“The media will be here, and I just want everything to go smoothly for you.”
“It will.”
“I know you’ll do well because you always do. Everything you touch turns to gold. You’ve done an amazing job with Unleashed Athletes, you’re an awesome father, and you’ve been an amazing husband. I couldn’t ask for more, Ash.”
“I could.”
“What?”
“Chill ya ass out, li’l bit.” I kissed her lips and led her around to the front of the building. We had pulled into the parking lot off a back street. When we arrived around front, the mediawas there already, along with several notable figures from the community, and almost all of the residents.
“Wow. A lot of people showed up. Hopefully they will continue supporting your initiative.”
“I’m sure they will. It’s for the good of the community. I’m not making money off this.”
“It’s one hell of a tax write-off though.”
“It is. Come on.”
We walked up to the platform where all the speakers were gathered and talking to each other. The cameras started flashing as we made our entrance. I waved at the crowd as I moved toward the mayor, a few city council members, and a few other notables in the community.
“My apologies for my tardiness, Mayor.”
“You’re not late, Ashton. We’re not scheduled to get started for another fifteen minutes,” Mayor Little declared.
“I know, but I wanted to be here to greet you before you arrived.”
“Pssh. Little old me. Hi, Chanel.” The mayor greeted my wife with an air kiss and a hug.
“Hello, Mayor Little. You look beautiful as always, and I’m loving those shoes.”
“Honey, I went through your style book that you posted to Sociogram and built my outfit off that. I love your style. You’re always fashionable, and your outfits are always timeless.”
“Thank you.”
They chatted a little longer, and I moved on to greet the council members before it was time to start the ceremony. I listened to the host before I was introduced and called up to speak.
“Almost two years ago, my life was in shambles. My marriage was failing, I was going through a divorce, and I was struggling to keep the truth about my life under wraps. People knew me asa team player, a generous pillar of the community, a loyal family person, and a faithful husband. But I knew the truth that I had kept hidden to keep my image intact.
“I wasn’t certain of the path ahead of me. The only thing that I knew for sure was that I was about to create a business to help other athletes like me. While that felt amazing, and it seemed like I was doing something, I knew deep inside that it wasn’t enough. I was worried about the impact my failed marriage and the lies that would come from it would have on my business. I felt empty. Then a wise woman gave me a plan to turn my reputation around in the event that it took a hit. Out of that suggestion, the idea of this center was born.
“When I first heard it, I was excited about it from the rip. When I took the idea to my family, and they became excited about it, I knew this had the potential to change lives. That’s what I wanted, and that’s what I committed myself to.
“There have been challenges along the way, but at each challenge, this woman was right by my side, telling me that I could do it,” I stated, pointing behind me at my wife, who bounced my son on her lap. “When we ran into roadblocks getting permits, building issues, contract issues, material shortages, and all the other things we encountered, she was in my ear repeating that Almighty God had a great plan, and He would not let it fail. She constantly assured me that the door that had closed wasn’t His door, but mine, and that I needed to let Him guide me. Well, His guidance has led us to this day.”
A thunderous applause and cheers erupted as I looked out on the crowd.
“Today, we introduce to you the Chanel Dubois-Santoro Community Resource Center.” I turned around and clapped hard as I looked at my wife. The leadership on the dais with me, all smiled at my wife as they clapped along with me and the audience.
Chanel stared back at me in shock with her mouth open. She looked around as if she was still trying to process the moment. Tears streamed from her eyes when she finally placed her hand over her mouth.
“Not only did we choose to create a tool and technology center, but also a community center. This is an outreach center for our youth and teens, to make sure that they do not stray, that they have a safe place to go, and that they get workshops and resources to build a brighter future. We will make sure that they won’t ‘wild out’ the way that I did, and that counselors are available to help them through the pivotal pain points of life.”
Applause resounded again, and I went to take my seat beside Chanel as another speaker stepped up to the podium to speak.
“You didn’t tell me. Why did you name it after me?” Chanel asked through her sobs.
“It was your idea, and you inspired me every step of the way. You believe in community the same as I do, but you were out here working with your hands and your heart.”
