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In for four counts, hold for four, out for four.

I flexed and relaxed my hands, then my shoulders, grounding myself in the present moment. These subtle exercises brought me a little calm.

Andre wrapped up the meeting, promising to keep everyone updated on the events through the Maplewood Pride website and with volunteer needs and other logistics on the Maplewood Pride social media channels. How was he able to sound so confident about all of this?

As people departed, Mrs. Goddard, one of my favorite English teachers, came over. “Ethan! It’s wonderful to see you back.”

I smiled genuinely. “Thank you. How have you been?”

“Oh, just fine. Excited about the authors coming in for the festival. Andre put together a fantastic lineup. And of course thrilled to see you get the grand marshal title. You deserve it.”

“Thank you.”

“I read on Maplewood Matters that you bought the Montgomery place. That’s exciting.”

“News travels as fast as ever I see.” I smiled as she nodded. “I’m looking forward to settling in there.”

“Mrs. Goddard, do you mind if I steal him away?” Andre’s voice sounded warm, a tone he never used with me.

“Of course. I’m sure you two have a lot to get organized. Have a good night.”

“’Night, Mrs. Goddard.”

“I’ve got everything up there at the table”—he gestured to where he’d been speaking before—“if you want to just go over things here.”

“Sure.”

Liam approached me as Andre went to the table. “Hey, man, when do you want to meet up?”

“I need to take care of some things here. Would you mind texting Dix and letting him know to meet up at Red’s? I can join you all when I’m done.”

“You got it.” Liam and I traded fist bumps and he headed out.

As I approached Andre, he looked at me with his warm light brown eyes that drew me in. The hardness from earlier was gone. Instead, he had a confidence about him. It struck me how handsome he was too. With his smooth head, dark brown skin, appealing lips, and those eyes, he’d become quite attractive.

I didn’t know what to do with those thoughts or why I was having them at this inconvenient time.

FOUR

ANDRE

As Ethan talked with Liam, I settled into a chair at the front table and pulled out my tablet along with one of the printed schedules. Meanwhile, my mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. The meeting had gone well, and the town was buzzing with excitement.

Ethan, though. His unease was palpable.

I doubted anyone seated behind him noticed, but I’d clocked at least one relaxation exercise. His words from earlier echoed in my head.

Being in the spotlight like this… It’s not easy for me.

We had so much riding on this festival, and he was such a crucial part. If it would cause so much stress, why had he said yes? He’d never hesitated to say no before.

As he made his way toward me, he rolled his shoulders and flexed his hands. Another relaxation exercise perhaps.

I’d make this as simple as I could, and hopefully he’d tell me what he needed. We’d agreed to work together, and I was committed to that.

“Ready to dive in?” I asked as Ethan took the seat across from me.

He nodded, a tight smile on his face. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”