Page 45 of Love on the Edge
I give my mom a hug and kiss my dad on the cheek, feeling a familiar warmth settle in my chest.
Then, I turn to Ethan. Without thinking, I reach for his hand. His fingers curl around mine, warm, steady, grounding.
And then—he rubs his thumb along my skin. Slow. Deliberate. Like he isn’t just holding my hand but holding me in place.
A breath I didn’t realize I was holding slips out, my body instantly relaxing, but it’s more than that. I feel… held. Not just touched. Not just steadied. But held.
The kind of touch that says I’ve got you, without needing the words.
This time, when I walk into Drew’s house it’s different.
I’m not showing up alone. I’m not showing up because I feel obligated, because Nina begged me, because it’s easier to say yes than to argue.
I want to be here.
I want to celebrate my friend, to stand beside her on one of the happiest nights of her life. I’ve come so far from the person who used to avoid things like this. I was forced to go to the party that night, but now? Now, I’m choosing this.
We walk in, hand in hand, and as the crowd settles, Ethan moves behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist, his chest solid against my back.
He leans down, his lips brushing my ear. A whisper, just for me. "I hear a car door closing. I think they’re coming in."
I nod slightly, eyes flicking over the room, taking in the faces around us. This is family.
Ethan’s parents are here. Ryan, CC. Close friends, familiar faces. Even Zara.
I glance toward the far wall and spot Ryan standing next to her. Close and relaxed, their heads tilt toward each other, their conversation quiet, intimate.
Ethan had mentioned Ryan asked her out. I would have never guessed she’d said yes. She's as dedicated to skating as I am, neither of us has ever had much of a social life.
I don’t know why I watch them for a second longer than I should.
Maybe because it’s strange, watching something begin in real time. Seeing two people shift from possibility into something tangible and real.
Or maybe because I know exactly how that feels.
The front door swings open, and Nina steps inside, Drew right behind her.
"Surprise!" we all call out.
Nina laughs—bright, open, overflowing with joy.
She runs to her parents first, throwing her arms around them, her excitement radiating so strongly that the whole room seems to glow with her.
She looks adorable, as always. A white dress, soft and flowy, cinched at the waist, catching the light with a subtle shimmer. Elegant, but effortless. Playful, but still refined. Very Nina.
And, of course, she’s wearing bright pink heels.
Before she can come over, CC bolts toward her, her little boots tapping against the floor as she yells out in pure excitement.
“Aunt Nina! Hi!”
Nina turns just in time, grinning as she bends down to catch CC in a hug. “Hey, little bug!” she says, ruffling CC’s hair.
CC pulls back, still bouncing. "Daddy brought Valeria!"
Ethan groans lightly, rubbing a hand over his face. "CC…"
CC ignores him entirely.
