Previously…
– Jason pressed ahead with his lawsuit for custody of Peter.
– Jaq asked Samantha on a date.
– A car accident killed Tori’s unborn child and left her cousin, Marcus, in critical condition.
– Travis comforted Rosie after her ex, Diego, shot himself rather than face arrest for his many crimes.

“Now that’s what I call a rainbow,” Samantha Fisher says with a smile on her face.

She is looking down at the table she shares with Jaq Pearson in the middle of 322 Bar & Grill. The restaurant is electric with activity today, with servers moving even faster than usual and the brunch crowd chatting and laughing with extra vigor.

“Yeah, I’m impressed,” Jaq agrees, studying the freshly delivered plate of rainbow-colored pancakes. “How’d they do that?”

“I have no idea,” Samantha says. “It looks… difficult.”

“But festive. As does your… omelet.”

“I think you won for Most Prideful Order.” Samantha picks up her half-full champagne glass full of mimosa. “Here’s to Pride!”

Jaq clinks glasses with Sam. “To Pride!”

As they sip, they look toward the large front windows of the restaurant. Rainbow flags are hung from the fronts of many of the businesses, and an excited crowd has formed on the sidewalks that line the street where the parade will soon take place.

“I’m really sorry I had to cancel our dinner plans the other night,” Samantha says as she begins to cut her omelet.

“It’s okay. I understand how getting stuck at work is. Besides, a Pride brunch date is fun.”

“Yeah. I like it, too.” Samantha grins across the table.

“When I told my mom I had to postpone, she was so outraged,” Sam continues. “You must have really impressed her at work, because she’s a big fan. She was like, ‘Don’t leave her waiting, or she’ll find someone else!’”

“Them,” Jaq simply says.

“Who?”

“Me.”

“What?” Then it dawns on Samantha. “Oh, you…”

“My preferred pronouns are they, them, and theirs,” Jaq explains.

“Okay.” Samantha nods. “So you’re…”

“Non-binary. And no, I’m not trans. I don’t feel like I’m in the wrong body. I’ve never really felt like what a girl was supposed to feel like, I guess. I’m… just me.” 

Mimosa held in mid-air, Samantha frowns. “I’m sorry I used the wrong pronouns. I didn’t know.”

“It’s okay! You don’t have to apologize. Now you know.”

“Well, I promise to be respectful of that from now on.” Samantha takes another sip of her drink and then sets it down. “Now why don’t we finish our brunch so we can be out there in time for the parade?”

“Sounds good to me,” Jaq says as they pick up their knife and fork.

—–

A few blocks away, Jason Fisher holds his daughter’s hand as they navigate through the crowd gathered on a sidewalk. Sophie’s grandparents trail right behind them.

“Oh, this is so exciting!” Helen Chase declares. “It’s about time King’s Bay got a Pride parade.”

“And look how busy it is,” her husband agrees. As Jason stops to scan the area, the Chases pause to soak up the warmth of the sunshine.

“Jason, I hope you put sunscreen on her,” Helen says.

Jason sets his jaw as he continues to look around and replies tersely, “I did. Right, Sophie?”

“It smells like rotten coconuts,” the little girl says as she crinkles up her nose dramatically.

“What does a rotten coconut even smell like?” Jason asks, but before Sophie can deliver whatever response she is cooking up, Jason points down the block. “There they are!”

He leads Sophie by the hand, and Don and Helen fall into step as they weave down another half-block or so. Alex Marshall, Trevor Brooks, and Tempest Banks wave at them.

“Where’s Chase?” Sophie yells in a much louder voice than is necessary.

“He’s right here!” Alex replies, pointing down toward the stroller that is currently hidden by the people crowded around. When Jason and the rest reach them, they see the toddler happily lying in the stroller, holding a stuffed elephant.

“Chase, are you excited?!” Sophie asks, huddling right in front of the boy.

“He was a little too excited earlier,” Trevor says. “I was worried he was going to run out and join the parade once it started.”

“Luckily, someone got exhausted and wanted to eat his snack, so into the stroller we went,” Alex says.

