Page 438 of Rock Me All Night
"How did you get so good at skating?" I ask.
"Ophelia was in a roller derby league. She always took me and Pete to her practices. Eventually, I got tired of sitting by myself and I learned to skate."
"Him too?"
Tom nods. "Not as good as I am, of course."
"Of course."
I follow him to the rink exit. "Does she still do roller derby?"
He shakes his head. "She had to stop a while back..." His eyes cloud. "Never picked it back up."
"When she was sick?"
Tom nods. He squeezes my hand. "Life is gonna intrude on this soon enough." He leans in close enough to whisper. "Right now, I don't want to think about anything besides how good you taste."
The sounds that escape my lips are in no way words.
"Heard this amazing idea about breaking into the manager's office and getting on my knees."
I. Uh. It's really fucking hot in here. I nod. "Okay."
"Only okay?"
"Please."
He steps out of the rink then helps me onto a bench and out of my skates and into my shoes. Most of the pain is gone from his expression but there's a hint of it in his eyes.
"You have to promise something," I say.
"Don't think I've ever promised a woman anything."
"I'll pop your cherry."
Tom pulls me to my feet. "You keep saying naughty things and I won't be able to promise to spell my name."
"It's only three letters."
"Even so."
"Promise that you'll tell me about it later. About your mom and your family and being in foster care."
He nods. "I promise we'll talk on the plane. After I wear you out."
