Page 37 of False Start

Neither Leo nor Noah said a word.

“Skating is for girls according to these little dudes. So they’re choosing to sit this out.”

Jackson crouched down eye level with the boys. “Who told you guys that boys don’t skate? I skate.”

Noah glanced at Leo, a flicker of doubt moving over his face. “Yeah, but you own the place. You have to skate.”

“My grandfather didn’t skate. Neither did my dad and they both owned Rockabilly’s before me.” Jackson clicked his tongue. “Too bad,” Jackson said, ruffling Noah’s hair as he stood. “You guys are missing out.”

“Could you do me a favor and take the girls to pick some skates while I get these guys settled in with the perfect view of the floor?”

“Anything for you, Maze,” he said with a wink. “Come on, ladies. Tell me, do you have a favorite color? I’ve got skates in a rainbow of colors. I might even have rainbow skates. Let’s go see,” Jackson said, leading them behind the front counter.

“I can’t believe you’re going to pass up the VIP attention. Jackson doesn’t let just anybody behind that counter, you know.” I guided each of them toward the tables with a little nudge when they tried to veer toward the pinball machine.

They stayed silent, didn’t make eye contact, and Noah crossed his arms.

Suit yourselves, little dudes.

I led them to the corner and handed cash to Wes. “Would you do me a favor and hook them up with a couple drinks and snacks while I get the girls on the floor?”

“Sure, but keep your money,” he said as he pulled out two chairs for the boys. “I’ve got it this time around.”

I kissed his cheek, his salt-and-pepper whiskers long enough now they no longer doubled as weapons. “You’re a sweetheart. Thank you.”

By the time I made it over to the girls, they’d all picked their skates and Jackson crouched before them, helping them get laced up.

Dropping onto the floor, I grabbed my skates out of my bag and laced up right alongside them.

“You look like you were out there before we got here. Either that or you were attacked with a fire hose,” I said with a laugh.

Jackson’s lips twitched and for just a second a look flashed in his eyes that I couldn’t quite figure out. “Yup, I was out there.”

“Not much fun skating alone.”

“It’s definitely better with a friend,” he agreed before glancing at the girls next to me. “Luckily, you’ve got three to help you stay upright out there.”

“Maisy won’t fall. She never falls,” Addison said with a grin that bordered on hero worship.

“Hey, I can still fall with the best of them. I definitely fall when I play derby.” I pushed up on my feet and held out a hand to Ellie and Addison while Jackson reached out to help Rylee. “You guys will fall, but that’s okay. I’ll be right there with you. I can even teach you some tricks so you don’t hurt yourselves. Sound good?”

Rylee looked up, her eyes wide with fear. “Not falling sounds better.”

“Yes, it does, honey,” I said with a laugh. “But don’t worry. We’re going to go slow and we won’t do anything you’re not comfortable with. It’s all about having fun.”

“What kind of tunes would you ladies like out there?” Jackson asked, scrolling through his phone.

“Jojo Siwa,” Ellie said, her eyes lighting up, the only part of her she dared move judging by how rigid she held herself.

“Haschak Sisters,” Addison added.

Jackson scratched the back of his head and flinched down at his phone. “Good luck with this playlist, Maze.”

I rolled a skate buddy in front of each of them. Made of PVC with wheels on the bottom, the prop would keep them upright at first. “Okay, girls, we’re heading out there.” I glanced back over my shoulder. “Have mercy on my soul and switch that out after a few songs, okay? I’ll shoot you a playlist from my Spotify.”

“Consider it done.”

“Thanks.”

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