Page 78 of Dream Girl
“Um, yeah. Maybe you don’t have that here? Women on skates play a game where they skate around the rink in a circle, trying to keep each other from getting all the way around. It’s a little rough,” Grace said. “It was with my department when I was getting my PhD. We all had math names. I wasPeach Pi. We played other departments, it was fun.”
“Skate smash, you did skate smash at your university. That’s hot,” I breathed, holding Wes’ hand as we went into the garage. It was rough and tumble, even more than hockey.
“Respect.” Riley fist-bumped her. “I like watching the pro leagues on TV. Before I moved in with these assholes, I used to play. I’m going to try out for my school team. Tryouts for next year are after spring break so we can train all summer. I want to do the summer camp the Rockland Raiders run, too.”
“That sounds fun.” Grace nodded. Yeah, we should probably catch Grace up on sports, movies, and other things most people knew here.
We drove to the movies and crossed the lobby. Grace held Wes’ hand, looking around at all the people and movie posters.
“No popcorn?” she asked as we went to our theater.
“Inside. You’ve never been to the fancy movie theater? You need to go on better dates.” Riley found our seats, which were all in a row together.
Riley sat on one side of me, Wes on the other, Grace next to him. I should let her sit between us, but I was feeling a little selfish. The chairs were giant recliners that had movable armrests, tray tables, blankets, and pillows.
“What are we getting, fuckers?” Riley had out her phone.
“Popcorn,” Grace piped up, settling into her chair, her feet not even touching the floor.
“They have actual food here. You never had lunch and should eat,” Wes told her. “You should eat food, too.” He kissed my cheek.
Riley rolled her eyes. “I plan on eating food, Wes. Happy?”
“Very. Everyone should eat food.” Wes looked like the smug fuck he was.
We placed our food order. Grace moved up her armrest and curled into Wes’ side, covering herself with a blanket. He tucked her in, giving her a fond pat.
I felt bad dragging her out so soon, but we couldn’t leave her home alone. She might even like it. It was a spy comedy.
Better dates.Where could we take her? Usually, Wes and I kept our dates low-key.
Wes grabbed my hand over the armrest and squeezed it.
“Oh, fuck.” Riley made herself small in her chair.
“What?” I followed her gaze and saw a lanky teen guy in a leather jacket, eyeliner, and boots enter the theater with a couple of men.
“Marcos.” She ducked her head.
“I thought he was your friend. What happened?” Frowning, I watched him look at his phone, then his head whipped around and he headed straight for us.
“He is. I don’t like people flaking.” She made a face.
While thetas were independent, they were also insecure and wanted to feel like they were needed and belonged without being smothered. It was a rough balance.
“Riley.” Marcos’ entire goth face lit up. “Hey, I texted you, a couple of times. Is everything okay?”
“Yeah. Went home for the weekend. Pack stuff.” Her voice went flat.
“I get that. Thanks for being cool about yesterday. I found out why they wanted me to change my plans. Papi and Dado came home to surprise me for my birthday! They didn’t want to tell me in case they couldn’t make it. But they’re here!” Marcos beamed, clearly oblivious to her posture and expression.
Her arms uncrossed, and she sat forward, mood instantly changing. “Wait, your papi came home? Dado, too? Shit. That’s great.”
“I know.Yesterday, I got to spend theentire daywithjusthim and Dado. I miss them so much when they’re away.”
“Just you? Fantastic. Your birthday’s this weekend?” Riley leaned forward even more.
He grinned and leaned in. “Don’t tell. It’s tomorrow.”
