Page 69 of Tell Me Everything
A laugh left my lips. Was he nervous about asking me out? I had to tease him, if only a little. It wouldn’t be funny if I didn’t.
“What a strange way to invite a lady.”
“Yeah, I tried to think of a more romantic way, but I can't remember what I had memorized,” Alex rambled.
He stopped when he realized he'd said more than he'd intended, his green eyes widening. This never happened to him. He who was usually calm and composed must really have been in overdrive if he couldn't control his mouth. As he did whenever he was uncomfortable, Alex rubbed the back of his head. A nervous tic I found more and more endearing every day.
“Cute.” I giggled.
“It's embarrassing.”
“I think it's sweet. Okay, I accept your invitation.”
“Great. Wait for me in the parking lot after class.”
Unlike usual, Alex turned on his heels and disappeared in theblink of an eye, leaving me alone at lunchtime. For the rest of the day, I couldn't help trying to guess what he had planned. This was the first time in my life I'd been invited on a date. And the cherry on top, it was with Alex. Everything suddenly seemed so real between us. I grinned like an idiot.
At the end of class, I met Alex in the parking lot. I didn't think it was possible, but he was even more jittery than earlier. During the drive, I chatted about everything and anything to try and lighten the mood, without much success. Alex parked his car at the city's indoor ice rink.
“We’re going ice skating?”
“No, we're going to plant umbrellas.”
I pretended to laugh before rolling my eyes. He was back to his usual charming self, it seemed. “You’ve got so much personality today.”
Alex took a few things out of the trunk and handed me a pair of gloves, socks, and a brick-coloured sweater that caught my eye. The sweater was soft and smelled of washing powder, and a touch of his perfume—something I very much appreciated. I turned to him and smiled. He returned my smile, and for the first time today, he seemed to relax a bit.
“How did you know I like skating?”
“Just a hunch called Sophie.”
Once we'd put on our skates, we headed for the rink. I moved slowly, getting used to being on ice again. I did a few zigzags and pirouettes before turning back to Alex. Poor thing. I chuckled as he clung to the edge, holding on for dear life. He frowned.
“Of course you can skate.” He sighed. “I was hoping you'd be as bad at it as me.”
“If you can do ballet, you can ice skate. It's all about balance.”
He tried to move towards me, but his balance was terrible. I held out my hands. Alex was a danger on the ice.
“I'm not going to let go of the edge if that's what you'resuggesting.”
“Oh come on, don't be a sissy. I won't let you fall. At least, not too often.”
Alex rolled his eyes but agreed to take my hands anyway. I guided him slowly. “Maybe for a first date, I should have chosen something more up my alley.”
I bumped my shoulder against his in jest, and he nearly fell. I caught him as best I could. Alex wore a disgruntled grimace.
“We’re holding hands while skating. Isn’t that romantic?”
“I feel like a kid holding his mother's hand.”
Although he wasn't comfortable, Alex followed me all over the rink. He fell occasionally, but all in all, it was a very cute afternoon. If all dates were as carefree and fun, I wanted to go on more.
Back in the car, I kept Alex's sweater on. Every now and then, I'd notice him watching me with a smile. Now I just had to find a way to keep it.
“Thank you for this afternoon. I loved it.”
“The day isn't over yet.”
