I hear voices before the doors open and watch as people file out. Athletes talking to one another, thrilled with their performances and the medals they won. Canada made silver, even though Nico’s score was the best out of everyone. The others on the team didn’t do quite as well, but silver is still something. It’s huge. He got a medal regardless, and that is just… amazing.
He isn’t with the first group of people that head out. I’m about to leave, thinking maybe I missed him, but as I step away, he walks out, his gaze going right to me.
He smiles. “Hey.”
“Hi,” I say, stepping toward him. “Congratulations. You did amazing.”
“Thank you.” He grins. “It feels great.”
“I bet it does. Can I walk with you to the bus?”
“Yeah, of course.”
We follow behind a group of people who are only a few strides ahead of us.
“I’m so impressed, Nico. I’ve never seen someone skate like that.”
He looks up at me, a proud smile on his face. “That means a lot coming from you.”
“Me? Why me?”
“Someone who sees the ice differently. I think a lot of hockey players don’t think that what I do is important.”
“You’re probably right, and I’m sorry.”
“Don’t apologize for them. It’s their own problem. But that’s why it means so much coming from you. I think you actually get it.”
“I do,” I say quickly. “I really watched you tonight. You didn’t hesitate for even a second. You know what you wanted, and you took it. Youtookit.”
He laughs quietly. “You’re amazing on the ice too, you know,” he says.
“It’s different.”
“Doesn’t make it any less amazing. You’re a good hockey player. You’re here, Roman, and that means something.”
“Yeah,” I say, a slight smile forming on my lips. “I guess it does.”
He stops, putting his hand on my arm and looking me right in the eyes. “It does mean something. Don’t think otherwise.”
I nod, my breath caught in my throat. How do his words get to me more than others?
Chapter Eight
Nico
“Can I walk you to your building?” Roman asks as we get off the bus.
I appreciate how polite he is. Almost old-fashioned. Asking if he can walk me to my building and to the bus stop instead of just assuming he can. It’s adorable, especially because it doesn’t quite fit the way he looks. I don’t like stereotypes, but sometimes you can’t help it at first glance, and a first look at Roman would give you the impression he’s an asshole.
He’s the opposite though. The complete opposite.
“You could, but…” I pause, looking up at him.
“But?”
“I’m wired and wasn’t planning on going back to my room.”
“Oh, okay… uh—”
