Chapter 6

“I could really get used to this!” Karmen giggled as she looked over at her sister. It was Saturday morning and the girls were at a salon getting their hair done. But first, was the obligatory facial and mani- pedi.

“Oh, the things we do to look good for our men!” Felicia sighed. Her face was currently slathered in a paste that included avocado and other things that were rich in vitamins and antioxidants. The girls just called it ‘face goop’ as it was spread over their forehead and cheeks.

Knowing the great demand for time at the salon on the day of the Homecoming dance, Sylvia had made the reservations a month earlier and prepaid for ‘the works’ for each girl. She had also passed her AMEX card to Felicia just in case it was needed. When asked what nail polish she wanted, Karmen chose a deep red that was close to the color of her dress. Felicia picked out a demure coral blush.

The girls chattered between themselves and the salon employees about the upcoming dance and how Scott had traveled to be there.

“He must be a very special man to come so far to be with you!”

“Si, he is wonderful. I love him so much!”

The hairdresser smiled. “You make sure to come back to get your hair done when it’s time for the wedding!” Karmen just closed her eyes and smiled to herself.

After the styling, mani-pedi and the ‘face goop’ being removed, a makeup artist worked with the girls to subtly apply makeup to further enhance their natural beauty. Healthy tips were given out along with many thanks from the sisters.

While the girls were being pampered, Hector had taken Tank and Scott for a visit to his own barber shop. This was not some fancy salon type place, but rather an old fashioned barber shop where you got a shave with a straight razor that was first stropped on a leather strip and hot foam applied to the face. Scott made sure not to move as he felt the blade on his neck.

The barber toweled his face clean and asked; “So what will it be, young man?”

“I guess a trim? Make it look neat? I just don’t want to embarrass my girlfriend tonight.”

“After last night, you could probably wear a clown suit and she wouldn’t care,” Hector smiled. “Son, it was so hectic last night that I didn’t have a chance to properly thank you for what you did.”

“Wait, what?” Tank was confused.

“While you and your team were fighting towards gridiron glory, Scott had to deal with some gusano that had been pestering Karmen for a while. He confronted him and Scott opened up, what is it they call it? A can of whoop-ass on him.”

“I just wanted him to understand that Karmen was free to decide who she wanted to be with. She had no interest in him. But he struck me as the type who will take what he wants if it’s not given. I know a few guys like that back in Lodi and the only thing they respect is showing strength.”

Hector proceeded to tell Tank (and the others in the barber shop) how Scott had dealt with Merced. The barber working on him patted his shoulder. “Eres un hombre de honor.”

Hector smiled. “He certainly IS a man of honor. I admit I was unsure of him when I first learned about Karmen dating him last summer. But Scott, for what it’s worth, you have my endorsement.”

“Thank you sir. Um, strange question, but that word isn’t in my Spanish lessons. What is a ‘gusano’ anyway?”

“It means maggot,” Tank muttered. “I can have the guys on the team keep an eye on Karmen for the rest of the year. Once Merced graduates he won’t be a problem any more, and you won’t have to drive your jalopy out here to deal with him. Felicia told me about it. Seriously? They call it ‘Pokey Smokey’?”

“Hey, it’s a pile of junk, but it’s MY pile of junk!” Scott laughed.

The family enjoyed a light dinner in the late afternoon. The dance would start at 8:00 and Tank would be there around 7:00 for pictures before driving the two couples to the dance. As the sisters stood to get dressed in their rooms, Scott gently took Karmen’s hand.

“Querida? Can we sit for a few minutes in the family room before you get ready?”

Karmen nodded, not noticing the reaction from her parents at Scott’s use of the word ‘darling’ to her. They sat together facing each other on a loveseat, knees touching.

“You know I love you,” Scott took her hands in his. “And I know you love me. But I just want to try to help you understand just how much I love you.” Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a small box. With trembling hands, Karmen accepted it. Inside the box was a ring with an emerald. “This is called a ‘promise ring’ because I promise that I will always love you and one day I will replace it with an engagement ring. Since we were both born in May, our birth stone is an emerald.”

Once the ring went on her left hand, Karmen wrapped her arms around him and sobbed with joy. “Oh! Mi querido! How wonderful you are! I’m so lucky to have you! I love you so much and I’ll never take this off!” A flurry of kisses danced across Scott’s face.

The rest of the family had paused to watch the young couple. Sylvia led the girls to their bedrooms so they could start dressing and help Karmen fix her makeup. Hector stood in front of Scott.

“Remember, I did say she is precious to me.”

“I understand, sir. And I told you that she is the most important thing in my life. I love her without compare and would never hurt her. I know that we’re young and have a lot of challenges ahead of us. But I’m certain that we can make it work. And,” Scott took a deep breath, “I understand that while you have given me your tentative approval, I haven’t forgotten that you’re an asshole. Trust me, I have no desire for you to damage me.”