All Chapters of Blooming Backwards : Chapter 31 - Chapter 33

The applause roared as Minnie Cortez stepped onto the grand stage. Her heels clicked softly against the polished floor, lights catching on the delicate vintage beading of her Betsy Johnson gown. Johnny had stepped away just moments before—his eyes soft but shadowed, leaving her with his father and the roaring crowd.Johnny Castile’s father took the mic first. “There are a lot of incredible people in this room tonight,” he said. “But none more deserving of your time and support than this woman right here. A woman who turned her past into purpose—who made it her mission to uplift others, not because it’s easy, but because she lived through the hard parts. Minnie Cortez, director of El Camino House.”The room erupted in applause again.Minnie’s throat tightened, but she smiled. She scanned the crowd, eyes landing on a table of her kids—including Ryan—beaming with pride. Kevin waved his napkin in the air like a victory flag. Jackie gave her a double thumbs-up. She spotted Ana with tears i

Minnie sat on the edge of Kevin’s mattress—her old bed, still perfectly in its place—watching the early morning light stream through dust-moted curtains. The sheets smelled faintly of him, but it didn’t feel the same. This bed, this room, was hers again, and yet… it was hollow. Kevin stirred beside her, propping up on one elbow. “It’s going to be okay,” he murmured. She shook her head, exhaustion pooling behind her eyes. “I don’t know how, Kev… He tried. His family rallied. But it’s not Lulu — or Jeremy — that’s the problem.” She scrolled through her phone. Messages from Johnny: heart emojis, apologies, plans, desperation. Unread. Messages from his parents, Dane, and Jackie: “We love you.” “You belong here.” “Always.” Then there were her stepmom and sister: You embarrassed Dad. You blew it all up. It turned everything back inward instead of forward. She rested her head on Kevin’s shoulder. “I know it’s not him—but in one night, everything shattered. How do you recover from th