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My moms swayed together to a cover of “In Your Eyes,” which I could imagine them listening to when they first got together. Mom’s head rested on Momma’s shoulder. They caught me watching and waved, their concern written across their faces. I gave them a reassuring nod, though I knew they wouldn’t buy it.

“Next act in three minutes,” Brent said, appearing at my elbow.

I nodded, grateful for the distraction.

As I waited for my cue, I found my friends in the crowd. Caleb and Aaron shared a blanket, and Aaron was feeding Caleb bites of something from a Special Blend bag.

Nick and Shawn sat nearby, their heads bent together as they talked, probably discussing how a scene would work in Shawn’s next book. Kyle had his arm around Austin as they enjoyed the music. Miles and Cole, and Jason and Bellamy were dancing off to the side.

Everyone seemed to be paired up, sharing this romantic evening under the stars.

I’d planned to tell Andre, at some point tonight, that I was falling for him. I’d even considered using the L word. The parade debacle had blown all that up.

When I stepped back into the wings after the next intro, I stole a glance at the spot I’d been avoiding.

Andre was watching the performance, his body rigid with tension. Our gazes met briefly before I looked away. The hurt and regret in his expression made it hard to breathe. He looked as miserable as I felt.

The band started another song. Each lyric about second chances and forgiveness seemed aimed directly at me. I wanted to believe people could change, that the Andre I’d gotten to know over the past few days was who he truly was. But this morning had shown how quickly old patterns could resurface.

The sky had darkened. Pride-colored lights created a warm glow throughout the park. Soon it would be time for the fireworks, the grand finale of the weekend.

I should have been ready to hang out with Andre once our festival responsibilities were done.

Instead, I was caught between what my heart wanted and what my head warned me about.

“Ready for the fireworks?” Brent asked.

I nodded, mentally running through my last announcement of the night. The band finished their set with a flourish, and I stepped out one last time.

“What an amazing evening!” The crowd’s energy remained high. “Give it up one more time for all of our performers.”

Everyone came back on stage, and I moved to the rear to give them room to take their bows.

My voice caught as I continued. “This weekend showed why Maplewood is so special. We’re a community that celebrates love, that supports each other, that makes space for everyone to be authentically themselves. It’s been our pleasure to share this with everyone who visited this weekend, whether it was in person or through the live stream.”

The audience cheered, several of them waving Pride flags high in the air, including a couple of oversized ones. The sight took my breath away.

“So, are you ready?” I looked over to Brent, who gave me the nod that the fireworks team was ready. “Let’s turn off the lights and look to the skies. Enjoy the show!”

As I left the stage, the first firework exploded overhead. The crowd gasped in appreciation.

Under different circumstances, I might have sought out Andre so we could enjoy the show together. Instead, I thanked Brent and said good night before leaving to join my friends in the audience. We’d all planned to go to Red’s after the show as a thank you for spending the weekend here.

Making my way through the crowd, I nodded and waved at various people. My moms pointed to the sky, talking about the patterns in the fireworks just like they had every year since I was little. I stopped and hugged them but didn’t stay long enough for them to ask how I was doing.

As I approached the cluster of hockey players, Dix pulled Oscar close for a kiss as golden sparkles painted the sky.

“How are you doing?” Caleb asked.

I shrugged. “I’m okay, I guess.”

“We still on for Red’s?” His concern was evident, making it clear it was okay if I said no.

I hesitated, torn between escaping to home and being with these people I loved. “Yes, we’re still on, though I can’t promise to be good company.”

“Then let us be good company for you.” He squeezed my shoulder.

The short walk to Red’s allowed me to decompress. After the warmth of the stage lights, the air was cool and refreshing. The streets buzzed with jubilant people.