“What can I say? It hooked me.”
“Don’t let the guys hear you say that.” She laughs.
“Oh, I’ve already gotten enough shit from them, and I’ll get even more tonight.”
“At least you won’t have to deal with it alone.”
I smile back at her. “Is this why people decide to be in relationships? To get shit heaped on them together?”
“That and learning how to skate together.”
“Well, you actually need to learn. Do you feel okay?”
She nods. “Yes.”
“Good. You’re a quick study. Now, what I want you to do is march. We can do it along the boards, so if you feel unsteady, you can grab on. But it’ll help you get the feel of the ice under your skates.”
“Okay.”
A look of sheer concentration locks into place as she adjusts her position to start marching.
“You’re doing good. Keep doing that.”
“I feel dumb.”
“Everyone starts somewhere.”
Her eyes dart to mine before focusing back on the ice in front of her. “I bet you were a natural.”
“Not everyone can be me.” I wink at her.
“Yeah, yeah.”
“You look good though, Quinn.”
“You’re just saying that.”
I skate next to her. “Would I lie to you?”
“No.”
“See? Want to try going out even farther onto the ice?”
“Will you catch me?” she asks.
“I won’t need to, but yes. I won’t let you fall.”
“Just making sure.”
Grabbing her hands, I pull her out toward the center of the rink. The Knights logo is painted underneath us.
“I want you to keep doing the marching. But every few feet, glide. Just keep those knees bent and you’ve got this.”
Skating backward, I’m within arm’s reach of her.
“Shouldn’t you be paying attention to where you’re going?”
I shake my head. “I know this ice like the back of my hand.”
