Bending my knees, I pushed on my right blade, intending to glide the few feet between us. I moved a few inches, and panic set in as I wheeled my arms. He grasped my shoulders, chuckling.
“Hold my hand. You’re a terrible skater, so no one will think…” He shrugged.
I guess neither of us were used to being a couple in public. Taking a deep breath, I inched forward on my blades and kissed him. Not a peck, but not an inappropriate public tongue bath either. A good, solid press of our lips.
Our breath plumed white in the winter air as we parted. I asked, “What about now? Will everyone think you’re my boyfriend?”
Etienne bumped our noses together. “They can’t miss it.” He glanced around at the people starting the trail around us in a stream of colorful scarves and hats. “Good thing they can’t read my mind, eh?”
Behind me, Bree laughed. “Uh, your mind is very transparent, just so y’know.” She held Tim’s hand as he took choppy strokes beside her.
Henry glided up and nodded to us, his eyes gleaming as he looked down the trail. I was glad he’d get a chance to skate even though he should have been taking a complete break from the ice.
Theo appeared with a friendly wave. He called out, “Hey guys! This trail is awesome!” He squinted into the distance where the ribbon of ice curved into the forest, the colored lights reflecting on the fresh mounds of snow. “Not too many people. We should race.”
The words were barely out of his mouth before Henry was off, his long, graceful strides building speed instantly. Theo sputtered and chased him, bending low.
Bree shook her head. “They need to sleep together and realize they’re secretly in love. Like you two!” She winked. “Not that it was much of a secret.”
“It was too!” I insisted. “I had no idea!” Grumbling, I took Etienne’s hand, our leather gloves squeaking. I inched forward with tiny little steps, watching Bree and Tim skate off. Henry and Theo were long gone in their own little world.
“We’re going to skate,” Etienne said. “Not walk on the ice.”
“Are we, though?” I bent my stiff knees.
“That’s it! I won’t let you fall.”
Holding Etienne’s hand, I trusted him the way I always had. He was my best friend. Even if we fell, we’d do it together.
THE END