Page 11 of Ice Palace Prince
I motioned to the temporary buildings, then to the civic center on the opposite end of the plaza. “Our Winter Village is filled with businesses from around the city, and an array of local artisans have displays in the civic center. Support your friends and neighbors and shop with convenience at the same time. And due to popular demand we’ve even installed an artificial ice rink this year for your enjoyment.”
Elaine motioned at me from one side of the stage, an indicator that it was almost time to light the tree.
“Now I’m sure that you’re all ready for me to shut up,” I said, to much laughter. I motioned to the large tree at the far side of the plaza, close to the civic center. “Let’s count this down, shall we?”
“Ten…” I started. “Nine…”
The crowd joined in and by the time we reached zero the tree lit up, bathing the plaza with colorful light.
“Happy Holidays Valle Granja!” I called out. “Thank you for coming out tonight, and have a fantastic evening.”
I handed the mic to one of the stage attendants as the people below started to disburse to shop, skate, or admire the tree.
“Short and sweet,” Elaine chirped as she strode across to me while a mariachi band set up behind us to provide live music.
“I saw no reason to drag it out,” I replied as we took the stairs down off the stage.
She laughed. “And here I thought you’d be the verbose type when I hired you.”
“I can be, when necessary.”
We stepped away from the stage, and I was prepared to mingle, when I spotted Lowell chatting with a cute omega near one of the a-frame buildings. Then he laughed, and my stomach dropped.
Whelp, that’s it. I knew he was taken.
I forced a smile as Elaine asked me a question, then excused myself.
I couldn’t explain why it hurt so much to see Lowell with another man. It wasn’t like it was unexpected. He was a damn fine catch of an alpha, and deserved all the happiness.
My heart didn’t agree though, and I realized how much I’d been hoping that things would be otherwise.
Laughter and excitement sounded all around, but I couldn’t enjoy it.
How long had I been interested in Lowell? I didn’t think it had started as early as high school, but maybe I did have a crush back then without recognizing it. I did always enjoy spending time with him.
I sighed and realized that I was standing next to the ice rink. I leaned on the barrier and watched kids and couples skate clumsily past.
That was another missed opportunity…
I squeezed my eyes shut and took a deep breath. It was a minor miracle that people weren’t trying to talk to me, but I needed to be social and play my part.
You’ve got until the count of five to put this mood away. Then you’re going to force a smile until you can cry into your pillow later,I told myself.
One… two… three… four…
“Beautiful night, isn’t it?” a rich voice asked next to me.
I jumped, turning to see Lowell standing at the barrier beside me.
“L-Lowell…”
“Sorry,” he said softly. “I thought you heard me come up.”
“It’s ok,” I mumbled.
He smiled at me, then turned to lean on the barrier himself. “Waiting for your turn?”
I looked out at the skaters again. Somehow it was easier to talk to him when I wasn’t looking right at him. “No. I don’t know how to skate.”
