Page 26 of Ski You Later
“I don’t think you’ll like it, so I’ll just keep it to myself,” I say casually. Silently cheering in my head as his face shows open curiosity.
“Langley. You have to tell me now. I don’t care what it is.”
Bingo.
Taking a big breath, as if to convey my reluctance, I let him in on my brilliant idea. “I was just thinking over my recent issue and how you could help me.”
His curious expression vanishes. Quickly being replaced by the bored and closed-off face he usually wears.
Ensuring my voice doesn’t waver because of his change in mood, I keep explaining my idea. “Here it is, you be my boyfriend! I told my mom last week that I had a boyfriend, and everyone knows we have been interacting more as of late. It’s perfect!”
Throwing up my hands in joy, Roman’s face doesn’t move a fraction. His brow is furrowed and his mouth stays glued downward.
Realizing my wording might have scared him a little, I quickly backpedal. “Well, fake boyfriend, ofcourse. It would just be until the wedding, and nothing would change at all.”
He looks at me with an upset expression on his face, and I realize I might have overstepped big time. I guess I don’t really know too much about Roman at all; maybe he’s already dating someone. The thought that I just asked a taken man to be my boyfriend terrifies me and I talk before he can.
“Oh my gosh. You’re dating someone, aren’t you,” I speak quickly. Putting my hands over my mouth to show him my genuine shock.
As he’s about to respond, I can’t help but cut him off yet again.
“I’m so sorry. Truly, I had no idea. I should probably just get out of here.” I beeline for his door, but he promptly steps in front of me, and grabs both my biceps as I almost walk into him.
“Stop. Just stop,” his words sound as exasperated as he looks. Taking another big breath, he looks down at me with a serious expression.
“I’m stopping,” I say quickly. Earning a glare from the man in front of me.
“Hush,” he grabs my lips with his fingers, lightly pinching them closed. I can’t help but frown, but he continues as if nothing’s happening.
“I don’t have a girlfriend. I haven’t dated anyone in years because I’ve decided to wait for the right person.” His words are sweet but have a bitter aftertaste when I think about him with thisright person.
“Why does it have to be boyfriend? Can’t I just go with you as a date when the time comes?” His question is more like a plea, and I cringe as I answer him.
“It’s just really complicated, that’s all. I can’t just take a date to the wedding. Since we have so many family members, it was agreed upon that only serious partners would attend.” If I could’ve just brought anyone, I wouldn’t be in this situation.
He lets go of my arms, turning so he can pace around his room. I would be lying if I said I didn’t miss his touch, as the place he was holding goes cold in an instant. His hands then spear through his already dishevelled hair, and he lets out a sigh as he turns back to me.
All my hopes plummet as I make eye contact with him, and his face of guilt mirrors mine from earlier. Regret rips through me, the thought that this would even work makes me feel so foolish. I can’t stop the flush that creeps up my neck as embarrassment takes over.
“Listen, Rhodes I –.”
“Nope. No need. You don’t have to do any of that.” I chuckle awkwardly, inching my way towards the door.
Roman starts to protest, some unreadable emotion taking over his features. “Wait. Don’t leave. I want to explain.”
I can’t help but cut him off once again, shame and embarrassment making my vision blur. “It’s fine,man. Don’t even worry about it,dude. No explanation is needed,homie. I’m just going to leave now,” I mumble the last words as I fly out his door.
“Rhodes! Please just wait!” His words chase after me as I sprint down his hallway and run out the house.
Sitting on my couch with a pint of rice milk ice cream, I stew in my sorrows. “Stupid athlete diet, stupid rice milk, stupid Roman,” I mumble into the tub.
The rest of my complaints turn into grumbles as I shovel this garbage into my mouth and scroll on my phone.
I had made the prudent decision to skip class today, favouring the idea of burrowing into the couch cushions. The only thing that had calmed my stormy brain at first was sketching. The feeling of the pencil inmy hand allowed me to breathe peacefully for a minute. But, when different angles of Roman were the only drawings that appeared on my page, I tossed my paper aside.
Since then, my only companion has been social media. My feed is always filled with these fitness influencers as they show me a new way to burn thatstubborn fat.
As a high-performance athlete who works out almost every day, I find these more comedic than anything else. Some gym influencers are legit and can really help people, but most are just looking for views. Those creators are the subjects of my ridicule.
