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Of course they saw that. My cheeks heated and I hid my face in my hands.
“I think it is,” Sato said.
There was no use trying to hide anything from these two. I waved Ingrid over to get their order along with another tea for me so I could give them a PG-rated rundown on what was happening with me and Ethan.
NINETEEN
ETHAN
It was a gorgeous day. Sunny, just a few clouds, comfortable temperature, and a pleasant breeze. A perfect early summer day.
The area was bustling with nearly every parking space filled and lots of people on the sidewalks. Maplewood wasn’t a huge town, but people came out for the festivals. Today was no different. Most people were headed toward the park like me, with window shopping and lively conversations along the way.
I tugged at the hem of the Seattle Riptide Pride shirt I’d chosen to wear. I had other Pride shirts I’d wear during the week, but it seemed appropriate to start with this one. Dark denim shorts and my most comfortable sneakers completed what I hoped was the right first impression for the grand marshal.
“Ethan!” Mrs. Goddard waved as we approached each other in front of Special Blend. “Happy Pride.”
“Happy Pride. How are you?” We traded a hug.
“Excited for Pride as always. Are you ready for the weekend?”
“As much as I can be, yeah.”
“I know you’ll do great.” She patted my arm. “I better get in here and get my coffee so I can claim a good seat.”
“I’ll see you there.” She smiled warmly before heading inside.
I’d only gotten a few steps farther when I caught sight of Mom and Momma. Their matching rainbow-colored Proud Moms T-shirts made me smile. They’d worn variations on the shirts for Pride as long as I could remember.
“There’s our boy.” Momma pulled me into a tight hug.
“How are you feeling?” Mom asked, giving my shoulder a squeeze.
I shrugged. “Like I might throw up.”
“You’ve got this.” Mom’s voice carried the same steady confidence she’d used anytime I was unsure. “You’ve written a great speech and you’ve practiced. Most importantly, you’re speaking from the heart.”
Their support calmed some of the jitters. “I’ve got it printed out too.” I patted the folded papers in the pocket of my shorts. They were my safety net. But even though they were in large print and in a font that was easier for me to read, I didn’t want to rely on them.
“Remember, you did great at reading to the kids too,” Momma said as we crossed the street. “Everyone loved it.”
“That happened so fast, there wasn’t time to get stressed.”
“Oh my, look how beautiful this is.” The wonder in Mom’s voice as she took in the decorations throughout the park ended the conversation. I was thankful for that. If we talked about it more, I suspected my anxiety would intensify.
The park was alive with energy and color. Pride flags fluttered in the gentle breeze as people streamed in. Attendees filled up the rows of chairs in front of the amphitheater stage while others gathered to stand behind them, and the vendor tents had already drawn people.
My heart swelled with excitement for all Andre and his volunteers had accomplished.
“I guess we should get backstage.” Momma checked her watch. “I’ll see you afterwards.” She kissed Mom.
“I’ll be cheering you both on,” Mom said. “Love you both.”
In the backstage area, the space buzzed with activity as people moved around with purpose. Mayor Axelrod reviewed notes while Mickey and Olivia had their heads together, whispering about something.
“Fantastic.” Jenny, dressed in rainbow overalls rather than a Special Blend apron, came over to us as she tapped on a tablet. “Right on time. I’ve got you both checked in. Grace, you’ll be speaking after Olivia. Ethan, you’re up last as grand marshal. Andre will make the introductions and…”
Andre came into view and Jenny’s words faded away. My attention locked on him, and I took in his outfit of pressed khakis and a crisp white button-down adorned with small rainbow polka dots.
