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Lucy had never been ice-skating before.
After brunch, Sean took her to an outdoor skating rink in Arlington. Lucy argued.
“I barely know how to roller-skate.”
Sean said, “But you ski, right?”
“Not well. I’m still on the bunny slopes.”
“Skiing is next, then. It’s all about balance.”
“There’s a huge difference between ice and snow. Ice is hard. It hurts more when you fall.”
“So don’t fall.”
She glared at him. “You think this is funny.”
He feigned offense. “I take my playtime very seriously.”
She sighed. “I don’t know,” she said, looking out at the rink, dominated by kids who could skate rings around her. “Maybe we should go to a pool hall. I can play a wicked game of pool—”
“After. Now sit so you can put on the ice skates.”
Lucy watched dozens of people on the ice as she pulled on her skates. Most knew what they were doing; some were struggling and holding onto the railings. A little peanut of a girl whizzed past her in a swirling short pink skirt and matching sweater, gloves, and scarf. She did a spinning thing that had Lucy thinking future Olympic Gold Medalist.
Lucy feared she’d break a bone.
Sean was already laced up before Lucy had started. He bent over and quickly tied up her laces. “I don’t think this a good idea,” she said.
“Scared?”
“No, but—”
“Chicken?”
She glared at him. “I’m not chicken, but—”
“Then prove it.”
“I am going to embarrass myself,” she said under her breath. Sean helped her to her feet and she added, “There’s no way I can walk on these skates.”
Sean picked her up.
“What are you doing?” she cried, panicked. “You can’t carry me with skates on.”
He laughed as he walked—on skates—to the entrance of the rink. “You’ll be gliding across the ice like a pro by the end of the day.”
“Or frozen from falling on my ass.”
“I’m not going to let you fall.” He set her down on the ice. She grabbed the railing, her legs spreading into a split.
“Sean!”
He laughed again, grabbed her biceps, and pulled her to standing. “Pretend you’re dancing.”
“This is not dancing.”
“I said pretend.” He held her at the waist, facing her forward, his chest pressed against her back. “I’m going to lead, okay? I’ll steer you forward. You can hold onto my forearm if that helps.”
