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But there was no tiot the kids in a line, I wrote down the order for Arthur so that he’d knoho to introduce when, while I handled the music for him

“I need a better costume,” Seth lamented when I returned to his part of the line “And Taylor has props”

“Yeah, but he can’t sing as fast as you If you do your best, it won’tBe the best Seth you can be” I channeled a hefty dose of Arthur in my advice Be the best you That was exactly what I’d done all week It felt like I’d been the best version of myself in a way that maybe I hadn’t been since my early days on the sub I liked who I was around Arthur and the Euler family This ho I’d wanted to be with Steve Maybe Arthur had been right about both of us needing boyfriend practice Or maybe Steve hadn’t been Arthur

Across the grass, Arthur straightened Lila’s tutu before showing a different girl how to boith a flourish Yup That was the answer It wasn’tboyfriend practice or even this place It was Arthur He was ic

And for his sake, I wanted the show to go as well as he hoped His family damn well better appreciate all his hard work

“Everyone ready?” he asked as he retrieved the box of prizes froet to s fun”

“And winning,” Vince added darkly

“I’onna slay you” Seth bared his teeth at his brother, but Arthur siave a patient nod

“Just by showing up and trying, you’re all winners” His voice was as reassuring as his demeanor, but the boys rolled their eyes

“Life’s no fun without a winner,” Vince insisted He sounded exactly like Calder Howlike the down to my next advancement in rank, ht er so sure

“It’s more fun when you tie” Arthur shot me a small, secret smile Hell, I’d lose every bet for the next two years if it meant more smiles like those

“And when others around you win too,” I added