“Oh, you have a dog?” I ask excitedly. “I love animals.”
Roman pulls out his phone as he gets up and comes around the table. “Is it okay if I sit here?”
Oh, and he’s polite? Swoon.
“Please do.”
He sits in the seat beside me, and we’re so close that our arms brush. He scrolls through his phone then hands it over.
“That’s Taco.”
“Taco?” I laugh as I take his phone and stare at the picture of his Corgi in a pink jacket. “She’s really cute. It looks like she’s smiling.”
“She does that all the time,” he says proudly.
“You must make her happy.” I give him his phone back.
“I try. I don’t get to see her a lot from traveling, but I try to make up for it when I get back.”
“I bet she misses you all the time.”
“I miss her too. She’s a good dog.”
“Anyone else you got at home? Or is it just you and Taco?”
Yes, I’m curious to know about Roman’s life. Sue me.
“Just me and Taco. I’m about an hour from my parents, but when it’s the off season, it’s nice to enjoy the peace and quiet alone. Do you have any pets?”
“No, I don’t really have time for it. I train all year around, have performances, and travel a lot too. I have sick grandparents that I try to help with as much as I can.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.”
I nod. “It’s why Étienne is here with me and not my parents.”
“Is he your brother?”
“Cousin disguised as my PA so he could get in. And trust me, I’m making him work for it.”
It falls silent for a short time, and it’s not awkward or anything. Just a calm lull in the conversation.
“I got tickets to your performance,” he admits.
I glance at him, but he isn’t looking at me.
“Did you now?” I ask.
“Yeah, I like watching you skate. I hope that’s okay.” He sneaks a glance at me.
“More than okay. Maybe I’ll perform better knowing you’re watching.”
He laughs, ducking his head. “Doubt it. You’re already amazing.”
I bump him with my shoulder. “There’s always room for improvement,” I say quietly.
I look around the dining hall, noting it’s emptying out. Roman does the same before looking back at me.
“Can I walk you back to your building?” he asks, hope shining in his eyes.
