“Do you know what you’re going to sing?”
“No, but I know that while they’re gawking at dinosaur bones, you and I are going to hunt up a music store.”
“Why?”
“I need a mandolin.”
* * *
The two couplesseparated after breakfast. David and Nate headed for the Royal BC Museum, and after spending some time in the beautiful harbor area, Colin and Joshua headed for Government Street, Victoria’s main thoroughfare. Colin held tight to Joshua’s hand as they meandered along the cobblestone streets, admiring the many tiny shops and art galleries and the colorful flower baskets that hung from every lamppost. Each step seemed to envelop them in Victoria’s old-world charm.
“There!” Colin exclaimed finally, pointing to a small store whose sign read Tapestry Music Ltd.
“You’re going tobuya mandolin?”
“No. I’m going to charm them intoloaningme a mandolin,” Colin replied with a smirk. “Iamcharming, you know.”
Laughing softly, Joshua turned and pressed his face against Colin’s shoulder, holding tightly to his arm. “Yeah. I’m aware.”
A half-hour later, they left Tapestry Music Ltd. with a Kentucky mandolin tucked under Colin’s arm. “Nice one!” Colin crowed as they continued their stroll down Government Street.
“Well, youdidhave to pay for it!”
Colin snugged the mandolin tighter under his arm. “Kentucky is a quality instrument. I didn’t mind that they wanted a deposit.”
“After you waved your ‘officer of the court’ credentials under their nose, they got much more compliant.”
“Yeah, because youknowno one in law enforcement hasevercommitted a crime.”
Joshua snorted out a laugh.
“Can we start moving in the ship’s direction now, bud? I need to tune this thing and see how it plays.”
“And maybe provide your loving spouse with a little snuggle time?”
“So I can see howyouplay?”
“I would think you’d have me memorized by now.”
* * *
Victoria’sinner harbor was alive with activity when the two couples arrived at the Voices of Pride celebration that evening. An area had been set aside for storytelling, where individuals from diverse backgrounds within the LGBTQ+ community could share their personal stories of self-discovery, acceptance, and healing. Tales of triumph merged with shared moments of deep vulnerability, uplifting and inspiring to all who heard. A collective mural was featured in the Community Art Project area, and participants were encouraged to add their artistic work to this living creation. Various vendor booths offered LGBTQ+-themed merchandise, most supporting local artisans and organizations. Interactive workshops and a wide variety of food and refreshments were offered.
Central to the celebration was a raised stage area where live performances would showcase the many talented artists within the LGBTQ+ community. Colin eyed the stage and swallowed hard. “Damn!”
Noting his nervousness, Nate glanced at him, clearly bewildered. “Youcan’tbe worried about performing here.”
“Ican’t? Why can’t I?”
“You perform all the time!”
“Nate, sitting half-drunk at the piano bar at McCafferty’s bellowing out Irish folk songs to a bunch of gay guys who are just as drunk as I am, if not drunker, isn’t the same as what’s happeninghere! This is…” He blew out a breath. “This is different.”
Joshua nudged his arm and pointed to a nearby table. “I think you have to go over there and check-in, babe. It says: Performers Sign in Here. And they’re handing out badges.”
Colin shifted his weight, glanced around at the large crowd, and grimaced. He laid a hand on David’s arm. “I have to go over there and sign in. Where are you guys headed?”
“We’re going to wander around and check out all the booths,” David told him. “Nate gives his talk at ten thirty, so try not to be on stage then because I know he wants you there for moral support.”
