“Thanks to you guys, we’re the talk of town,” Tuomas says. “I mean – I know it was something Tina wanted to tell you, that it wasn’t to get attention, but you got it either way. I don’t think we’d be asked to play in The Cave without that popularity.”

“And The Planet has asked us to play again next weekend,” Gary adds cheerfully. “Can you imagine that? Two clubs already asked us!”

“Yeah, it’s pretty great.” It’s the first time Tina speaks. I look at her and take hold of her hand, my thumb rubbing the palm of my hand.

After practice, Seth does us all a proposal. “There’s a fair in town, why don’t we all go?”

“You know, Seth, if Alice hadn’t been taken already, you’d so be a match for her,” I grin, imagining Alice would love to go to a fair. “Actually, why don’t we ask the gang.”

“Fine for me,” Tuomas says. “It could be fun. I’m gonna have to ask my parents, tough.”

“My dad knows I’m staying with Tina and we’re home alone, so no problem. Tina, why don’t you call Shane. Carmen will probably be with her. I’m gonna call Alice who will be with Dana. I’ll call Lara and you can call Helena?” I suggest. Tina nods and gets out her cellphone.

Soon, everyone is calling someone – the guys their parents, we our friends. It seems to be no problem for anyone of us.

An hour later, we’re all gathered at the fair. I’m holding Tina’s eyes and smile at her, leaning in for a kiss.

“Porter, get a room!” Alice shouts. She’s totally excited as I had expected. Everyone’s lost in the banter and I lead Tina by the hand, sneaking out on the others.

I look out for a stand that has huge teddy bears, determined to win one for my beautiful blonde girlfriend. We approach the stand and I turn to Tina.

“So, which one do you want?”

Tina looks confused; I haven’t told her about my little plan. “What do you mean?”

“You know what, never mind,” I smile. I look at the price of the biggest bear – I have to be able to do that.