“But I want to hear about Nibbles the snow fox!”
“You have more than enough time to watchIced Outon your phone while I’m in there. You can learn all about Mr. Nibbles there.”
I chuckle as she grabs her bag and reaches for the door handle. “Sounds like I’ve got my afternoon planned then.”
She opens the door, pauses, and then says without looking at me, “Thank you. For the ride…and for not laughing at my job.”
“Why would I laugh?” I say, and I need her to hear this. Really hear it. “You're literally making kids happy for a living. That's… It's pretty awesome, actually, and anyone who says differently is selling something.”
The reference makes her smile, and when she glances over her shoulder, her eyes are soft and vulnerable like she’s letting me see past all the walls she keeps up.
For a moment, neither of us speak.
My chest tightens. This girl—this infuriating, complicated, beautiful girl—has been carrying around the weight of people judging her, and here I am, just one more person she expected to disappoint her.
“I'll be done in two hours,” she says quickly, breaking the moment. “If you're not here, I'll understand.”
“I'll be here.” It's not a question. It's a promise.
She steps out of the truck, and I can't help myself. I say, “Break a leg, Princess Blanca! Say hi to Nibbles for me!”
She doesn't turn around, but I see her shoulders shake—with laughter, maybe, or just exasperation at my existence.
I watch her walk toward the venue, this tiny figure drowning in an enormous blue dress, glitter trailing behind her like fairy dust.
Once she disappears through the doors, I lean back and blow out a breath, happy that I could help her. It’s not going to completely make up for the fountain incident, but it’s a start.
What do I do for two hours? I could go to the chicken joint next toBehind Closed Doors, but I’m not hungry.
“I guess I’m watchingIced Out,” I say to myself as I pull out my phone. It’s then I see my phone’s blowing up from that stupid group chat.
Erik:Erik here, your one and only source into the scandalous lives of the Covey Crushers.
Erik: Did you know, our very own Mr. Stanley Cup left with his fountain fashionista this afternoon after a very flirty study session?
Cade:I didn’t realize this was a team gossip channel. If that’s the case, then we need to close it down.
Erik:But it’s for team bonding. Isn’t this what team bonding is?
I roll my eyes because of course Erik would take this opportunity to gossip about me.
Erik:Now, the only question we have left is where is that titan of the ice?
Scotty:None of your business.
Erik:Really? Because the locator app has you down as atBehind Closed Doors.
Dash:I thought we deleted thatstupid app?
Cade:What’s he doing there? Is he meeting someone?
Erik:Maybe the Waterlogged Temptress has another job there…
Cade:She doesn’t. I’d know.
Brooks:And how exactly would you know?
Cade:Trust me, bro. I’d know.
