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“So, you now know what we get up to when we have free time. What about you? Any interesting hobbies or talents?”
“Normal stuff, I guess. Nothing I’d say is as unique or interesting as ice skating.”
“Yes, we’re so very exceptional,” Avril grinned, though she didn’t relent. “Come on; you’ve got to have something that’ll wow two beautiful andsingleolder college girls.”
“Avril,” Anna said, frowning at her.
While Avril defended herself from Anna’s exasperation, Liam ran through his list of so-called “talents.” He nearly slipped and landed on his ass because of it, but he had an answer after steadying himself.
“I guess… I’d say I’m good at cards.”
Both women’s attention returned to him.
“Like, magic tricks?” Avril asked, arching an eyebrow. “Or poker and blackjack and all that?”
Technically, both fell into the same wheelhouse, though he didn’t figure they’d be all too interested in him defining the finer details of what it meant to be “good at cards.” So, he opted for the most straightforward explanation.
“Yeah, blackjack and stuff. I tend to win whenever I play.”
His proclamation received about as much dubiousness as it usually did with people who hadn’t yet played with him. Avril folded her arms, scrutinizing him.
“Everyone says they’re good at stuff like cards.”
“Some of us have to be right when we make the claim,” he pointed out. “Law of large numbers and all that.”
Her lips curled mirthfully. “Well, we’ll have to host a game night and put you to the test then. Won’t we, Anna?”
Anna stared at her friend, though her politeness seemed to demand that she go along with Avril’s sudden declaration.
“What kind of card games do you like to play?” she asked.
He had only the vapidest response to give. “Pretty much any game is fine. Blackjack, poker, euchre—really, I’m up for anything.”
“Which do you think would be the best for a small group like we have? I’m not much of an expert when it comes to cards.”
“Blackjack works fine with just two players; it’s simple and easy to start playing. I can be the dealer too, so it’ll be you both against me.”
“We’ll have to come up with something amusing to ante,” Avril said.
“No, we don’t,” Anna replied. “It can just be a fun, relaxing time.”
“Fine, fineee,” Avril said, though she shook her head and mouthed “not a chance” at him the very moment Anna glanced elsewhere.
“What about ice skating?” Liam asked.
“Pardon?” Anna said.
“Have you ever considered that as something you’d want to do after college?”
“Oh, no. It’s… just something I like to do when I can. I’d rather not make a job out of it.”
This time around, Avril didn’t offer any input on Anna’s statement.
With nightfall encroaching rapidly, the three of them soon watched as the lights around the rink blinked to life. The temperature, which had flirted with below freezing throughout the day, surrendered to the evening’s gelid embrace. Regardless of the chill, more and more people appeared as the workday ended, and it wasn’t long before Liam noticed the stares.
Wherever they skated, eyes chased after Anna and Avril. A few, mostly from guys around their age, narrowed whenever they shifted from the two beautiful women and found him. However, male or female, young or old, innocent or ravenous, their eyes pursued their group as if tethered by ropes.
“See?” Avril said to Anna. “I told you things would be less annoying with Liam around.”
