“Check on my dad. Make sure he’s doing okay. He’s got to be nervous, and this place isn’t at all accessible.”
“Sure,” I agreed. “I’ll go to him right after this. I’ll go right now if you’re okay.”
“I’m okay,” Mary said. “I’m worried he’s freaking out.”
“Good,” I said. “I love you. I love you so much.”
I kissed her, needing to soak up every moment. We’d make it through this, but I was glad for quiet time with the person I loved most. There was something else below the surface. I didn’t save Mary from the past. I couldn’t. I supported her so she could save herself and stand strong for her band. In a way, my strength and determination gave her the safety to pursue her dream and that was beautiful.
“Go on, check on him,” Mary urged. “I’ll only keep kissing you and that’s no good.”
“Later,” I promised. “Some way, somehow.”
“Make it so,” Mary agreed.
Chapter 47
The Return
BETTY
As I raced to find Erik, I realized my face probably didn’t convey security. He was understandably panicked by the looks of it. Before I called to Mary’s family, I took a deep breath and channeled calm. I tried my best to keep my face neutral.
“Mr. Jensson,” I found him in the first row. “I’m sorry to bother you but wanted to tell you Mary is okay and we’re taking every step we can to secure safety.”
“Your Royal Highness!” He tried standing.
I knelt. “No, please, stay seated. It’s just Betty, okay?”
A woman stood beside him, looking to me either with fear or disbelief.
Before I introduced myself, Erik took my hands and asked in a panic, “What’s happening now?”
Once more, I channeled all my zen. “Mary is performing again, but at the end. They’re giving the band some time to settle. Right now, the team is making sure the stage is safe, but we’ll pick up again in about an hour. She sends her love.”
Relief washed over him as I turned to the woman beside him.
“I’m sorry, I’m Betty,” I said.
“I’m Marit’s Aunt Hildr,” she said in Swedish.
I realized she didn’t speak English.
“My Swedish is poor, but… I’m trying.”
“It is nice of you,” Hildr gave a kind smile. “Erik says you are a nice girl.”
I smiled, then noticed where we were in the hall. Erik and Hildr hadn’t been seated in the orchestra pit with the other contestants, families, and country sponsors. I wondered why that was.
I called Brita. “Brita, why aren’t the Jenssons in the pit?”
For a moment, she stared in disbelief, confused by my familiarity with this family. I could have stood, but I’d loom over Erik. That felt wrong. I was here with Mary’s family when she couldn’t be. I didn’t want them to feel walled off or delegated to.
“I was told they needed a spot for a wheelchair, and it took up too much space.”
“There is a lift, yes?” I asked, annoyed. “They should be down in the pit with the others. I wish you would have asked me. They are the only family excluded. Space can be made.”
She furrowed her brow. I half expected her to point out that it wasn’t my job to worry about the families of contestants, but she didn’t.
