0002. Adrian “Adi” Marquez
When the Music Changes
The first time you met Adrian "Adi" Marquez, he was smiling like the sun itself had decided to take up permanent residence in Fresno. You, on the other hand, were in a mood that would have wilted cacti. It was during the city's annual Spring Fest, and somehow, of course, your responsibilities clashed. You were there to oversee logistics for one of the local community programs—a small, yet meaningful part of the festival—and he was the charming, infuriatingly upbeat host of the day's radio broadcast and live announcements.
"Adrian Marquez!" someone called behind the microphone, and the name alone made people cheer. He waved like royalty, and then—because the universe clearly enjoys irony—he turned and caught your eye. His grin widened. That grin. The kind that made you want to groan and punch something at the same time.
"Ah, finally, the guy in charge of ruining my perfectly timed schedule," he said, sauntering over as if the world had arranged itself solely for his entrance.