Page 70 of A World Without You
FIFTEEN
Friday, December 15th
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THE EDGE OF THE ICE-skating rink is adorned with fresh garland and red velvet ribbons, and the rink glows bright into the cold winter sky. As I sit on the green bench, lacing up my skates, my eyes search every familiar skater entering the facility.
I don’t see Bennett, and mild panic courses through me. He has to be here as my “date” because I was technically not invited. It wouldn’t be an illegal offense for me to show up without him, but it would make me look stupid. Thankfully, the office crowd doesn’t seem to notice or recognize me. Except Joe.
He grins wide with arms outstretched in his maroon-colored North Face puffer coat. It’s only zipped three-quarters of the way, revealing a tie covered in Christmas trees. “Lynn!” he shouts.
I stand, wobbling somewhat on the blades. “Hi, Joe.”
“It’s Olivia,” a deep voice says behind me.
I whirl around to see Bennett walking toward me, scowling with a pair of black and white ice skates in his hands.
“Oh, thank God, you’re here!” I exclaim, throwing myself in his arms.
A quick breath that almost constitutes a laugh escapes his chest, and he pulls me back. “You okay?”
“Yes, I just got nervous, and if you’re here, I’ll be less nervous.” I plaster on a smile. “Why are you late?”
“Why are you early?”
“I’m not.” I cross my arms.
“Is Colin even here?”
“Shh!” I silence him and slap my hand over his mouth.
“Why would you care about Colin being here? Gunning for his job?” Joe asks with a huff of a laugh and eyebrows raised. “Because I guarantee you, you aren’t the only one.”
I smile wide enough to let Joe know I’m playing nice, but surreptitiously enough, I seem coy.
“She would blow any of those ducks out of the water, Joe, I’ll tell you that. But no, tonight Olivia is here as my date,” Bennett answers.
“Oh,” Joe practically squeaks, then rocks back on his heels before sauntering off and saying, “Well, I didn’t realize. Guess I’ll see you out on the ice.”
Bennett sits on the bench, slipping off his boots and lacing up the ice skates. “Can’t believe you roped me into this. I hate ice skating.”
“Oh, shut up, Mr. Scrooge. This is fun,” I retort, and he scowls up at me before focusing back on his double knots.
“Where’s Josie tonight?” I ask.
