Page 65 of Shane
“Cool, maybe we get a snack first?”
“What do you have a taste for?” I ask, and I try not to laugh at his playful grin. “You’re always hungry.”
“Always,” he laughs. “But right now I’ll take some ice cream.”
We go back inside the cafe, and I order my favorite flavor in a cup, chocolate, and Shane follows suit with a large cone of cookies and creme.
"You know, for a hockey player, you’re pretty good at chess," I say, taking swallowing a small scoop of my ice cream. “And you’re great at teaching it. I should be able to beat you after a few more practice games.”
“I’ll try not to take offense that a grumpy girl from Philly is doubting my high level of intelligence." he counters, his eyes sparkling.
“My bad,” I laugh, feeling lighter than I have in a long time. “What other hidden capabilities don’t I know about you?” I ask him.
“You’re awfully interested in a guy you don’t even want to hold hands with.”
“It’s just the rules.” I shrug. “I don’t make them up.”
“Kennedy, you literally made them up,” he sneers. “I’m starting to feel like you’re only using me for my body.”
“And what a body it is,” I tease.
"I like reading, believe it or not,” he finally answers. “Mostly thrillers and mysteries. Keeps my mind sharp."
"I wouldn’t have guessed," I admit. "You keep surprising me, Shane."
"Good. I like keeping you on your toes," he says, leaning in closer. “So what’s this hidden talent I’m going to see after this?” he asks suggestively, leaning over to play in my hair.
“It’s not that kind of hidden talent.”
“Damn, a guy can dream, right?”
“Unfortunately, a dream deferred.”
We stand there for a moment, the air between us charged with unspoken feelings. Shane steps closer, his hand brushing against mine. "Kennedy, I know things have been complicated between us, and we’ve been working this whole long game with our parents, but I think the time has come.”
“Time for what?”
“Time to tell them the truth about us.”
“About our friendship?” I try deflecting.
“I care about you, Kennedy, and it doesn’t feel good watching you pretend you don’t feel the same way about me.”
My heart skips a beat, and I look up at him, my breath catching. So many things are running through my head and heart, but I hold myself back from saying any of them. It wouldn’t be smart.
“I never said I didn’t care about you, Shane. It’s just…can you keep things light?”
“Keep things light,” he repeats the words back to me as if he’s angry that I said them.
“Yes,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady.
“Okay, Prez.” He reaches up, gently tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. "I’ve waited for you this long, I guess I can wait a little bit longer. So where are we headed to see this hobby or hidden talent of yours?”
“The rink.”
kennedy
As Shane pushesopen the heavy door to the Valencia City University ice rink, the chill of the arena hits us immediately. Shane and I step inside together, our breath visible in the cold air. I'm expecting to see the usual chaos of hockey players and student skaters, but instead, the place is surprisingly quiet. The only sound is the soft hum of the Zamboni machine.