The adults all exchange greetings as Sophie talks to Chase, who  throws back a whole slew of words — some of which are even intelligible.

“Have you been to see Tori yet?” Alex asks, lowering his voice a bit so Sophie and Chase don’t hear.

“I did,” Jason says. “She seems kind of out-of-it — not that I blame her.”

“My heart breaks for poor Victoria,” Helen interjects. “I’m going to visit her as soon as they allow non-family members — though, really, I’m like an aunt to her!”

Don pats his wife on the shoulder. “She needs her space and privacy right now.”

“Claire said that Brent and Molly both got released,” Tempest says. “Sounds like they’re both doing good.”

“Yeah, my mom is over at Molly’s now, or she’d be here,” Jason says.

Helen touches a hand to the chest of her bright pink t-shirt. “I can’t believe all the horrible things that happened in one night! It’s a miracle more people weren’t killed.”

“Matt and Sarah’s nephew is still in critical condition,” Jason reminds her, “so everyone isn’t out of the woods yet. And Tori’s got a long way to go as far as dealing with everything that happened.”

“It’s crazy. It’s like the opposite of what happened to my mom.” She glances down at Chase in the stroller. “Our mom.”

“And we are so lucky to have this little guy with us,” Alex says. “We’re just going to keep sending everyone else good thoughts and hoping for the best.”

Jason nods solemnly and then says, “In the meantime, we have a float to ride. Sophie, do you want to come with Tempest and me, or stay with Grandma Helen and Grandpa Don?”

“Is your float a Zamboni?” Sophie asks, looking up sharply from the stroller.

“No,” Jason responds. “It has to drive down the street. It’s a pick-up truck.”

Sophie lets out a huff. “That’s stupid. But sure. I can wave to people, right?”

“Wave as much as you want to,” Jason says.

Helen rubs her hands together with glee. “This is going to be so fun! Sophie, you can be an Ice Princess!”

“She might have to fight Elaine Zbornak for that,” Tempest says.

“Who in the world is Elaine Zbornak?” Helen asks.

“A drag queen Alex and Trevor recommended to me,” Jason says.

“She does this whole cabaret every Christmas under the name Candy Cane Elaine,” Alex explains. “But the rest of the year, she’s Elaine Zbornak.”

“Well, she certainly isn’t your daughter, so I don’t see why she gets to be the star!” Helen says.

Jason sees Sophie ready to jump into the fray and quickly adds, “Sophie, I bet Elaine will let you throw the gift certificates we’re giving out.”

“Can I throw them at people?” Sophie asks.

“How about to them?” Tempest says.

“Yeah, to them is good.” Jason takes Sophie’s hand again. “Come on, let’s go find our float and get ready for the parade to start.”

They say their goodbyes and, along with Tempest, begin winding their way through the bodies and toward the start of the parade route.

Helen folds her arms and looks at Alex and Trevor. “What’s so special about this Elaine, anyway?”

—–

Travis Fisher is slathering some almond butter on his toast when he hears the creak of a door. Seconds later, his roommate emerges from the hallway of their apartment, still in his pajamas.

“There he is,” Travis says.

“What? I was out driving until late,” Landon Esco says. He comes up and stands beside Travis. “Can I get in there?”

“In where?”

“That cabinet.”

“Can it wait two seconds? I’m making my breakfast.”

“You don’t wanna get between a man and his Pop-Tarts, I’m telling you.”

Travis groans and takes his plate, knife, and jar of almond butter to the small kitchen table.

“Hear anything else from the hospital?” Landon asks as he roots around in the cupboard and pulls out a box of Pop-Tarts.

“Nothing new. My Aunt Molly and Brent both were released. My mom says Tori is doing okay, at least, you know, medically.”

“Are they letting her have visitors yet?”

“Just family.”

“Damn. That sucks. I mean, what she’s going through sucks a lot more, but it sucks that I can’t even go see her yet, and I bet it sucks for her that she can’t even have friends come visit.”

“I think she’s probably relieved that they won’t let Fee C. in,” Travis says as he sits down to begin eating his toast.

