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“They’ll be at the festival, so I’m sure you’ll run into them at some point.”
I turned to meet Andre’s steely gaze. “Can we talk for a minute? In private?”
He hesitated, then nodded.
“Sorry to steal him away,” I said to Olivia.
“No problem. You guys should talk.” She gave Andre a pointed look.
Andre and I moved to a quiet corner, hopefully away from curious ears. We didn’t need to become fodder for the Maplewood Matters town gossip machine.
“Look,” I began, keeping my voice low, “I overheard what you said. If you don’t think I’m right for this, I can step back.”
Andre’s eyes widened slightly, then narrowed. “You can’t just back out now. Do you have any idea how much work has gone into the planning? How much you’re a part of it?”
I ran a hand through my hair, frustrated. I had no idea on either count. It didn’t help my anxiety, knowing that it was a lot. “I can imagine, and I’m not trying to disrupt the plan. But I also don’t want to cause you or anyone else stress.”
“It’s not about me,” Andre said, his voice tight. “It’s about what’s best for the festival and Maplewood.”
Trying to find the right words, I took a deep breath. “I know grand marshal is an honor. I do. And I want to do right by Maplewood. But this… being in the spotlight like this… It’s not easy for me.”
Something in Andre’s expression softened, even if his voice stayed tense. “You’re the center of attention all the time. You have been for years.”
I shook my head. “It’s not the same. Not even close. This?” I gestured behind me to the still gathering crowd. “I’m way out of my comfort zone.”
He was quiet for a moment, then sighed. “Look, we’re both here for the same reason—to make this festival a success. Can we agree to work together? Put aside our… history?”
None of my tension subsided, but I nodded. If we put that behind us, it would ease some of the stress. “Yeah,” I mumbled and then found my confidence. “Yeah, we can do that.”
“Great. Let’s talk after the meeting. I’ll take you through everything.”
“Sounds good.” I’d have to delay meeting up with Dixon and Oscar, but I’d find out what I was in for over the next week.
As Andre returned to Olivia, I spotted Liam across the room and headed over to him.
“Glad to see you here,” I said as we fist-bumped. “I’m not sure what I’ve gotten myself into.”
“It’ll be fine. You already know I’m happy to help if you need it.”
I could always count on Liam to put me at ease. Just the way he’d said that calmed me.
“So, I ran into Dix and his boyfriend on the way here. We decided to meet up for dinner. Love to have you join us if you’re free.”
“That’d be great.”
“Cool. I’ll let him know.”
Andre called the meeting to order. I started to follow Liam to the seats in the back when Andre waved me up to the front. I hesitated, but I’d said we’d work together and I’d meant it. Setting aside my doubts, I took the seat Andre had indicated.
I listened as he laid out the festival schedule, my eyes widening as I heard the extent of my duties. Judging competitions, the parade… the list seemed endless.
“And now,” Andre said, his voice carrying across the room, “I’d like to introduce our grand marshal and winner of this year’s Lady Byng Memorial Trophy for his outstanding sportsmanship and skill as a member of the Seattle Riptide, Ethan Gallagher.”
I stood, feeling the warmth of a blush creeping up my neck as applause and cheers filled the room. Looking out at the friends and neighbors I’d known my whole life, a mix of pride and apprehension settled in my chest. I smiled and waved at them. Thankfully, I didn’t have to say anything.
As the meeting continued, I kept zoning out, the magnitude of what I’d agreed to sinking in. This was the biggest Pride festival Maplewood had ever staged, and I seemed to be at the center of a lot of it.
I discreetly ran through my calming routine. I closed my eyes and focused on my breathing.
