Page 18

EIGHTEEN

ANDRE

“I’m happy to say nothing’s changed from last night.” Olivia beamed as she spread jam on her toast. “Everything’s ready for today. The rest of the weekend is in good shape too.”

We sat at our usual meeting table at Red’s, having our traditional breakfast. The combination of anticipation and relief that we had pulled this off energized everyone.

“The live streaming setup is solid.” Wade tapped their tablet.

“The crew’s already been out this morning for a last test of the outdoor locations.

Testing for indoor locations will happen an hour before we’re supposed to start broadcasting.

” They reviewed their tablet one last time.

“We even have more crew than we need, so if extra hands are required anywhere, you can text the AV group chat and someone should be available.”

I sipped my tea, appreciating that we had no pressing matters. The past few days had been a whirlwind, but they’d led the charge of the wider group of volunteers making this work.

The vendor tents stood ready, the art installations were complete, all the venues reported they were ready with the programming, and even the weather looked like it would cooperate for the weekend.

Mickey’s voice broke through my thoughts. “You’re being suspiciously quiet.”

“Just going through mental checklists.” I picked up a piece of bacon, masking my expression.

Olivia’s eyebrows shot up. “Really? Because usually when you’re doing that, you’re rapid-fire asking us questions about every detail. This morning you seem…” She paused, studying my face. “Relaxed?”

“The festival starts in four and a half hours.” Wade looked at me with mock concern. “Should we be worried that you’re not more stressed?”

Heat crept up my neck. “Can’t I be confident in our preparation?”

“Uh-huh.” Mickey’s tone was knowing. “I’ve been part of planning or watching you plan countless events. You’re never this calm.” He studied me. “Does this have anything to do with dinner?”

Wade’s coffee cup hung in midair. “Oh yeah. You didn’t tell us anything about last night.”

“It was just dinner.” My voice remained neutral despite the smile tugging at my lips. “You know that meal that happens in the evening?”

“But this was with Ethan?” Olivia leaned forward as Mickey nodded. “You have to tell us everything.”

I should have known I couldn’t keep anything from them. But the memory of last night—the conversation, the delicious food, the walk by the pond, what we did next to the pond—made me want to hold on to the details for myself a little longer.

“It was nice.” I took another sip of coffee.

“That’s all we get?” Olivia protested. “Nice?”

“I’m going to excuse myself here.” Wade looked at their watch. “I’ve got some B-roll I want to shoot.” They looked at me with a gentle smile. “I’m glad you had a nice dinner, though I think it sounds like it was a lot more than just nice. Don’t let these two make you say more than you want to.”

“Thank you, Wade. I’ll check in with you later today. Let me know if you need anything.”

“Will do. See you all later.” Wade shook their head and a soft chuckle trailed after them.

“I’ll head out too.” Olivia stood, collecting her bag. “The Palette’s staff is coming in early so we can prep some things.”

As they left, Mickey settled back in his seat, crossing his arms. “So, now that it’s just us…”

I groaned and scrubbed my hand over my face. “You’re not going to let this go, are you?”

“Nope.” Mickey’s voice was gentle despite his teasing tone. “Come on, you’re practically glowing. And it’s not because the festival’s ready.”

I met his patient gaze. Mickey had been there through all my relationship ups and downs, offering support without judgment. If anyone deserved to hear about this, it was him.

“It was perfect.” The words rushed out. “Not in a fancy way but in all the right ways. He cooked dinner, we ate on the deck looking out over the woods. And we talked about everything.” I paused, remembering how comfortable the conversation had been. “He actually asked about the camp.”

Mickey leaned forward. “How’d that go?”

“Better than I imagined. He suggested we might be able to team up.” My heart sped up when I thought about that moment. “Can you believe that? After I basically attacked him for buying the land?”

Mickey’s smile was knowing. “I had a feeling you two would click once you got past the high school stuff. Teaming up on an enormous project like that is beyond what I expected, though.”

I traced the rim of my coffee cup. “We’re more than clicking. We went for a walk along the pond after dinner and…” I trailed off as warmth rose in my cheeks. This wasn’t the place for private details.

“Ah.” Mickey’s expression softened. “That good, huh?”

“Yeah.” I wondered if Mickey had been the one Ethan had his first time with. They were friends back then. Of course it could’ve been anyone, but I kept trying to guess.

“You deserve a night like that. Have you heard from him this morning?”

“No.” A hint of anxiety crept into my voice because I’d been back and forth on if the silence meant anything. “But he’s probably busy with the hockey camp. And we’re both swamped with the festival starting today. I haven’t reached out either.”

Mickey studied me for a moment. “But you’re worried.”

It was a blessing and a curse how well he was able to read me. “Is it crazy to be thinking about what happens after the weekend? After the summer? He does live in Seattle most of the year.”

