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“Thanks, Coach. I still can’t believe it.”
“Listen, I need to get to a meeting for the festival but looking forward to being on the ice with you for a couple of weeks.”
“Is there any help you or Coach Liam need for setup or check-in tomorrow?” Tommy asked.
I loved the campers so much, always asking questions like this. “Everything is set, so just come ready to play. But if anything comes up, one of us will shoot you a text.”
“Cool. See you in the morning,” Tommy said.
“Have a good night, Coach Ethan,” Mimi added. “Or should I say Grand Marshal Ethan?”
I shook my head but smiled. I doubted I’d get used to that title. “Coach Ethan is fine.”
At Town Hall, I paused, doing some breathing exercises to help me stay centered. I could do this.
Before I got inside, another voice—one I knew well—called out. “Gallagher! How’s my favorite nemesis?”
I turned to find Dixon Cliff, my friend and rival from New York, striding toward me with a grin. Beside him was a shorter man with a lithe physique and a calm smile.
“Dix, hey!” We clasped hands and pulled each other into a hug. “Glad you made it in okay.”
“You were right. This town is gorgeous. I’m glad to spend a couple of weeks here.” He gestured to his companion. “This is my boyfriend, Oscar Salazar. Oscar, meet the infamous Ethan Gallagher.”
Oscar’s handshake was firm. “Nice to finally meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you from this guy.”
I chuckled. “I can only imagine. Most of it was good, I hope.”
“Mostly,” Oscar teased, nudging Dix playfully.
Dix rolled his eyes. “We’re headed to the theater so he can check in. What are you up to?”
“I’ve got a meeting about the festival. Catch up with you after?”
“Love to. Once Oscar’s done, we’re just chilling.”
“I’ll text you and we can meet up for dinner. I’ll check if Liam’s free too. We’re so glad you’re here. The kids are going to love learning from you.”
Dixon smiled. “I’m looking forward to it.”
Oscar put his arm around his boyfriend.
We said our goodbyes, and I finally went inside. As I entered the main auditorium, the excited chatter of townspeople surrounded me. Among the voices, I picked out Andre’s, his tone clipped with frustration.
“… still no sign of him. I swear, if he’s not taking this seriously…”
I paused, wondering again why I’d accepted. Andre’s words stung, making me feel sixteen again.
He stood near the front of the room, deep in conversation with Olivia. He was scowling, tension evident in the set of his shoulders. I approached, clearing my throat when I was close enough to be heard.
Andre’s head snapped up, surprise flickering across his face before it settled into a neutral expression. “Ethan. Glad you could make it.”
The words were polite, but the undercurrent of annoyance came through loud and clear.
“Andre.” I nodded at him, and then approached Olivia with a hug. “Olivia, good to see you. How are you? How are Hayworth and Felix?”
“I’m fabulous. You know I love this time of year. It’s great to have you back home.” She released the hug. “And Hayworth and Felix are better than I could’ve ever hoped.”
“That’s terrific.” I was happy that Olivia’s son had finally found someone after years of saying love wasn’t real. “I look forward to catching up with them.”
