The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora

Sunday arrives again, and the Zamoras, as well as “honorary” Zamoras, gather for their meal at La Cocina. While Uncle Carlos and others arrange tables, Aunt Tuti waves her hands hysterically and cries, “I can’t believe there’s another bid for the lot next door!” (41). Cari warns her not to upset Abuela and suggests they discuss the troubling development over dinner.

Although just six months older than Arturo, his cousin Vanessa has the maturity of a grown-up and socializes with kids who are “likely to become senators, ambassadors, and Nobel Prize winners” (44). While setting out drinking glasses with Bren, she wrinkles her nose at the smell of his “Mira Bro power deodorant” (45). Vanessa counsels Bren, who has a crush on her, “‘If you want to impress a girl, Brendan, do it with this,’ […] pointing to his head. ‘Not with…with that’” (45).

The moment Abuela finishes the mealtime prayer, clamoring erupts around the table regarding the matter of the empty lot. According to newspaper reports, Wilfrido has submitted a proposal to the city and is competing with the Zamoras for the lot. Aunt Tuti calls for a plan to fight Wilfrido, but Arturo’s mother objects.