Page 4
“Thanks again for making all this so easy.” Nicolas came in for another hug. “I hope camp is fantastic. And enjoy Pride. You’ll be a perfect grand marshal.”
“Thanks, man.”
He knew me well enough to know my struggles, and I appreciated that he kept his support simple.
We walked out to the porch and he headed down the stairs to his car.
“Drive safe.” I waved as he tossed his bags in the back seat.
“Take care.”
As he disappeared down the driveway, I sank into the same rocking chair Nicolas had occupied when I’d arrived. This would be the perfect place to start the day, sipping coffee and soaking in the view.
TWO
ANDRE
I stepped into Red’s and the familiar scent of coffee, maple syrup, and bacon hit me as I made my way to our usual table in the back. Olivia was already there, her vibrant green hair a stark contrast to the others in the diner.
“Morning, sunshine,” she chirped, sliding a steaming mug toward me.
“Thanks,” I said before taking a sip. I’d been up too late between library work and festival details. “Where’s Wade?”
As if on cue, the bell above the door chimed and Wade rushed in, their laptop bag slung over one shoulder.
“Sorry I’m late,” they panted, sliding into the booth next to Olivia. “My alarm took the morning off.”
“Don’t worry about it,” I said, stifling a yawn. “I’ve only been here about a minute. Olivia, of course, beat us both. How are you two this morning?”
Olivia smiled brightly. “I should be sleepier, but I’m doing great. I got carried away designing last night.”
“I’m good. Psyched that we’ve got less than a week to go.” Wade drank from the coffee Olivia put in front of them. “What about you, boss?”
“Trying not to be worried that we’ve bitten off more than we can chew. This is our most ambitious Pride celebration yet.”
Ingrid came over to get our order. “What can I get you all?” She looked at me.
“I’ll have my usual veggie omelet and toast, please.”
Ingrid nodded.
Olivia went next. “Blueberry waffles and maple sausage for me.”
“And I’ll take the maple bacon pancake stack special.” Wade sounded eager.
“Half or full?” Ingrid asked.
“It’s gotta be a full stack.”
Olivia’s mouth dropped open. “You’re going to fall back asleep before we’re even done with this meeting.”
“Nah, I’m only going to eat half. The rest will be for dinner.”
“Uh-huh.” Olivia shot a doubting look to me and I shrugged while Wade rolled their eyes.
“Don’t judge me.” Wade got their bag off the floor and pulled out their laptop. “So it’s pretty last minute, but I had an idea.” They looked at Olivia and me before they continued. “We’re already planning to stream the main stage events but there are so many other amazing things happening. What if we could stream more?”
That was a fantastic idea. “How would we even do that?”
