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Andre must have people looking for me. But Kirk needed me right now.
“Am I getting you in trouble?” Kirk glanced at Jenny.
“Grand marshals can’t get in trouble on parade day.” I winked despite my tightening stomach. I could imagine what my lateness was doing to Andre. He’d surely understand, though. “It’s in the rule book.”
My phone buzzed and the phone read it out to me.
Dix: On his way.
Andre had texted too. I couldn’t focus on that.
Oscar appeared moments later, his confident energy bringing exactly what was needed. Kirk’s jaw dropped—clearly recognizing him from Friday’s performance.
“Kirk, this is Oscar. Oscar, Kirk’s playing guitar during the parade.”
“It’s so cool to meet you. I saw you perform the other night. I’d love to play for a dance sometime.”
“We might be able to arrange that.” Oscar leaned against the railing. “I hear you’re kinda nervous. I still get that way. Truth is on Friday I was jittery even though I’ve done that dance at least a hundred times between performances and rehearsals. I had a teacher tell me once that getting nervous means you care how it turns out.”
“I do care. It’s—” Kirk started.
“I’m sorry, Coach.” Jenny’s expression turned worried. “Andre insists on talking to you.”
I slipped off the float since Kirk was in good hands with Oscar. Jenny handed me the radio.
“Sorry, Andre. Had to handle something. I’ll be there soon.”
“You need to get up here now.” His sharp tone made me recoil and quickly lower the volume. “This is throwing us off schedule.”
With others listening on the radio and nearby, I kept my voice even. “I know. I’m on my way.”
I gave the radio back to a mortified Jenny and offered a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry, it’ll be fine.”
The words rang hollow, but I refused to let Andre’s outburst affect Kirk.
Back at the float, I found Kirk’s mood improved. “I need to get up front. Oscar, thanks for coming over.”
“Happy to help. I’m actually going to hang out here. Get enough hockey talk at home.” Oscar winked. “Plus I want to hear Kirk play.”
“Thanks, Ethan.” Kirk’s voice rang with newfound confidence.
I hurried toward the front, late but satisfied with the reason. Andre stood beside the grand marshal car, his expression rigid.
“Good, you’re here. Get in so we can start.” His voice came out clipped and professional—and it stabbed me in the heart. He was treating me like I’d failed him, just like he had in high school.
“Andre, let me explain—”
“Not now. We’re behind schedule.”
The dismissal cut deep. Words to defend myself rose in my throat, but with the crowd watching, I swallowed them. We didn’t need more of a scene than we’d already had. I climbed into the car and plastered on my media smile while disappointment burrowed into my chest.
The car lurched forward. I waved to the crowd, their cheers failing to soothe me.
“Happy Pride, Maplewood!” I called, forcing enthusiasm into my voice. Children jumped up and down with rainbow flags, reminding me why I was here.
Andre’s cold treatment seeped into my bones. In high school, his disappointment had felt deserved. Not anymore.
Staying with Kirk had been the right choice. His panic had needed immediate care, and sometimes being there for someone meant other things waited. Andre should understand that. Deep down, I knew he did.
