Page 45 of Since Always

"Why wouldn't I be happy?" I say, grinning.

She squeezes my hand. "I just worry about you, my love."

"I know, Mom. But look, it's a perfect night. I feel wonderful."

I let go of her then, both of us having found our footing, and skate off, waving as I go. Chris sneaks up behind and grabs her, nearly causing them both to fall.

I try to catch up to Owen, but it's no use. Instead, I wait for him to lap me.

"Looking good, Sloane," he says, coasting to my side. I know we can't hold hands, but it's enough to have him here.

"You still skate like a pro. Do you practice or something?"

"Yeah, between votes on the Hill, fundraisers and weekly flights back and forth to DC. Tons of spare time."

"Such a slacker."

He smacks my arm playfully. "No, it's like riding a bicycle."

"Sure, if your bicycle was on blades."

He laughs, and I wish I could see his smile under the scarf.

I am grinning like an idiot, but I don't care. "Do you ever have a moment so perfect you have to force yourself to stay in it, and not think about the fact it won't last forever?" I ask him. And maybe it's too much. Too emotional. But he doesn't even blink.

"Yeah," he says. "So far this entire year has been one of those moments."

"All twenty hours of it?"

"Every single one."

CHAPTER 14

Owen

Chris: Steph and I are leaving for the mountain in 1/2 hour. Both of you get ready and meet us in the kitchen.

He has sent the text to Cass and me, and both of our phones ding beside my bed. I read the message out loud and we jump up.

"Shit," she says, scrambling into her clothes. "I'm glad he didn't come to find you."

"Me too. I'm sorry; I didn't mean to fall asleep."

"You weren't the only one who did." She is about to open the door, when she runs back over to me to give me a quick kiss. "See you up there."

When I get to the kitchen, Chris and Stephanie are eating party leftovers at the counter. They are using their hands and grabbing things straight out of containers.

"Have you guys never eaten before?" I say, laughing as I walk to grab a cup of coffee.

"Well," Chris says, licking sauce off his fingers. "We exerted a lot of energy last night; you know what I mean?"

"No, Chris," I deadpan. "I have absolutely no idea what you are talking about. Explain it to me."

"Basically, what he is saying is we had a lot of sex last night. Like, a lot," Stephanie deadpans and they smile at one another.

Chris nods. "A lot, man."

I laugh.

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