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New York City was more than ever, a place of contrasts for me—filled with memories both beautiful and painful. But on this crisp December morning, I was determined to embrace the magic of the holiday season with my friends and Ari, making new memories that would replace the old.
Our day started with a visit to the iconic Rockefeller Center. The towering Christmas tree, adorned with thousands of shimmering lights and ornaments, still took my breath away. The ice rink below was a hive of activity, with skaters of all ages twirling and gliding to the tunes of classic holiday songs.
Of course the guys couldn’t resist the lure of the ice, and soon, we were all lacing up our skates, ready to take on the rink. Ari held me tight as we glided across the ice, his strong arms holding me up since I was a terrible skater.
“I think you’re getting better,” Ari offered as I almost took us both out.
I giggled and grabbed onto him tighter. “You think?”
“Definitely. We managed not to take out that kindergarten class. Major improvement.”
We watched as Lincoln hoisted Monroe up on his shoulders and casually skated across the ice like it was nothing.
“Show-off,” Ari muttered before scooping me up into his arms.
“What are you doing?” I squeaked as he suddenly jumped in the air and did a 360 degree spin with me in his arms, landing smoothly on the ice.
“Just making sureGolden Boyknows who’s truly the excellent skater in the group,” he replied cheerfully as Lincoln scowled at us.
Just then Walker whizzed by, somehow managingtwospins in the air before he landed. The skaters around him cheered.
“Walker wins,” I quipped as Ari growled at me.
“No cheering for Disney.”
“I didn’t cheer.”
“You smiled at him!”
“Okayyyy,” I said sarcastically, and he winked at me.
Once the guys were done showing off, we headed over to the bustling holiday market in Union Square. Stalls were set up as far as the eye could see, offering an array of handmade crafts, festive ornaments, and delicious treats. The air was filled with the scent of freshly roasted chestnuts and hot cider, and the atmosphere was vibrant and merry.
We strolled through the market, sipping on steaming cups of cocoa and admiring the handcrafted goods. I couldn't help but pick out a few unique ornaments to adorn our Christmas tree back in Los Angeles, a reminder of this special day in the city.
“Too bad there isn’t a tattooed dick ornament,” muttered Ari as he and Lincoln watched Monroe and I pick out ornaments.
“Tattooed dick?” squeaked Walker, giving them the side-eye.
Ari nodded seriously. “In honor of Linc.”
“You tattooed your dick!” Walker whisper-yelled, and an angry mother covered her daughter’s ears as she hurried them away.
“Want to tell all of New York?” drawled Lincoln, not sounding particularly upset about the idea of that.
I turned my attention back to Monroe and the ornaments…not wanting to imagine Lincoln’s dick.
“What exactly does he have tattooed on there?” I asked Monroe, not able to stop myself.
“My name,” she said nonchalantly as she examined an Empire State Building ornament. She side-eyed me after a moment and then we both erupted in peals of laughter.
A second later, tattooed arms were wrapping around her and Lincoln was nuzzling into her hair.
I jumped when Ari pulled me into his chest. “What’s so funny over here, sunshine?”
Monroe and I locked eyes again. “Nothing,” she squeaked, and we burst into laughter again.
Lincoln growled, but there was a gentle smile on his lips. A quick glance over at Walker, and he just looked uncomfortable.