“First of all, that girl should be banned from all public establishments.” Landon sticks two Pop-Tarts in the toaster. “But also, you said they let Zane in?”

“He was the father of the baby.”

“It’s not like they’re married. He blackmailed, like, half your family. And was lying to Tori the whole time. And they were supposed to give up that baby for adoption, anyway. I really don’t think it can be good for her to have him there.”

Travis shrugs. “It isn’t really up to us. Not that I especially like the guy, anyway.”

“Me, neither.”

“You don’t say.”

Travis continues eating his toast.

“What about Rosie?” Landon asks after a short bout of silence. “How’s she doing? Hanging in there?”

“Seems like it,” Travis says as he uses a napkin to wipe crumbs from his mouth. “Felt like she was either in shock or just completely drained. She didn’t even argue with me about coming to see her.”

“That’s big.”

“I guess.” Travis lets out a sigh. “I’m glad she’s okay. And maybe now that this dude is dead, she can start to move on with her life.”

“But the real question,” Landon says, squaring his sights upon his friend, “is whether she’s gonna move on with you. What do you think?”

—–

“This is so cool,” Samantha observes as she and Jaq walk through the crowd waiting for the parade to begin, each carrying a to-go coffee from 322. “Did you ever think you’d see something like this in King’s Bay?”

“Not really,” Jaq admits. “It is cool to see such a big turnout.”

“Why aren’t you riding the KBAY float?” Sam asks.

“I dunno.” Jaq twists their body sideways to dodge a group of people and then straightens back out to continue walking. “Not really my thing, being up there and waving and whatever else you’re supposed to do.”

“I get that.”

Sam suddenly stops speaking and rushes past Jaq, up to a spot right in front at the edge of the sidewalk.

“How’s this for a spot?” she asks.

Jaq steps up beside her and checks out the view of the street. “Perfect. Thanks.”

They spend a moment looking around at the vibrant rainbow outfits and glittery accessories all around them.

“So how’s your cousin?” Jaq asks. “Is she out of the hospital yet?”

Sam shakes her head. “They’re keeping her for a few days. I guess the surgery after the car accident was pretty significant. But she’ll be okay.”

“That’s good. I can’t even imagine…”

“I still can’t believe she was about to have a baby. I still feel like a kid, and she’s younger than me.”

A broad smile crosses Jaq’s face, as they sweep out their arms to indicate everything around them. “Would be pretty cool to go back and show the kid version of yourself all this, wouldn’t it?”

Samantha brightens as she takes it all in. “Yeah. I spent so many years scared there was something wrong with me, or thinking that everyone I loved would hate me if I ever admitted who I was. And now, here we are.”

“I’m glad we get to experience it together,” Jaq says. When they rest their hand on Samantha’s shoulder — and leave it there — Sam feels a hot jolt of excitement go through her body.

“Same,” she says.

—–

“This looks awesome!” Jason exclaims as he circles the pick-up truck, which has been festooned with white and ice-blue tinsel and streamers.

“For real. You guys did a kickass job,” Tempest says to the group of young adults who work as the Edge of Winter Arena’s staff.

“Yeah. Thank you,” Jason adds. He exchanges brief words with the staffers before turning to Sabrina Gage, who has been waiting by his side.

“The float really looks great,” Sabrina says. “Are you excited for the parade?”

“Absolutely. It’s awesome that King’s Bay is finally having one.”

“I agree. Thanks for inviting me to ride on the float.”

“You work at Thaw. You’re part of the Edge of Winter family.”

Sabrina smiles widely. “Thanks. If my folks could only see me now…”

Jason cocks his head. “What do you mean?”

“It’s just… I don’t think my mom and dad ever thought I’d be riding in a gay pride parade.”

“Are they anti-gay? You’ve said you grew up pretty conservative.”

“Not anti-gay,” she says, tucking her chin meekly. “They’re very ‘live and let live’ ‘ love thy neighbor,’ all that stuff. But I don’t know that they’d be very comfortable around all this, either.”

