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Andre: Wouldn’t miss it. I’m already on a bench near The Wild Palette.

It didn’t take long for me to spot Ethan approaching. He wore a different shirt, a Maplewood High Bears hockey Pride shirt with the team logo in Pride colors. Despite the fatigue in his features, his blue eyes lit up when he saw me. He dropped onto the bench beside me with a long exhale.

“You look like you’ve had quite a day.” I resisted the urge to smooth his tousled hair, which was drooping down across his forehead.

He leaned back, our shoulders touching. “It’s been amazing. But I’m not used to talking to so many people in one day. Not to mention having to decide which art was the best.”

“You seemed to handle it well.”

“Thanks.” His smile was soft. “Texting with you helped. I was so glad to hear about the panels. I want to watch those once this is all done.” He glanced across the street to the vendor area. “So, I stashed the truffles at the theater because I worried I’d leave them somewhere. Instead, do you want to grab some ice cream? I’ve heard good things about the Pride Berry Rainbow Swirl.”

“Lead the way.”

We wound through the crowd to the ice cream cart, where Ethan insisted on paying. The vendor created perfect swirls of rainbow-colored ice cream topped with edible glitter that sparkled in the sun. We wandered back toward the gallery as we ate.

“So many flavors,” I said after my first bite. “Some blueberry and… is that raspberry?”

“Strawberry too.”

Ethan had a small smear of purple ice cream on his chin. Without thinking, I reached up to wipe it away with my thumb, and the touch sent a small electric current through my fingers. He made a soft hum in response.

People smiled and nodded as they passed us, but no one interrupted our ice cream time. It felt both surreal and natural to share a frozen treat with Ethan while he told me about his favorite art.

“It was so difficult to choose a winner. I’m not sure how I’m going to judge anything else if everything is as good as the art.” He paused to catch some ice cream that was melting down the cone. The way his tongue darted out was sexy and sent my brain reeling. “This hockey painting really got me. I think it could be based on Cole and Miles since it’s got two centers at the face-off dot looking fierce and ready to go while hearts dance above their head.”

His enthusiasm was infectious.

“I need to see that.”

“I’ll show you.” He checked his watch. “Speaking of which, we should get inside. I don’t want to be late.” He finished his cone and tossed away his napkins. “You want to go to Red’s later? I’m craving a burger.” He paused. “Provided you want to join me, of course.”

“I’d love to.” No way I’d say no to more time with him.

The gallery buzzed with excitement as people gathered. Olivia stood at the microphone, clipboard in hand and covered works of art on either side. Ethan made his way to join her and Justin Mayer, last year’s winner. I found a spot near the wall where I could see everything.

“Welcome, everyone!” Olivia’s amplified voice carried through the space. “We’ve had an incredible showing of art this year, with over fifty pieces submitted. They’ll be on display all week and you can pick up a location map here so you can find them all. Now, before we announce Best in Show, each judge will share their personal favorite.”

Justin went first. He unveiled a series of photographs capturing quiet moments of queer joy in Maplewood—two elderly women holding hands in Maplewood City Park’s gazebo, teenagers studying together at the library, a group sharing maple cotton candy at last year’s Pride.

“Ethan?” Olivia gestured for him to speak next.

He stepped forward, hands loose at his sides instead of fidgeting. “My choice is Team Passion.” He unveiled the painting he’d described earlier. “The artist captured something special with these two opposing players ready to battle for a puck while also clearly in love.”

Olivia nodded in agreement before announcing her own choice, a painting that at first glance seemed to be swirls of rainbow colors but after a closer look became a scene of Maplewood’s Pride parade.

“And now,” Olivia continued, building anticipation, “our Best in Show winner.” She opened an envelope with the appropriate ceremony. “Tracey Childs for Team Passion!”

The crowd erupted in applause as a teenage girl with a hockey jersey tied around her waist made her way to the front, looking stunned. Ethan’s face lit up as he handed her the ribbon and plaque.

“Speech!” someone called out.

Tracey gripped her plaque tight. “Um, wow. Thank you so much. I… I was inspired.” She glanced around and her eyes suddenly went wide. “Oh gosh. They’re here!” She took another breath. “This painting was inspired by Cole Ackerman and Miles Robinson. They play on opposite teams, but their love doesn’t affect their competitiveness. I saw them in a similar pose during a game, and I wanted to capture that because it’s the game I love and, of course, who doesn’t love a love story?”

More applause followed before people moved around the gallery, congratulating Tracey and viewing all the artwork.

Just as Ethan got to me, Miles and Cole also joined us.

“Oh my God, she painted us.” Miles pointed to where Tracey was talking with admirers by the painting. “No wonder you texted us to make sure we were here.”