“Jesus, Alex, calm down,” Austen says.
Alex huffs, but stops asking questions.
When we reach the next guy, he’s grinning too, then leads us into a small locker room with a few benches and four pairs of skates, all in our size. I’m not sure how I’m still standing because I don’t think I’ve been breathing since we met with the security guard.
“You guys have an hour, that’s the best I can do,” he says.
“Thank you,” I say, giving him a smile.
“Have fun.” He, too, winks at me.
I shake my head, turning to Alex. “Surprise?”
“What is going on?”
“We’re going to skate.”
His eyes go wide. “We’re going to skate on the ice at Madison Square Garden?”
“Yep,” I say, sitting on the bench.
I don’t even see him lunge for me, but I get knocked backwards, off the bench, with Alex on top of me.
“Fuck,” I groan when my back hits the floor.
“This is so fucking cool!”
“Just wait until he sees the rest of it,” Cameron comments under his breath.
“There’s more?!” Alex shouts, leaning down to kiss me.
When I finally get him off me, we put our skates on, go down the tunnel, and go out onto the ice.
It’s been a while since I’ve ice skated, but it’s like riding a bike. I’ve never been as comfortable on the ice as on the field, playing football, but I’m a sports guy. I can manage it all. Alex, of course, is like a fucking pro, skating around like he belongs here.
Austen is similar to me, not really liking the ice but comfortable enough that he can do it.
Cameron, on the other hand, looks like a baby deer who’s walking for the first time.
Austen stays with him, holding his hands and helping him keep his balance. He’s patient, and tries showing him the right way to move his feet and which way to point his toes.
“Just go,” Cameron says after about ten minutes. “I’m ruining your fun. I’ll stay here, where it’s safe.”
I bark out a laugh as I skate by, and a moment later, Austen is skating up after me. Alex zooms by, does a circle, and comes back, stopping quick to spray ice at Austen.
“I’ve been waiting to do that since we got on the ice!” he calls out, laughing.
“You asshole!” Austen shouts, picking up the pace to go after him.
Austen has spent more time on the ice than me, since he grew up with Alex. They skate around together for a while, chasing each other and trying to get the other to fall. I go stop by Cameron, needing a break. My legs hurt already.
“Nervous?” Cameron asks.
“Yep.”
He chuckles, shaking his head. “It’ll be worth it.”
I nod, then turn to face him. “For the record, I don’t hate you.”
