Page 7

After we said our goodbyes, I headed out.

My mind reeled. Ethan Gallagher bought the Montgomery place? How did that happen so quickly? I took a deep breath, trying to quell my frustration.

My phone buzzed in my pocket. Dad’s smiling face lit up the screen, and I answered.

“Hey, Dad!” Hearing from him improved my mood. “Didn’t expect to hear from you today.”

“We had to call. Just heard about your nomination. Congratulations!” Dad’s voice radiated happiness. “We’re so proud of you.”

“You’re amazing!” Sato, my stepdad, called out from somewhere in the background.

“Thanks, both of you. I’m still processing it, to be honest.”

“You deserve it. Your banned books initiative has made significant impact.” Dad paused. “How’s the festival prep going? You holding up okay?”

I forced brightness into my voice. They didn’t need to know about the challenges, especially since they were halfway around the world in Tokyo. “Everything’s on track. Just finished a planning meeting, actually. Lots of exciting things coming together. Grandma’s going to be able to watch at least some of it from there.”

“She would love that,” Sato said, closer to the phone now.

“Speaking of Grandma, how’s the birthday celebration?”

“She’s having the time of her life,” Dad said. “She sends her love.”

“Tell her I love her right back, and happy birthday again.”

We chatted for a few more minutes, and they mentioned they were looking forward to being home before the festival began. Right after we disconnected, Dad sent me a picture from earlier in the evening showing Sato’s mom surrounded by friends and family, beaming with joy.

The moment with my dads and seeing the terrific family photo provided a needed reset for my mood so that I could get on with the rest of the day.

THREE

ETHAN

The walk toward Town Hall was a perfect transition after going over hockey camp details with Liam, my best friend since forever. We’d met the first day of kindergarten, bonded over hockey trading cards, and become instant best friends. Luckily, we survived a misguided attempt at dating in high school, and we kept our strong friendship. We’d co-founded the camp five years ago, and he was also Maplewood’s youth hockey coach.

Maplewood buzzed with pre-festival energy as a team of people moved along the sidewalk using a bucket lift to hang Pride banners from the lampposts. Many of the storefronts featured vibrant rainbow displays at various stages of completion.

My hometown was always a comfortable place to be, which I needed since a persistent anxiety picked away at me. The grand marshal role was an honor, but thinking about working with Andre and the events of the festival set off a fresh wave of dread that I did my best to keep in check.

I waved and smiled at several familiar people as I walked, invigorated by the small-town camaraderie. Living in a town where everyone knew everyone was something I never tired of, and that connection eased the nerves that crept in as the festival approached. No matter how many visitors came to Maplewood for the celebration, I represented this community, and they would take care of me. That sense of belonging felt like armor, offering the same protection I found on the ice as part of a team.

“Coach Ethan,” called someone from behind me.

I turned to find Tommy Harrington and Mimi Abbott running in my direction. They had attended camp since we started and were always part of the first session.

“Hey! How’ve you been?”

“Great,” Tommy said. “I had a personal best for goals this season.”

I offered him a fist bump. “Well done. Sounds like the work with Liam paid off. How about you?” I looked at Mimi.

“I got a hockey scholarship to Ohio State.” Mimi bounced, unable to contain her excitement.

“Oh my God, Mimi! I’m so proud of you. Can I give you a hug?” Even though I was pretty sure she’d say yes, it was important to ask.

She nodded, smiling as she stepped in, and we embraced briefly.

“That’s amazing. Congratulations.”