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He nodded once, then returned to Brent.
Protective walls threatened to rise around my heart. I couldn’t let that happen. I didn’t want to push him farther away. An incredible future awaited if I could prove I wasn’t that high school kid anymore.
But watching him charm the sound check crew with a smile that never reached his eyes, I feared he might be lost already.
TWENTY-SEVEN
ETHAN
This was the last event and I wouldn’t let what was going on between Andre and me impact the finale of the festival.
Where I wanted to be was at the empty rink firing off a bunch of pucks to clear my head and work out my frustrations.
That would have to wait until morning.
I psyched myself up as if this was a media event for the Riptide. A little autopilot so the audience wouldn’t be impacted by my problems couldn’t hurt. Most of them probably already knew what had gone down, but they didn’t need to see my feelings on display.
“Five minutes to go,” Brent said.
“Thanks.” I glanced at the card with information about the first performers. I’d already memorized this. Brent had also said he’d read me anything I needed him to.
I peeked around the edge of the stage. Festivalgoers packed the park. Blankets and chairs covered the grassy area right in front while others stood around the vendor booths. The vibe was pure happiness.
Directly across the stage on the side where the performers would enter stood Andre. Even from this distance, the tension in his face and shoulders was unmistakable.
He’d tried to apologize earlier, but I hadn’t been able to hear it then. Maybe I never would. The way he’d dismissed me this morning had the sixteen-year-old that still lived inside me crushed and angry.
But I couldn’t think about that now. I had a show to host.
Brent gave me the signal, and I stepped onto the stage. The crowd’s enthusiastic response as the spotlight hit me pushed some of the heaviness from my heart.
“Good evening, Maplewood!” My voice carried through the sound system. “Welcome to the finale of what has been an incredible Pride festival. For those who don’t know me, I’m Ethan Gallagher, and it’s been an honor to be your grand marshal this year.”
More cheers erupted, and despite everything I grinned.
“We’ve got an amazing lineup of talent ready to share songs of pride and songs of love with you tonight. And stick around as we cap off the festival with fireworks.”
I introduced the first band, The Maple Keys, made up of a vocalist, guitarist, and cellist. As I exited the stage, they launched into a gorgeous acoustic version of “I Have Dreamed” from The King & I.
As the melody floated through the evening air, memories of holding Andre close and sharing quiet moments washed over me. Just this morning, everything had seemed possible.
“You’re doing great.” Brent appeared beside me with a bottle of water. “The crowd loves you.”
“Thanks.” I took a grateful sip. “How long until the next intro?”
“About ten minutes. They’ve got three songs.”
I nodded, trying to keep my attention on the music rather than looking toward Andre. It wasn’t easy. Part of me wanted to go to him and enjoy this, just like we had at the dance performance.
The band transitioned into another love song, this one slower, more intimate. Couples in the audience swayed together.
My chest ached at the sight.
Would Andre and I ever have that? Or had this morning proven that some patterns were too deeply ingrained?
The evening progressed with a steady stream of beautiful music. Each time I stepped onto the stage, I transformed into the upbeat host. Between sets, I watched the crowd, drawn to the joy radiating from familiar faces.
Tommy and Milo slow-danced. They’d found something special.
