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It wasn’t much but it was a start. Now I just had to get the box to him somehow.

A few more early-morning people arrived and there was small talk all around. I moved to hide the message on the box to help keep it off the gossip network. Jenny quickly had the rest of my order ready, and I paid her.

“Good luck,” she said softly.

“Thanks.”

The drive to the rink took only a few minutes. Camp didn’t start until eight, so it was possible I’d catch him alone. Texting Liam was a possibility and I could pass the tarts off to him to put them where Ethan would find them. I didn’t want to make a public spectacle of giving him the box.

Indecision held me in its grip as I parked my car next to Ethan’s. I drank some tea, took a couple bites from my sandwich, and considered options.

In the rearview mirror, I saw Tommy and Milo get out of a car and unload their hockey bags and sticks from the trunk.

Problem solved.

I got out of the car with the box in hand. “Morning, guys.”

“Hey, Mr. Thompson,” Milo said, not signing since his hands were full. “What’s up?”

“Could you do me a favor? Could you make sure Ethan gets these?” I gestured to the box in my hands.

They exchanged a look that was far too knowing for teenagers.

“Yeah, we can do that,” Tommy said, sympathy in his voice.

“For sure,” Milo added.

“Thanks.” I handed over the box, my awkwardness mirroring how I felt. “I appreciate it.”

“You’re welcome.” Tommy had compassion in his eyes.

I watched them head into the rink, hoping the tarts would help start a conversation. And the kids would eat them if Ethan rejected them.

The library was quiet when I arrived, with the Monday morning book crew already in the community room. Clara was working to take down one of the Pride displays to make room for the July themes. Democracy for the entire month. Ice cream for the upcoming festival.

She stopped as I approached. “Morning.” She studied my face. “You look a little better than yesterday.”

“Thanks. I think.” I offered a small smile. “The festival was amazing, even with… everything.”

She nodded. “It was incredible. I know you were worried about how much bigger it was, but it seemed to go off without a hitch. At least that’s what I saw and heard from people.”

It wasn’t all without a hitch.

“Me too.” I stayed focused on the actual festival. “All the feedback’s been superb. And we were lucky that the few things that happened behind the scenes were resolved quickly. The team did outstanding work.”

“Just promise me you won’t try to expand again next year.” She put some rainbow flags in a box.

“Oh, I swear to that. This one was already busting at the seams, so I don’t think we can handle another growth spurt for a few years.”

“So I have to ask.” She stopped packing things away to focus on me. “I noticed a Library Association call on your calendar. Any hint what it’s about?”

“Your guess is as good as mine. Yesterday’s email mentioned an opportunity but didn’t have details. I’ll let you know as soon as I’m done.”

“My fingers are crossed for something awesome.”

I smiled and headed back to the office to settle in before the call. As soon as I walked in, I nearly dropped my tea because a Special Blend bag sat on my desk.

That hadn’t been there yesterday.