"Covered the books with a blanket and rolled down the window slightly for temperature control," he said, clapping his hands. "So, are we doing this?"
"We are," I said, hoping I wouldn't regret it.
As Stacia said "Yay, yay, yay! I can't wait to see you in the looks I picked out," I was already questioning my decision.
Then she nodded at Tolliver and said, "It's strange to see you off the ice."
"Same," he said. "Aren't you supposed to be swimming or something?"
They laughed and knocked fists.
"You know each other," I said, stating the obvious.
Stacia nodded. "Since we were kids."
"Our parents are friends," Tolliver said. "Her dad used to assistant coach youth hockey. She was always hanging around the rink."
"Until I discovered the pool," she said.
"She's like a fish."
"I love the water."
Stacia threw me a smile.
"Besides, it's much better to do something you love versus watching sweaty boys zoom across the ice. Right, Freya?"
"Yeah," I said, forcing a smile of my own. "Let's go in."
"Let's," Stacia repeated.
Tolliver arrived at the door first and held it open for both of us.
"Such a gentleman," she said, booping him on the nose and making him laugh as she walked inside.
Seeing my face, he asked, "You sure you're good with this?"
"So good," I lied.
Tolliver's brow furrowed.
"Thanks again. For the door." Before he could say anything, I was already striding past him. "Hopefully, this won't take too long."
Catching up with Stacia, she pointed to one of the dressing rooms. "Freya, you'll change in there. I've already got everything set up."
"Okay," I said.
"Let me know if you need help."
"Mhm."
"Tolliver," she said next, "there's a seating area here, or you can wander around. They have snacks and flavored water up front. I trust you can entertain yourself."
"I'll wait here." Tolliver shot me a grin. "In case Kent needs me."
"I won't," I said, and his face fell. "Do your thing, Stone."
"But—"
