My mind was glued to him owning the ice when he mentioned it after breaking my fall.
And then what happened next, with the kiss…
No, don’t think about it.
“Was he a good player?” I ask.
“So good!” She beams. “He was really famous once. Like people used to beg for his autograph. I remember one time we were at the store and this lady wanted to take a picture with him. Dan and I were really little.”
“I bet. How old is your dad?”
“Thirty-six,” she says proudly. “Pretty much Jurassic old.”
“Yeah, that’s super old.” I laugh.
“How old are you?” she asks curiously, hugging her knees.
“I’m twenty-five.”
“That’s old too. Just notancient.”
“Thank you,” I say flatly.
“You’re only prehistoric after thirty.”
“Yeah?” I remember when I was her age, and even twenty felt like it was light-years away.
I was sure that by the time I turned twenty, I’d have my shit together.
Gorgeous, brilliant career.
My own money that doesn’t come from a trust.
Over the issues that come with being a Blackthorn.
But then I hit the age and I was still a rich brat, learning how to grow into the name I grew up with. Ignorantly thinking people would love me forme, and not because of my grandfather.
I’ve always been attractive though, so at least I had that.
The past five years have taught me a ton.
Mostly about who I am, what I want.
Just one freaking winning shoe design, for example, though what she’s asking for is way out of my comfort zone.
“Dad said thirty was when he started getting grey hair.”
I think back to his dark hair, the tiny hints of silver by his ears. If that’s all natural, he’s doing well.
“Onthatnote,” I say, giving her a little push, “I think it’s time for bed. Try to get some sleep, before your dad finds out what you told me. I don’t think he’ll want people knowing he’s going grey.”
She giggles. “But you canseethem!”
“Only if you’re really close.” And I have no intention of getting that close again. “Come on, bedtime. It’s late and I’m only five years away from being old, so I need my rest before they shuffle me off to a home.”
She giggles maniacally.
“But you’ll remember the shoes, right?” she asks anxiously as I walk her to the door.
