him. Saying it never got old.
He smiled down at her, eyes soft. “Te amo.”
Hearing it back never got old either.
Behind them, Ava and Michelle walked the carpet with Yadiel between them, holding his hands so he didn’t run off.
“You have your speech prepared?” Ashton murmured.
“Yeah.” She sent him a cheeky grin. “I’m going to thank your evil twin, Hector.”
He chuckled at that. Viewers had loved the reveal at the end of Carmen in Charge, when Victor opened the door to find his estranged identical twin brother, Hector—played by Ashton with a beard.
A very sexy beard, in Jasmine’s opinion.
Just then, a handler caught their attention and brought them over to a woman with a mic. But as they got closer, the woman turned, and it was—
“Kitty Sanchez!” Jasmine said on a gasp.
Kitty shot Jasmine a wide smile and even bounced a little on the tips of her toes.
“Jasmine Lin!” She grabbed Jasmine’s hand and shook it vigorously. “I’m so excited to meet you. I’m a huge fan.”
Jasmine struggled to keep from gaping at Kitty in shock. Wait, she was a fan? Then why had she been terrorizing Jasmine via gossip column for a year?
“I’ve been following your career since the beginning,” Kitty went on. “And as a fellow puertorriqueña, I really wanted to make sure you were highlighted, so people would know your name and you’d keep getting roles. Congratulations on the Golden Globe nomination. I’m unbelievably happy for you!”
Unbelievable was right, but Jasmine couldn’t help smiling back. Kitty’s enthusiasm was genuine. And while she wanted to ask, Why the mean articles and headlines, if you’re such a fan?—she didn’t. Because in that moment, she looked at Kitty and saw herself a few years back, struggling to make it in an industry that didn’t value her contributions, fighting to make her voice heard and her work visible. In reality, Kitty probably didn’t even write the headlines. There was likely an editor or someone in marketing who chose them based on SEO. And it was true, Kitty had helped make Jasmine a household name.
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