“Not crazy.” Mickey’s voice was steady. “But maybe don’t get ahead of yourself. See how things develop in the near term first.”

“I just… I really like him. More than I expected.” I sighed as I leaned in.

“And it’s not only the physical attraction, though that’s definitely there.

” My cheeks warmed again. I was thankful my dark skin made it more difficult for the blush to show.

“He’s thoughtful and kind, and when he talks about the community, you can tell how much he cares. ”

“Have you told him any of this?”

“Not exactly.” I shrugged. “Isn’t it too soon?”

The buzzing of my phone cut Mickey off as he started to respond. I glanced at the screen, expecting a message from Ethan. Instead, it was an unknown number from Burlington.

“I should see who this is,” I said as I tapped the connect button. “Hello. This is Andre.”

“Mr. Thompson, hello,” a crisp, professional voice said. “This is Maya Bristol from the Burlington Free Press. I’m hoping to get some information about the Pride festival’s live streaming initiative to put up on our website.”

I sat up straighter, shifting into what Mickey called my library director voice. “Yes, of course. We’re very excited about the streaming initiative.”

As I listened to the reporter’s questions, Mickey mouthed need to go and gestured toward the diner’s counter. I nodded, giving him a grateful smile as he slipped away.

“The live streaming allows us to share Maplewood’s Pride festival with people who might not be able to attend in person,” I explained, mentally thanking Wade for their thorough briefings.

“In particular, we’re happy we can share with anyone who may not have a Pride celebration where they live, as well as those who may not be comfortable or feel safe attending Pride. ”

“That’s fantastic,” Maya said. “I’m going to be there this afternoon for the opening ceremony. I’d love to talk to you and Ethan Gallagher. Would you both be available?”

My heart did a little flip at the mention of Ethan’s name.

“I’ll need to check with him, but I don’t see why not.

The ceremony ends at twelve thirty—would twelve forty-five work?

I’d also like to have you talk to Wade Connor.

They’re our streaming coordinator. Without them and the volunteer crew they put together, we wouldn’t be able to do it. ”

“I’d love to get some comments from them too.” She paused and I heard typing in the background.

After arranging a few more details, I ended the call and checked the time—eight forty-five. The morning was slipping away fast. I still needed to stop by the library to finish some things before heading to Maplewood City Park’s amphitheater for final prep on the ceremony.

I swiped to my messages and hovered my thumb over Ethan’s name. Should I text him about the reporter? Or say good morning?

Before I decided, Ingrid appeared with the check. “Mickey said to put it on the house, but he knew you’d argue about that.”

“He knows me too well.” I handed her my card. “Tell him thank you, though.”

As I waited for her to return, I typed out a message to Ethan.

Andre: Good morning! Thanks again for last night. I had the best time. Wanted to let you know that a reporter from Burlington wants photos and a quick interview after the ceremony. Around 12:45? Is that okay?

I’d barely set the phone down when it buzzed. I fumbled picking it up, and it skittered off the table onto the floor, taunting me as Ethan’s name flashed on the screen. Ingrid scooped it up as she returned with my card and the receipt.

“Looks like that was a soft landing.” She placed everything on the table.

“Thank goodness.” The phone appeared unharmed.

“Hope you have an amazing opening this afternoon.”

I smiled and thanked her before she headed over to a group that had sat down a couple of tables over.

The phone buzzed again, urging me to read the waiting message. As if it was possible to forget.

Ethan: Perfect timing. On a break from the morning camp session. 12:45 works. I more than enjoyed last night. Can’t wait to see you later.

He punctuated the message with a heart emoji.

It made me smile like a teenager with a crush.

“What’s got you smiling, son?”

I looked up from my phone to find Dad and Sato standing next to the table. I jumped up to hug them.

“It’s great to see you! I didn’t expect to see you until the opening ceremony based on your late-night text.”

“As exhausted as we were, we got hungry,” Dad said.

“Um, no. Be honest, Ray.” Sato cocked an eyebrow at Dad. “You got hungry and woke me up so you’d have company.” He leaned in and kissed Dad’s cheek.

“He’s not wrong.” Dad kissed Sato back. “Luckily he loves me so he came along with me. Good timing too, finding you here. Figured you’d be running around with final checks.”

“Actually, things are in good shape.”

“That’s good news. It also means you can tell us what brought that smile to your face.” He smirked at Sato, who also turned to me with a glint in his eye. “Could it have anything to do with the picture in Maplewood Matters of you and Ethan Gallagher under a tent?”

Of course they saw that. My cheeks heated and I hid my face in my hands.

“I think it is,” Sato said.

There was no use trying to hide anything from these two. I waved Ingrid over to get their order along with another tea for me so I could give them a PG-rated rundown on what was happening with me and Ethan.