“We are.”
As we melt into another kiss, I know we’re right.
About being together.
And about telling the world about us, too.
* * *
I lace up my skates and look around the arena. It’s the night of the Manatees family skate, and the arena has been done up with a Christmas vibe. “Christmas Wrapping” by The Waitresses is blaring through the speakers. A roaring fire appears on every video screen. There’s even Santa, flanked by mini palm trees and fake flamingos wearing Santa hats, posing for pictures with team personnel and players’ families.
I hit the ice, skating around the rink. I’ve always loved skating, and every time I come back to it, I chastise myself for not doing it more often. I love the cold air hitting my face. The feeling of floating on air, the sensation of gliding, the exhilaration of it.
I turn and look in the arena seats right behind the home bench. Then I see him. Aiden is sitting with Wyatt, and they are lacing up their skates next to each other.
My heart skips a beat as I watch him. We agreed we would throw people off by making comments that would lead anyone to think we are nothing more than mere acquaintances via theManatees. I’m going to talk to Aiden when it seems convenient to do so.
Then he will leave first, I will leave a half hour after him, and we’ll meet back at his place.
And by next week, this part of our relationship will be over. The truth will be out, and people can judge us as they see fit.
I continue to skate around. I see Beckham and Georgie coming down the steps, and my old friend anxiety returns. Will Georgie forgive me for lying to her? Concealing the truth? Will Hadleigh? Will I lose my entire new circle of friends?
But as I look around the arena, at happy couples skating together and holding hands, I know it’s the right thing to do. We have nothing to be ashamed of. I’m proud to be Aiden’s girlfriend. Next year, I want to be holding his hand in mine at this very skate. Kissing him.
Loving him.
I skate around one more time and position myself in a spot next to the boards where I know Aiden will pass by. It will be logical for us to talk briefly at this event. I’ve already talked with the captain, David Dewitt, and his wife, Megan. I’ve chatted with the goalie and his girlfriend, and another defenseman and his partner.
It will not look unusual for me to wait for Aiden to skate by. I watch with anticipation as he hits the ice with Wyatt, first stopping to talk to my mom and dad. Wyatt lingers a bit, but Aiden begins to nonchalantly skate around the rink, stopping to talk with other players, and finally he stops next to me at the boards.
“Hey, Scarlett,” he says, smiling down at me.
“Hey, Aiden,” I say.
UGH, this is so weird!
“Are you having fun?” he asks casually as some players with kids skate by.
“Nope.”
He chuckles, and a genuine smile flickers over his features. “Me either.”
Nobody is near us for a moment, and he clears his throat. “Next year,” he says softly, his eyes flashing with determination, “it will be different.”
“I know.”
“Hold on to that,” he says. Then he skates away, even though I know that is the last thing in the world he wants to do.
Next year it will be different, I repeat in my head.
I begin to skate again, going out to the middle of the ice in the opposite direction of Aiden.
I know Aiden is right.
The thing is, I don’t knowhowit will be different.
I look over at my dad, who is now talking to Georgie and Beckham. He doesn’t know it yet, but he will hold Aiden’s future in his hands on Christmas Day.
