Page 546 of Filthy Elites

The moment I first slid onto the ice, I fell in love.

Audrey never had the money for lessons, let alone a coach, so I just watched people and tried to replicate what they did. Fast forward six years and many, many falls, I’m still not particularly good at figure skating, but this place feels like home. More so than the Archer brownstone, or any other place I’ve ever lived.

I can’t tell how long I’ve been skating, turning, and jumping, when I hear my name called out.

I beam. “Damian!”

He joins me, skating backward to be as slow as me.“Damn, you were lost in thought, girl. I called you five times.”

I tend to tune out the world when I’m on the ice, and he knows it. “Aren’t you supposed to be on campus?”

He graduated last year and now he’s attending Rothford U. The college is north of town, on the east side, of course. Students can get all necessities on their vast campus, without ever taking a step into town, so I didn’t expect to see him for quite some time.

“I needed a prison break,” he replies with a wince. “You wouldn’t believe the bullshit coach is putting us through.”

I roll my eyes. “Well, you wanted to play hockey with one of the best teams in the country. That’s what you get.”

Damian’s skilled on the ice, but he’s often told me he has no intention of going pro. If that’s the case, I’m not sure why he’s with the Rothford Monsters.

“I can always count on you for complete apathy.” He winks at me. “Fancy making me feel better after the session?”

I tilt my head as I consider his offer. He’s made it quite a few times, and my answer generally is yes. Sex is simple, particularly with a good friend who knows my body like the back of his hand. I’ve always liked it with him. I enjoyed the shape of his body, the feel of his mouth on mine, on my skin. I can’t remember how many times we let off steam in the back of his car last year. Sex with Damian is fun and easy.

I don’t know why, but I shake my head. “Pass.”

“Roger that,” he says, unbothered. “I’ll give you a lift home if you’d like, though.”

“That sounds great, thank you. Now leave me alone. I want to skate.”

Laughing, he starts to pick up speed, and I return to my practice, letting the world disappear.

At nine, I follow Damian to his car, chatting about our respective classes.

“You should try for Rothford. The science department is great.”

“Too rich for my blood.” I wrinkle my nose. “And too close to Thorn Falls.”

“It’s not that bad.”

He would think that. Damian might have attended Thorn Falls West, but he has money. His car, his clothes, and his acceptance to Rothford U prove it.

“Agree to disagree.”

“Do they still cause you problems?” He’s frowning. “Vince’s friends.”

I think about the previous day, but decide not to mention it. Chase took care of the issue. “Nah. Most people don’t even know where I am, and I deleted all my social media. I haven’t been west of the river since the move. Turn left. So, do you still plan on getting an MBA?” I never quite understood why he wasn’t attempting to get drafted. He’s NHL material, and he clearly loves the sport.

He’s silent for a while. “It’s complicated.”

In other words, he doesn’t want to tell me, and it’s none of my business, so I drop it. I love how effortless things are between us. I don’t feel the need to push, nor does he. Our friendship is completely shallow, but still warm.

The ridiculous Archer mansion comes into view. “Slow down, we’re almost there.”

He stops at the gates, and whistles. “Damn. That’s an upgrade from the old place.”

“One of the perks that comes with Audrey’s new job. Thanks for the ride, Damian.”

“Anytime. Catch you soon, sweetheart.” He kisses the top of my nose and I slide out of the car.

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