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TWENTY-ONE

ETHAN

The theater buzzed with excitement as people found their seats for the evening’s dance program.

Where yesterday had been mostly about the festival, today had been a full day of camp. With the exhibition game tomorrow, coaches and campers had focused on that.

I’d seen Andre briefly as I met him and Wade to talk about streaming for the game, but that was it. We’d maintained a steady text stream, though. Every time the phone buzzed, I was eager to get to it because I knew it was probably him.

I’d saved Andre a seat between Dixon and me. Dixon was currently engaged in animated conversation with Cole and Miles, who were sitting in front of us, and the three of them were dissecting today’s ice time.

“You should’ve seen how pumped our team was.” Dixon leaned forward in his seat. “Tommy and Milo showed off some passing sequences that are going to crush you guys. And we’ve got these guys at center.” He fist-bumped Cole and Miles.

“Dream on,” I said, knowing how outstanding my team had been. “We worked on some moves that’ll have your defense spinning. Plus I’ve got Caleb, and he knows exactly how you and Cole play. And don’t forget who taught Tommy that backhand shot he loves.”

“I’m not worried.” Dixon puffed out his chest a bit. “Milo and I have great chemistry on D. Nothing is getting by us.”

“Speaking of clicking…” Kyle turned around from where he sat next to Cole. “Is this date number two for you and a certain librarian and festival organizer?”

Warmth crept into my cheeks. “Maybe.”

“And how is it going?” Cole prompted. “I get why you don’t talk about it at camp around the kids, but we’re all grown-ups here.”

“It’s good and that’s all I’m saying.” I grinned at their collective groan of disappointment. Besides, while we were all grown-ups here, there were plenty of people around who could overhear our conversation which would be even more fodder for Maplewood Matters .

“Come on,” Miles said. “We’ve been rooting for you two since we got here.”

“You’ve been here less than forty-eight hours.”

“Exactly. And in that time, I’ve seen enough to know I need more details.”

Before I could respond, Caleb spoke up in his captain’s voice. “Leave him alone, guys. He doesn’t need us badgering him. Though I gotta say, Ethan, it’s nice seeing how happy you seem.”

“Hello, everyone.” Andre’s voice washed over me, making my heart swell with happiness. He stood at the end of our row, looking handsome in dark jeans and a deep purple button-down with the sleeves rolled up.

A chorus of greetings went up as everyone shifted to let him through to his seat. As he sat down, his smile was warm and private. “Hi.”

“Hi.” I took his hand. “How was the book festival?”

“Fantastic. The discussions were engaging, and we had a great turnout.” His thumb traced small circles on the back of my hand. “How was camp?”

“Busy with prep for tomorrow’s game. You missed Dix’s attempt at trash talk earlier.”

Dix shot me a slightly evil look and then grinned, which made Andre chuckle.

“I’m looking forward to seeing you play.”

The house lights dimmed slightly, and Oscar stepped onto the stage. He looked sharp in black pants and a fitted black T-shirt with rainbow piping at the collar and sleeves.

“Good evening, everyone!” Oscar’s voice carried through the theater.

“I’m Oscar Salazar and I’m thrilled to be your host for this evening as well as a performer in the closing piece.

Welcome to what promises to be an incredible night of dance.

We’ve got eight fantastic performances, featuring both local talent and some special guests. ”

Andre’s hand warmed mine as the house lights dimmed further and Oscar introduced the first act. Andre leaned close, his shoulder pressing against mine as we settled in to watch the performance. As much as I’d looked forward to this program, I wished Andre and I were at my place. Alone.

The first few performances showcased an array of talent and diversity. Each piece told a unique story, from an energetic hip-hop routine to a contemporary duet that had the audience holding their breath with all its tricks.

During a pause between performances, Liam called out to me from down the row and help up his program showing the pictures of the performers. “Did you see that Daniel June is performing?”

“Oh, look at that.”

“I don’t recognize that name,” Andre said.

“He’s from Burlington and was at camp”—I thought for a moment—“three years ago. He was so passionate about both hockey and ballet.” I smiled at the memory. “We encouraged him to pursue both because there was no reason not to.”

Oscar returned to introduce him. “Next up, we have Daniel June and James Martinez performing Love Finds Its Way , a waltz they choreographed together.”

Daniel and James took the stage in matching navy blue suits. As the music began—a piano arrangement of a pop song I recognized but couldn’t name—they moved together with fluid grace. Their connection was evident in every step, every turn, every lift.

“They’re incredible,” Andre whispered, his fingers intertwining with mine.

Words failed me. I remembered a teenage Daniel, uncertain about balancing his passions. Now he danced with such confidence and joy. When the piece ended, I was on my feet cheering with the rest of the audience.

“That’s your impact right there,” Andre said as we sat back down. “You and Liam encouraged him to be himself.”

“We just listened to him. Gave him space to figure things out.”

“Sometimes that’s all people need.” Andre’s voice was soft, understanding.

The next piece was a group number featuring dancers from a local studio. Their energy was infectious, and my foot tapped to the beat. During the next reset, Dixon excused himself.

Andre looked confused but I knew what was happening.

Dixon stepped out on stage. “Good evening. I’m Dixon Cliff and it’s my privilege to introduce the evening’s final performance. First, I have to say how wonderful it’s been being here in Maplewood the past few days, coaching at Ethan’s camp and celebrating Pride with you all.”

