Still, I glance around to see if she has arrived. I arrived early. I couldn’t sit at home any longer. I never imagined wanting to be with someone so much, and it’s incredible to see how much things have changed between us. Our fake dating has turned into a real and unexpected relationship.
Despite the chilly weather, my feelings for Abby keep me warm. I’m so lucky—she’s intelligent, funny, and kind. My family adores her, which makes everything even better. They keep asking about her and expect to see her at our New Year’s Eve party. It’s surreal in the best possible way.
For months, I thought I was only crushing on an employee, but our pretend relationship has given me something genuine—something I didn’t even know I was missing from my life. I’m excited about the future and the memories we’ll make together.
Who would have thought faking it could lead to something so wonderfully real?
Tiny snowflakes drift lazily from the sky. It makes me think Mother Nature has a romantic side and is adding her touch to go with the twinkling lights surrounding the outdoor rink. I smile, willing to accept all the help I can get.
When I spot Abby approaching, her cheeks rosy from the cold, my heart skips a beat. She looks adorable in a cute peacoat and knit hat.
“Hey there, Ice Princess.” I kiss her. “Are you ready to show off your skating skills?”
Abby laughs, which is music to my ears. “I’m more like ready to embarrass myself spectacularly. I hope you brought a first aid kit.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll catch you if you fall.” I offer my arm as we head to the rental booth. “Is your car running now, since you didn’t ask me to pick you up?”
“Yes, the garage came and got me earlier today, so I didn’t have to call you or a ride service.”
“The mechanic fixed the issues you were having?”
She nods. “It was the alternator, as you said. The mechanic replaced it, and my car’s running smoothly again. Such a relief.”
The crisp air nips at my cheeks as Abby and I carry our rental skates to a nearby bench. All around us, the outdoor rink buzzes with activity. Cheerful holiday music drifts from speakers, mingling with blades scraping against ice and laughter across the rink.
“I can’t believe you’ve never been ice skating before,” I say, sitting on the cold, wooden bench.
Abby shrugs, her breath visible in the frosty air. “It’s not something my family ever did. Rachel went once for a birthday party and hated it.”
After spending time with her family, I wonder about her childhood. I bet whatever Rachel wanted was what they did. Shopping was probably more her style, even at a young age.
I lace my skates, fingers fumbling slightly in the cold despite wearing gloves. I glance around at the other skaters gliding by—some gracefully, others clinging to the rink’s edge.
“Don’t worry,” I reassure Abby, “I’ll make sure you don’t fall…too much.”
Abby playfully swats my arm, laughing. “Gee, thanks for the vote of confidence. Though I’ll be looking to see you do that triple axel.”
I laugh. “You remembered my story.”
“Oh, I’ll never forget that.” She winks.
Once I lace my skates, I stand carefully, wobbling slightly on the thin blades. It’s been a few years since I’ve skated. We make our way to the rink’s entrance, the cold seeping through our socks.
Abby bites her lip. “You sure about this?”
“Positive.” I step onto the ice, move my feet back and forth to get a feel for the ice, and then extend my gloved hand. “It’ll be fun.”
“Oh, no. If I fall, I’ll break something important, like my pride or tailbone,” Abby jokes, her vulnerability making her even more endearing.
I smile. “Just take it slow and lean on me, or we can get you one of those push things the kids are using so they don’t fall.”
She bats her eyelashes. “I’d rather you be my push thingy.”
As we make our way around the rink at a snail’s pace, Abby clings to me. I don’t mind, because I want her to know I’m here for her. And not just on this ice rink—everywhere.
Despite her initial fear, she relaxes and even giggles as we skate.
As we complete our first lap without incident, I smile. “See? You’re a natural.”
