Page 44 of Date With Skates

I can’t help but smile.

“I mean, I was heading to the dining hall to eat because I have practice…”

“And I’m inviting myself along, so are we getting food?”

I laugh. “Yes, we’re eating.”

“Good, because I’m starving.”

“Are you ever not?”

“No.”

I have the urge to take his hand. It shocks me, but only for a moment. It shouldn’t be surprising because I’ve definitely gained feelings for Étienne, even in the short time we’ve been together.

The other guys who are walking ahead of us hold the door open once we get to the building. We make our way to the line.

“Why are you up so early?” I ask as I take a scoop of scrambled eggs and one piece of sausage. When we get back to the table, I look down at Étienne’s plate, and my eyes widen.

“You are not going to eat all that.”

“I can’t believe that’s all you’re eating.”

“I already told you—”

“I know.” He rolls his eyes, and in an almost mocking tone, says, “You don’t like to eat before practices or games because you feel it sitting in your stomach.”

“Yeah,” I say, my chest warming at him remembering that. No one ever remembers that, and I don’t know why. It’s not a difficult thing to remember.

The table fills up quickly with the rest of the guys from the team trickling in. I’m surprised when Roman walks in alone. He grabs food and comes over to the table, sitting across from me and Étienne.

I raise a brow. “How was your night?”

He smiles brightly. “Great. How was yours?”

“Shocking.”

He chuckles and digs into his food.

“Where’s your friend?” Étienne asks.

I can tell that’s his way of being discreet, though I’m not sure there’s a reason for it anymore. Roman doesn’t seem to be hiding it any longer.

“Showering and changing.”

“Probably for the best,” Étienne says. “I wouldn’t want to come into contact with any strange substances.”

I try to cover my laugh, but it doesn’t work.

Roman laughs too, though.

“Yeah, yeah,” he says.

“Guys, we have five minutes to catch the bus!” Hersch calls out as he walks by the table. I glance at my phone.

Damn, where did the time go?

I put my fork down and grab a napkin to wipe my hands and mouth.