“Well, you’re here now, and I’m thrilled you’re riding with us.”

“Thanks.” Sabrina pauses for a moment. “You didn’t have any luck convincing Bree to join us?”

He sucks in his lips and hesitates before answering. “Nope. Conrad is sending her to this six-week training program in Seattle. It’ll be great for her, but…”

“But it hurts because she’s going to…”

“To avoid training with me this summer.” Jason lets out a sigh. “I can’t even begin to fathom how to make things right with her.”

“Fighting for Peter is what’s most important to you, isn’t it?”

“Well… yeah. Aside from Sophie — or along with Sophie — Peter is my main priority.”

“Then you’re following your heart,” Sabrina says, “and that’s all you can do. Bree will understand eventually.”

“I wish I had your optimism,” Jason says. He is about to continue when he sees Sabrina’s stare swivel past him, and he turns to look at what has caught her attention.

“Elaine!” he cries as the drag queen weaves toward them, a silvery-white wig on her head and a hand clasped over her mouth. “What’s wrong?!”

—–

Consumed by thought, Travis munches on his toast for several more seconds before addressing Landon’s question.

“I have no idea what to think,” he finally admits. “It didn’t feel like Rosie was pushing me away. And I made sure she knows that I’m there for her.”

“I sense a but coming,” Landon says.

“The but is that she’s been putting up these crazy walls forever. I don’t know if I can ever knock them down. She blames herself for so much stuff and then puts up these barriers in the name of, I don’t know… protecting me? Punishing herself?”

“All of the above.”

“Right. Probably. So it’s like… how long do I wait for her to let that stuff go?”

“How long are you willing to wait?”

The sudden sound of a pop causes Landon to scream and jump.

“Calm down. It’s the toaster,” Travis says through laughter.

“It was alarming!”

“You’re alarming.”

Travis falls quiet again as he watches Landon carefully move the hot Pop-Tarts onto a plate.

“I want to be with her,” Travis says, “and I’ve told her that over and over. I was mad that she lied about Jesse and Diego and all that, but what we have — or at least what we had — seems more important than all that crap.”

“Do you think she wants that?”

“I don’t know anymore. I want her to want to. But I can’t make her.” He places his palms down on the table as he stares at the far wall. “I don’t want to pressure her, either. But it’d be nice to have some kind of sign that she actually wants to give this a shot.”

“Good things come to those who wait,” Landon says.

“Yeah, but for how long?”

“Longer than a few days after she watched her ex who had her dad killed shoot himself in the head and die.”

“Obviously. But at what point am I just an idiot for waiting around?”

“That’s the thing,” Landon says as he takes a chomp of his Pop-Tart. “Being in love makes you an idiot.”

With a groan, Travis drops his head onto the tabletop.

—–

“Jason, what’s going on?” Don asks as he and Helen shuffle into the parking lot where all the floats are waiting for the parade to begin. All around them, pickups and trailers idle their engines; the parade participants’ excitement is palpable.

“I need you to take Sophie back out with you,” Jason tells them. “She doesn’t want to ride the float.”

Helen lets out a small gasp. “Why not, dear?”

Sophie, whose hand is clasped in Jason’s, stretches an exaggerated scowl over her face. “Because.”

“Elaine got sick,” Jason explains. “Something about stopping for gas station sushi, and… she didn’t look great.”

“Well, then,” Helen says, “why don’t you take her place on the float?”

“I don’t want to,” Sophie says as she turns to bury her face in Jason’s side.

“She doesn’t want to be on the end of the truck alone. She wanted to help Elaine.”

“That’s silly!” Helen declares. “Your mother helped found that arena! You should be front-and-center!”

“If she doesn’t want to do it, she can watch the parade with us,” Don says calmly.

Jason nods. “It’ll be fun to just watch. Does that sound good, Soph?”

“Wait,” Helen says, her eyes flaring open wide. “I have an idea!”

END OF EPISODE 978

What is Helen’s grand idea?
Should Travis wait for Rosie?
Do Sam and Jaq make a good pair?
Talk about it all in the comments below!

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