"But not today."
"Wow, your inner asshole really starts to shine when you’re performing physically."
"I only have the one asshole. But, like I said…"
"Not today." I mock as he starts to pull me around the rink. Ace of Base is playing as I start to enjoy the wind in my hair.
Rhys’s smile is wide as he easily navigates the rink, proudly rocking his Cockermouth shirt and suede fringe vest.
He’s loosened up in the last hour since I made him swipe the candy. Seeing the joy on his face tells me Yes Day is a roaring success. He’s not at home moping, he’ll have plenty of time to do that after I leave next week.
We make it around the rink as the song changes toKiss Meby Sixpence None the Richer. My eyes sparkle and Rhys starts to shake his head as he laughs.
"Will you sing with me Charming?" I ask.
"Yes."
***
"If my skating is fucked up next season I’m blaming you." I point to Rhys who is just showing off now. After our full ninety minutes of rink time I only improved marginally.
Rhys on the other hand has remembered how to Shoot the Duck. I rub my arches as I watch him squat and glide across the rink.
"I think you could learn a thing or two from me." He says as he swings by the bench I’m on.
"I think I’m going to make your next Yes Day activity giving me a foot massage." I grumble.
"What is my next Yes Day activity?" He asks as he smoothly comes to a stop and sits next to me.
"Well, actually, I was thinking of switching it up."
"What do you mean?"
"Do you want to be in charge of Yes Day now?" I keep my face as straight as possible.
"Yes." He points to me. "And I know exactly what you’re doing first."
***
"Rhys, c’mon this is embarrassing."
"But it’s the right thing to do."
"Fine." I huff as I walk back into the sweetie shoppe.
"’Ello!" The owner waves. "How can I help you?"
"We were in here earlier, in umm, different clothing, and hair, but..." I look to Rhys but all he does is cross his arms and hunker down. "I need to pay you."
"For what?"
"For the candy we stole." Rhys clears his throat. "I stole. For the candy I stole. And, umm, I’d like to place a rather large order as well."
He chuckles. "It’s kind of ya to come back. I build a bit of an allowance for theft into my prices but usually it’s the wee lads I have to worry about."
"Right. Well. First of all, I’d like to ship all the Sour Patch Kids you have to a friend of mine in the states."
"Internationally? They’ll be hard as rock when they arrive."
