Page 62 of My Secret Snowflake
“You did help today, by coming out with me to Dyker Heights.”
Maddie slips her arm through mine. “I can’t decide if it was good I came along or not. I’m worried you’re falling for Sebastian because he’s safe and he won’t reciprocate your feelings. But I’m not sure he’s so safe. The way he looks at you…and when the two of you were making cookies at Lily’s, it was a miracle you needed to use the oven to heat up the cookies. I worry you’ll get your heart broken if he isn’t interested in a serious long-term relationship.”
We stop in front of Maddie’s apartment building. The light is on in her neighbor’s apartment, and faint strains of Christmas music can be heard through his window.
“Nick is trying to come up with a Christmas song. He’s been doing some Christmas song covers, but he also wants to write his own,” Maddie says.
“Well, it can’t be too bad to listen to Christmas music right now,” I say.
“If Sebastian said he was interested in a relationship right now, what would you say?” Maddie asks.
So much for the brief reprieve.
“I don’t know,” I say, facing her. “I admit I’m attracted to him. And at Dahlia’s party, when I was tipsy, I leaned in to kiss him—”
“You did?”
I sigh. “I did. And he admitted he leaned it to kiss me. We both acknowledge the attraction. But we’re also adult enough to know that we can’t act on it. I don’t do flings well. Ican’tgo through another breakup like Patrick. Especially with what’s going on at work. And we work together. Our friends are getting married.” I shake my head. “You don’t have to worry. We’re not going to date.”
Chapter fifteen
Sebastian
Colorfulcountryflagswavefrom the tall poles surrounding the Rockefeller Center ice rink. “All I Want for Christmas” and the sharp slish-slash of skates slicing through the ice fills the air. The majestic Rockefeller Christmas tree is always an impressive sight. I never called Melody to see the tree lighting this year. That used to be our thing. Among others. Not that she called me either. It’s good. I’m moving on.
Iris is already out on the ice, and she’s grinning at her little sibling. The more time we spend together, the more I’m attracted to her. When I pulled her out of the way of that guy about to poke her in the face with his umbrella, I didn’t want to let her go. Rupert and Lily. Zeke and Tessa. Four very good reasons why we are off-limits for each other.
Jamal already has his skates on. I lace up mine and wobble over to the area where our group is gathering. I gingerly step onto the ice as Jamal rushes on with all his friends. He’s definitely a better skater than me. To be honest, though, his technique seems to be to run on the ice. Definitely more fearless.
I wasn’t lying when I said I’m not a good ice skater. I want to join the one kid clinging to the side. Jazmine skates over to reassure her.
I sort of glide around in a circle, keeping my eye on Jamal. He’s having a great time with his friends. We’ve clearly done whatever bonding we’re going to do for now.
Ahead of me, a woman jerks backwards and spin-wheels her arms. I give her wide berth. I barely have my own balance and definitely don’t want to be taken down.
Ice skating may have been a mistake. I look pathetic—more walking than gliding—but I’m trying.
Iris skates up to me and slides her arm through mine. “Are you okay?”
“I’m not sure humiliating myself is giving my little sibling the best impression of me.”
“Of course it is,” Iris says, her warm body pressing against mine. Maybe ice skating isn’t so bad after all. “It shows that you’re willing to do a lot to hang out with him and that you also have enough confidence to try something new, even if it means failing at first.”
“Does it show all that?”
“Subconsciously.” She grins.
I slip on the ice slightly, and Iris grabs me.
“I don’t want to take you down with me,” I say. “I don’t think you should hold me.”
“I’m stronger than I look,” she says.
“I think that’s true, but I’m not sure you believe it,” I say.
She blinks.
It’s pretty clear that Iris is still recovering from being cheated on. When that song came on yesterday, she noticeably froze. Is she afraid to date again—except with someone like Ernest? She was being very friendly towards him during the cookie-making session. But at least she told him she doesn’t date coworkers.
