It was a fair question, I preferred to close every night. Mostly because of how late I stayed before leaving for the night. Heck, I’d sleep there if people didn’t consider it to be a really big issue.
“No. probably not.”
I knew the answer to that. It was a definite no. After being at the rink, I’d need to be completely alone. I had no idea what it was going to do to me and I wouldn’t put anyone in a position, not my employees, my sister or my customers to be around me if I could snap at any moment.
“Okay. I’ll see you tomorrow then?”
“Yep.”
“What’s with you? You sound grumpy and nervous.”
“I don’t sound nervous. Do I sound nervous?”
“You’re extra irritable and sketchy. You’re nervous.” Tisch observed, like reading off a textbook all about me.
I ran a hand through my hair. That was what I needed right now. To look nervous on the ice.
I glanced to the passenger seat and grabbed a plain black baseball hat, lifting my left leg up to hold the wheel steady, I slid the hat over my head. Lowering it just enough to see where I was going.
There, no one will recognize me.
“I’m good. Hold down the fort, will ya?”
“Not sure I remember how to close up but okay…”
I pulled into a spot in the parking lot and took a deep breath, muttering to myself as I peeked at my reflection at the rearview mirror, lifting the cap that covered my high and tight brown hair. I scratched the growing stubble along my jaw, swallowed hard and jumped out.
I was early, figuring I could get a good handle on the ice before my student arrived. But that need for a warmup went out the window when I immediately recognized her golden hair tumbling over her shoulders as she tightened Jax’s skates.
“Waiting long?”
She turned, her face flushing a bit when she took me in and stood. “Not at all. I was actually hoping to get Jax here a little early so we could…warm him up to the ice…if that makes any sense?” she laughed when she heard herself.
“Perfect sense. I’m here early for the same reason.” I watched Jax, who was distracted looking around at the kids of random ages skating effortlessly around the rink. He was a ball of nerves. I bent, checking his rentals, ensuring proper fit and lacing. Impressive. Almost too good. Most in the minors still couldn’t lace up properly. I leaned into him. “Can you keep a secret?”
He nodded.
“I’m a little nervous too—tried to get here early so I don’t make a fool of myself.”
“Really?”
I straightened. “Yeah, so why don’t we get on there and make fools of ourselves together for the first few minutes or so.”
“I might need more than that.”
“Not with me.” I reached for his hand and led him onto the ice.
His blue eyes beamed, and he took my hand.
I pulled him to a halt. “Hold up. Where’s your jacket?” I asked, noticing he was in a long-sleeved shirt and if he wasn’t already, he’d be freezing in minutes within hitting the ice.
“I left it in the car.”
Rayne’s arms flew up in the air in frustration. “Jax, I told you to bring it just in case.” She set her things down. “Here, take my fleece.” She pulled off her black pullover and threw it over the kid. It was a little big but worked.
It was our cue to go, but I was still, watching Rayne settle back onto the steel bench. She had on a tight white t-shirt and light jeans. Goosebumps were already forming on her delicate tanned arms.
Before I could overthink it, I unzipped my sweatshirt and hung it over her shoulders, ignoring her protest and took Jax onto the rink along with me.
