“Why do they do that for you and not me?” Mary asked.
I squeezed her hand. “Because I’m a princess and they need Uncle Olav’s approval.”
It was only part of the truth. I suspected Kaldi felt solidarity.
“Betty, I am so fucked up. I’m coming down and… it’s terrifying.”
I pulled her into a small recession near a door to God only knew what. Backstage was a maze.
“You’re going to be okay,” I said. “You’re motherfucking Marit Jensson. You’re talented, prepared, and smoking hot. And getting to the finals is basically your right.”
She blushed.
“I love you. I was terrified when I saw you up there with that light, but I trust the team that is managing the stage to be more careful than ever. I wouldn’t tell you to do it unless I firmly believed it was best.”
“I… I must trust that, but I’m so shaken.”
“Of course you are. That’s why I agree with the band. You deserve the finals. You will win this, elskling. However, if that will mentally break you and you don’t feel safe, you don’t owe anyone anything.”
I pressed my forehead to hers and ran my thumb over the soft hair on her undercut. Mary’s eyes met mine and she took a deep breath. Her gaze turned from nervous to determined.
“I am not giving up. To back out would be to give him everything he wants. I cannot do that.”
I agreed, “Okay, then. Take this time to chill.”
She hugged me tight, then stepped back, taking deep breaths. Eyes closed, she centered herself. I didn’t push. I waited, standing by her in a moment of need. Keenly aware of people everywhere, I kept watch. No one bothered us. I wouldn’t have cared if they had. Hiding felt wrong when Mary was so vulnerable.
“You have no idea what it means for you to tell them to pull those tapes,” Mary murmured. “It means a lot.”
“It’s what needed to be done. And I sure as hell won’t let the Swedes do you dirty like that.”
She laughed and kissed my forehead. “We shouldn’t do this here, but… I cannot help it. You came when I needed you—even if you shouldn’t.”
“I shouldn’t do this or that? Mary, I love you. I’m not going to just fuck off and not take care of you. You’re my girlfriend,” I said as tears bubbled up. “This is it, okay? It’s just us. We were hiding it for a competition because it was the ‘right’ thing to do, but it’s not more important than your mental or physical wellbeing.”
She looped her hands around my waist. “Thanks. I needed to hear that. I just want you to know that I would understand if you felt you couldn’t. We agreed?—”
“No, it wouldn’t.” I tucked the long part of her hair behind her ear tenderly. “It wouldn’t be okay for me to just desert you. You matter much more than people’s judgement or the press or even being in hot water with Uncle Olav. I will take the heat, but I could never forgive myself if I left you like this.”
“I love you, Bets,” she whispered, eyes welling.
“Shh.” I wiped my own tears before switching to Swedish. “I love you, too. You will be amazing. You will light it up.”
“I will try.”
“You will stick it to them. You won’t let him win and stealthis from you. I come from a line of women who refuse to sit on a shelf, and I gather you do, too, Marit.”
“Mum was far from a shrinking violet.”
“And she’d be so fucking proud of you, elskling.”
Mary fought tears. “I love you so much. Thank you for just… being here.”
“I always will be,” I promised.
“Can you do me one favor, skatt?”
“Yes.”