The audience applauded.

“The piece you’re about to see holds a very special place in my heart.

Earlier this year, I attended a performance of Ballet Strong when its tour stopped in New York.

That night I reconnected with Oscar after years apart.

This piece, entitled Time , was a stunning part of that performance.

Tonight is the first time that Oscar and his dance partner Nathaniel Mayer have performed it since the tour ended.

I can’t imagine a more perfect place for it than as part of these festivities.

They are accompanied tonight by Maplewood’s own Dmitri Fairchild on violin. ”

As Dixon left the stage, the theater went completely dark.

When the lights came up again, they revealed Oscar on the left side of the stage and Nate on the right, both dressed in simple gray pants and white T-shirts.

Dmitri stood on a small platform at the back of the stage, illuminated in a soft pool of light, violin at the ready.

The first notes Dmitri played filled the space—haunting, beautiful, full of longing. Oscar and Nate began to move, each in their own space, their movements suggesting searching, yearning. As the music built, they drew closer together, their paths crossing but not quite connecting.

Andre’s grip tightened as the dancers came together in a breathtaking series of lifts and turns. Their strength and grace told a story of two people finding each other and falling in love. Our journey mirrored theirs in some ways—from our misunderstandings to where we were now.

Sitting here holding hands, watching the performance, our story was just beginning.

The violin’s melody became more complex as Oscar and Nate moved through what was clearly the evolution of a relationship. Their movements spoke of trust, intimacy, and deep connection. There were moments of playfulness, tender touches, passionate embraces. Each gesture was powerful yet vulnerable.

I glanced at Andre. He was completely absorbed in the performance, his eyes glistening. When he noticed me looking, he met my gaze with a soft smile that made my heart skip.

We turned back to the stage just as the music shifted to a slower, more contemplative tone.

The dance continued, showing the depth of a love that grew over a life. Oscar and Nate moved as if they were one person, their synchronicity breathtaking. The violin sang out a melody that seemed to capture every emotion—joy, fear, desire, commitment.

As the piece drew to a close, the music became soft and delicate. The dancers’ movements slowed until Oscar kneeled beside Nate, who lay still on the stage. The last notes of the violin faded away along with the lights, leaving the theater in darkness.

For a moment, there was silence.

Then the audience erupted in thunderous applause. Everyone around me rose to their feet in appreciation. As the stage lights came up, tears glistened in many eyes, including my own.

Oscar and Nate took their bows, then brought Dmitri forward to share in the adulation. The three of them invited the other performers on stage and everyone took a final bow before the house lights came up.

As people began gathering their things, I turned to Andre. “I’ve only seen part of that in a clip that Dixon shared. Watching it live and being so close to it was incredible.”

He wiped at his eyes. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything quite like it.”

Around us, our friends discussed the performance with enthusiasm, and several tissues were passed out from a packet that someone had produced.

“Do you want to come backstage with me?” I asked Andre. “I’d love to say hello to Daniel and congratulate Oscar and Nate.”

“Of course.”

We excused ourselves and navigated through the crowds leaving so we could get to the stage.

Backstage was buzzing. We found Daniel and James first, still in their navy suits, talking with a group of performers and audience members.

“I’m sorry to interrupt.” I came up next to Daniel, and he gave me a big smile.

“Coach Gallagher! I’m so glad you’re here. This is my boyfriend, James.”

“James, it’s good to meet you. You two were incredible.” I pulled Daniel into a hug. “I’m so proud of you.”

“It’s great to meet you, Coach Gallagher. Daniel has told me so much about you. He’s quite the talk at school as the goalie who also dances.”

“I love that so much. Daniel, James, this is Andre Thompson.” Andre shook hands with them as I talked. “He’s…” I looked to Andre. “We haven’t figured that out yet, have we?” I chuckled nervously.

Andre laughed while Daniel and James looked amused.

“Nice, Coach!” Daniel said.

“You coming to the game tomorrow?”

“Wouldn’t miss it.”

“Great. Let’s catch up after.” I didn’t want to take up more of his time here. “I’ll let you get back. Congratulations again. You were spectacular.”

I gave Daniel another quick hug, and we made our way over to Oscar, Nate, and Dmitri.

“That was spectacular,” I told them. “I’d heard the original music in a clip Dixon showed me, but the solo violin—wow.”

“It was all thanks to Dmitri,” Oscar said, clapping the violinist on the shoulder.

“He heard the recorded track we’d brought and approached us to play live instead.

We only had two rehearsals, but it came together fast and beautifully.

I’m going to share the live stream footage with the original choreographer.

He may want to adapt that for the future. ”

“It was really something having moved from piano and guitar on the tour to Dimitri’s solo.” Nate took a drink from his water bottle. “It elevated everything.”

Dmitri smiled modestly. “It was an honor to be part of such a beautiful piece. I think the violin part tells its own story alongside theirs.”

Oscar and Nate agreed, and after a few more minutes of conversation, Andre and I excused ourselves so they could talk to more admirers.

“What are you up to now?” Andre asked as we headed into the main theater space.

I shrugged. “Have something in mind?”

“Could we go to your place? Hang out on the deck?”

“Absolutely.” Happiness fluttered in my chest. Andre was comfortable enough to ask for what he wanted. I’d been planning to extend an invitation, but having him take that step thrilled me.