Page 42 of Faking All the Way
We make our way to one of the wooden benches at the edge of the rink and sit down to unlace our skates. My hands are getting cold from the wind and all the time spent outside, and Igrimace as I fumble with the laces, which are stiff from the chill as well.
“Here,” Asher says, kneeling in front of me. “Let me.”
He picks up one of my feet, resting it on his knee, and starts working on the laces with quick, efficient movements. His fingers are much more dexterous than mine despite the cold, and he has the first skate unlaced in seconds. Then he does the other one, untying the bow and tugging at the laces.
“Thanks,” I say, touched by the gesture in a way I probably shouldn’t be. It’s such a small thing, but something about seeing him on his knees helping me with my skates makes me feel… taken care of.
“I should be thanking you,” he says, glancing up at me as he finishes with the second skate. “This was a great idea.”
“Yeah?”
“Hell, yes. You were right that having something to look forward to made my day so much better.” He stands up and moves back to his spot on the bench. “So, thanks.”
I get my regular shoes on while he takes care of his own skates, trading the rigid boots for the soft comfort of my sneakers. My feet are a little sore from the unfamiliar footwear, but I’m not sorry about it. I think I may even have become a convert to skating. Itispretty fun.
We return the skates to the rental counter, then head out toward the parking lot. The temperature has dropped noticeably now that the sun is lower, and I pull my coat tighter around me.
My phone rings as we’re walking, and I tug it out of my pocket to see my grandmother Beverly’s name on the screen. I smile automatically as I swipe to answer.
“Hi, Grandma,” I come to a stop, pressing the phone to my ear.
“Kat, sweetheart! You sound a bit out of breath. What are you up to?” Her voice is vivacious and bubbly as always. Mygrandmother has more energy at seventy-eight than most people have at thirty.
“I just went ice skating,” I tell her, unable to keep the smile out of my voice. I glance at Asher, who came to a stop beside me and is watching me with a small smile of his own. “It was actually a ton of fun. I didn’t fall once.”
“Ice skating! That’s amazing. I’m glad you’re getting out and enjoying yourself while you’re home instead of just hiding away working on your illustration projects.” She clicks her tongue against her teeth, chuckling. “Though I do hope you’re still finding time to draw. I know how you get when you’re inspired.”
“I am, don’t worry. Plenty of time for both.”
“Good, good. I just wanted to remind you that my Christmas party is coming up this weekend. I hope I’ll see you there? I need to catch up with my favorite artist!”
“Of course I’ll be there, Grandma. I wouldn’t miss it for anything.” I smile fondly. My grandmother’s holiday party has become an annual tradition. She goes completely overboard with decorations and food and invites pretty much everyone she’s ever met. “Honestly, half the reason I came back home is to go to your party,” I add. “It’s the event of the year.”
She laughs, clearly flattered even though we both know I’m exaggerating. “Oh, you’re sweet to say so, even if you’re being a bit dramatic.”
“I’m serious! You always throw the best parties.”
“Well, I try. And I’m hoping you’ll bring that young man of yours. Asher, isn’t it? I’ve heard so much about him from your mother and Josephine, and I’m dying to meet him properly. Please tell him he’s welcome too.”
I start to say something vague, not wanting to commit him to anything without asking first. My grandmother doesn’t do anything by halves, and the party will be a lot, especially for an out-of-towner who doesn’t really know anyone but me and myfamily. But before I can get the words out, Asher nods. He clearly heard enough of the conversation to figure out what she’s asking.
A rush of gratitude floods me, and I mouth “thank you” to him before turning my attention back to the phone.
“He’ll be there too, Grandma. I’m sure he’d love to meet you.”
“Wonderful!” I can practically hear her beaming through the phone.
“Can we bring anything? Food or drinks or something?” I offer, knowing she’ll turn me down but wanting to ask anyway.
“Absolutely not. I’ve been stocking up my fridge and freezer and pantry for weeks now. You should see it all! I had to buy an extra folding table just to hold all the appetizers. I’m more than ready.”
I laugh at that, picturing her kitchen overflowing with food. She really does go all out for this party, treating it like she’s hosting royalty instead of just neighbors and family. “Okay, but if you change your mind, let me know.”
“I appreciate that. But you just bring yourself and that handsome young man of yours. That’s all I need.”
We chat for another minute about the party logistics and when we should arrive, and then I promise to see her soon and hang up.
“Thank you for that,” I tell Asher as we walk the rest of the way to his car. “I know going to a party with my entire family and half of Maplewood probably isn’t high on your list of fun activities.”
