“I can’t believe this is your real life,” he says as he follows me down the stairs, astonished.
“Like I said, I’m a lucky man.”
When we reach the front of the house, he pauses next to the door. “You’re like…actually in love, though. It’s not just sex.”
I shake my head. “It’s not just sex.”
His lips tilt up. “I’m happy for you, dude. They’re quite the pair. Honestly…I’m not sure I could handle it, but I think they’re great for you.”
“They’re perfect.” I nod.
“So…if that were to happen again before I go back to Boston…” He rubs the back of his neck. “You’d be cool with that?”
I slowly raise a brow. “Could youhandleit?”
He chuffs. “They might end up literally blowing my mind before the end of it, but…fuck. I’d like to die trying.”
I laugh, rubbing my jaw. “Nat’s got a stressful week ahead of her. She heads to Salt Lake City in a few days to begin preparing for Worlds next weekend. I think this was a good release for her, so I’m grateful for that. I think when she gets home, no matter the outcome of the competition, she may need something like this to take the edge off.”
He salutes me. “Happy to be of service.”
“Yeah, I appreciate your contribution.” I playfully roll my eyes, nudging him toward the door. “Now, get the fuck out of myhouse. I’m missing shower time with my women, and I want to go to bed.”
“Whatever, old man.” He chuckles, flipping me off before stepping out into the brisk spring evening.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
ELLIE
Is she next?
Yep. Putting on her skates now.
Fuck. Okay. The live stream is lagging.
Please take a video for me.
I wish I was there.
Me too. I will. xx
I lockmy phone and slip it back into my pocket, drumming my fingers nervously against my thigh as I watch Natalia get ready for her performance from the stands. She doesn’t look nearly as nervous as I feel, but she’s always been exceptional at hiding her emotions.
I wish Hudson were here too.
With the Men’s Hockey finals only next week, there was no way he could take the time off to fly out here to Salt Lake City for Natalia's competition. Plus, it wasn’t like he could explain it to his team or any of the school faculty.
He moved practices around tonight to accommodate Nat’s performance schedule, claiming he had a family event he had to attend. In reality, he’s at home, attempting to live stream the competition and apparently failing.
These are the aspects of a secret relationship that are particularly difficult to navigate. It’s not so simple for Hudson to take time off work and attend one of the biggest events of his girlfriend’s life. Not only because said girlfriend is a student of the university where he works, but also because she’s the girlfriend of his other girlfriend, who happens to be his former step-daughter.
We’re so messy; I wouldn’t mind being messy for all the world to see. I’d take the stares and the judgment and smile back at them all unashamed, but the consequences of going public would be detrimental to us all. Hudson would lose his job, I’d lose my financial aid, and Nat and I could even be expelled.
They announce Natalia’s name, and the lights in the arena dim. My stomach rises into my throat, and I wonder if I may just vomit as Nat steps onto the ice, skating toward the center.
I pull out my phone for a video while she takes her first position. Her smile is so wide and brilliant, I can see it from the top of the stands, and her bright red costume glitters in the low light. Varying shades of crimson sequins flow over a tight-fitting black leotard, and a matching skirt gives the appearance of Nat's being bathed in flame.
Her routine is lively, loud, and wild, the epitome of who she is—a vibrant, living ember.
