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Self-consciousness kicked in. “You know exactly how long it’s been. But come on, this is me and Andre. We need to see if we can get along for more than twenty-four hours.”

“Sometimes the best relationships start with people at odds,” Mickey said softly. I wondered if he’d already talked to Andre about this since they were friends too.

I nodded. “We should get through the festival first.” I shifted the conversation. “By the way, I heard Andre wanted to start some kind of youth camp. Do you know anything about that?”

“He’s been wanting to do a queer summer camp with sports and arts,” Mickey said. “Weekend stuff in the spring and fall too. It’s pretty ambitious. He’s scouted potential locations for months, but it hasn’t been easy. I think he even talked to Zeke about trying to use the festival grounds. It’s been a while since he’s brought it up, though.”

“It’s a terrific idea.” I closed a box of clothes and put tape across it. “Something that would fit right in around here.”

As we continued packing, the camp idea kept churning in my mind. I’d wrecked one of his possibilities for it. Could we team up and sort out a plan?

A knock interrupted my thoughts. Wade stood at the open front door, fidgeting with the strap of their messenger bag.

“Hi, Mr. Gallagher. I mean Ethan.” They corrected themselves before I could. “Thank you again for letting us use your place. We won’t mess up anything.”

“I’m happy this worked out. And don’t stress. I’m sure it’s in excellent hands with you.”

Wade relaxed, grinning.

I handed over a ring of keys. “There’s nine keys, one for you and each person on the team. I figure everyone will need to come and go at different times.”

“That’s perfect. I’m glad you thought of that. Some people will arrive tomorrow to set up and scout the event locations.”

“Sounds good. I’ll be out of here in a few minutes. If you need anything while your team’s here, don’t hesitate to ask. And if it turns out you need more room, we can make that work too.”

Wade pocketed the keys. “I think we’ll be fine, but I’ll let you know. See you later. Hope the move goes well.”

As Wade left, I looked around at the now box-free living room. Liam, Mickey, Tommy, and Milo came in. “I think that’s everything.”

“It is,” Liam confirmed.

“Fantastic. Let’s get going. The sooner we’re unpacked, the sooner there can be pizza.”

We caravanned over to the new place, with Mickey taking a quick detour to Red’s.

I looked forward to my first morning coffee on the porch.

Liam, Tommy, Milo, and I unloaded the cars, stacking things in the appropriate rooms. I’d deal with unpacking later, getting out essentials as needed.

As Tommy and Milo set down the last of their boxes in the living room, they approached me.

“Is it okay if we go check out the pond?” Milo asked while also signing.

“Of course. Just don’t fall in or anything.” I spoke and signed, always matching Milo’s communication style even when he had his hearing aids on.

They thanked me and headed out. As they walked away, it looked like Milo was teaching Tommy how to sign pond hockey.

“Alright, this is the last of it.” Liam came up the steps holding a box. “What do you say we order that pizza you promised?”

I pulled out my phone and checked the delivery app. “It’s about five minutes away.”

“Advanced ordering for the win,” Mickey said as he came in with two drink holders with five cups. “I’ll set these in the kitchen.”

“Oooh, what’d you bring?” Liam asked, going over to inspect the cups.

“The only drink appropriate to christen Ethan’s new home?”

I had a sharp intake of breath. “You didn’t!”