Page 32 of Lost on Ice
We all turn and watch as Benson Scott, the rink’s owner, walks toward us. A short, round old man with tufts of gray hair and thick glasses. Benson is always a little loud because he’shard of hearing, even after years of being away, he’s still the same old Benson.
“I’m so grateful to have Carter and Tom taking on the bulk of the coaching and management,” he continues. “I’m getting too old to keep this place running on my own. As it is, I really only have to check in once a week or so because Carter’s taken on this place nearly full time now.”
Sophie chuckles. “Carter loves it here, Benson. He’s happy to help out.”
“I really do owe him and Tom.” Benson grins. “Because of them, I get to spend more time enjoying my golden years. In fact, my granddaughter is visiting soon—the only one I like of any of them.” Under his breath, he murmurs, “The rest are all greedy little fuckers who have moved away, and are too self-absorbed to worry about anything but themselves.”
Surprised by his words, I share a glance with Sophie, who’s wide-eyed and clearly trying hard not to laugh.
After a bit more small talk, Benson turns and shuffles off and the boys start talking among themselves about hockey. They keep peppering Jake with questions, thankfully distracting him, but I can still feel when he glances my way. He’s just too big of a presence to completely ignore, and I wish I could just disappear from his scrutiny before he puts two and two together. Carson and Chase make their way over to us and Sophie grabs her boy in a tight hug before helping him change into his regular shoes.
Lilah rushes up to him and throws her arms around his neck.
“Hi Chase!”
“Hi Lilah,” he replies with a grin, patting her on her back. “Did you see me? I was skating!”
“Yeah!” she exclaims, clapping her hands. “Skating!”
“Do you want to skate too?” he asks her.
She nods and looks up at me. “Lilah skate, Mommy!”
I can’t help but grin down at her. She and Chase are just so freaking cute together.
“Someday, baby,” I assure her. “Maybe when… well…”
“I can teach her,” Jake offers.
I turn to face him, eyes widened. He’s actually smiling, and his tone is genuine, with none of his usual cavalier arrogance. It’s shocking. “What?” I whisper.
He clears his throat. “Seriously, I’d be happy to teach the kid how to skate. When she’s old enough.”
“Sure you’ll still be around by then?” I snip.
The question is past my lips before I realize what I’m asking, and he looks stunned. Then a little bit… hurt? Yes, he does look hurt.
“Ouch,” he whispers. “Offer still stands.”
“Hey, Jake, can you help me grab the equipment?” Carter asks, slipping up next to him, seemingly oblivious to the tension radiating between us.
Jake jerks his gaze from me and turns to Carter, looking as though he’s breaking free of a daze. “Uh, yeah… sure. I can help.”
Carter claps his hand on Jake’s shoulder then shoots me a smile. “Hey, Abbie! You and Soph have fun tonight.”
I force a bright grin. “Yeah, for sure. I’ll take good care of her, don’t worry.”
“I trust you,” he winks, then to Jake, “Let’s go, dude.”
He skates away and Jake moves to follow him, though his gaze lingers on me a little while longer before he finally moves away.
“Okay, we’re good to go,” Sophie declares, snagging my attention. I turn to find her standing and holding Chase’s hand, smiling at me expectantly.
“Yeah, uh, excited for our girls’ night?” I ask her, ready to get out of here.
She sighs. “More than ever.”
Chuckling, I grab Lilah’s hand and quickly head for the exit, not looking back even though I know Jake is watching me practically run away. Sophie isn’t far behind with Chase. We’ll drop them both off with Vivianne and my dad, then head to my place, where a good pint of rocky road ice cream is calling our names.
