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Toby eyes us suspiciously. I feel bad, but we didn’t tell him about volunteering at the ice rink. With things still being strained between us, I want my full attention on the kids, not the boy who has my heart in knots.
“Yup.”
“Where are you two going?” Toby asks.
“Just heading back to the dorm. Maybe watch a movie or something,” Bishop replies.
“Since when did you two become besties?” Toby crosses his arms and narrows his eyes. But not at me, at Bishop.
“Are you kidding me?” Bishop asks him, his words coming out in a disbelieving growl. “I don’t know, pretty much our whole lives? What is wrong with you, man? I can’t hang out with her now because you're not with us? You know, we can be friends without you there. You're not the one that holds our friendship together.”
“I didn’t say I was,” he snaps at Bishop. “I just don’t get why you two are spending so much time together.”
Bishop shakes his head and steps closer. “Don’t start with me, Toby. I know you’ve been in a shitty mood, but it’s one of your own making. When you're done being a miserable asshole, give me a call and we’ll invite you to hang out.” Bishop looks at me. “Come on, Lilly.”
I chew my lower lip, uneasy nerves swarming my belly. I don’t know what's going on between them, but I don’t like seeing them fight. I don’t think I ever have before.
With one last look at Toby, who watches me with those pain-filled, longing eyes he’s been sporting the past few weeks, I follow after Bishop. Because what else would I do?
Bishop is right. Toby is his own reason for being unhappy. He’s the one who rejected me.
Before, I would want to stay behind, trying to make him feel better, to ease his pain. But Bishop makes me want to put myself first. He makes me smile and laugh. When I’m with him, I’m happy. Not hurting, not in pain, but feeling good.
Whenever Toby decides to stop being his own worst enemy, I’ll be there to talk. Until then, yeah, I’m putting myself first.
Chapter 25
Lillianna
“Maybe this isn’t a good idea,” I tell Bishop as I lace up my skates from my spot on the players’ bench.
“Why not?” Bishop asks, lazily skating while he waits for me.
“Because I haven’t been on skates in years.” I finish tightening the laces up and stand.
“It’s like riding a bike. It’s also why I wanted to come here before lessons start, just in case you were a bit rusty.” He gives me a playful grin that makes my body flush.
I brush it off, giving him a teasing glare. “Thanks.”
“You're very welcome,” he chuckles. “Now get your cute little ass out on the ice.” He holds his hand out and I take it, cheeks blushing.
“Thanks,” I murmur as he helps me out onto the ice.
I’m a little wobbly at first but it doesn’t take me long before I’m skating up and down the rink.
“There you go. Like a pro. You know, if you practiced more, you could be as good as me,” he taunts, looping around me.
“Yeah, sure.” I laugh.
We spend a few minutes skating around, laughing, and talking.
Bishop comes to a stop, spraying me with ice. “Wanna race?” he asks, wiggling his brows.
“Asshole.” I giggle and grin. “You’re on.” I know I’m going to lose, but I’m excited to try.
We skate over to one side, hands on the plexiglass. “On the count of three. One.” My heart pounds, excitement filling my body. “Two.” I get in position. “Go!” he shouts, and I swear I feel a gust of wind hit my face as the speed demon races down the rink.
I lose, badly. He makes it to the other end with a whoop as I’m just reaching the middle of the rink. I laugh at his little victory dance but as I get closer and closer to him, I forget how to stop. My eyes widen and I let out a scream, closing my eyes as I brace myself for the crash into the hard boards that is about to come.
