Page 27 of War

“Let's clean up where we ate dinner and leave a note for Amantha.”

“Okay.” Neo jumped into action and ran toward the kitchen.

Amantha would kill me if I took him to a party. Luckily, I had something kid-friendly in mind.

I walked into the kitchen to help Neo clean up.

Chapter 13

“Oh, ouch!” I winced when Neo wiped out hard roller skating. “Anything broken?”

“I don't think so,” he groaned.

“Okay, let's get you up again and skate it off.”

I helped Neo to his feet.

The smooth concrete floor of the roller rink stretched beneath us. Patio tables and chairs stood outside the barrier walls of the indoor rink, along with a concession stand. Nothing but water was allowed inside the rink. Small tables and benches lined the outer wall of the rink where skaters could sit during their leisurely skate.

“You're gonna have bruises tomorrow. I hope you're having enough fun to make them worth it in the meantime.”

Neo forced a grin. “Absolutely.”

I smiled. “Okay, good.”

I skated a fancy circle around Neo.

He laughed, and we skated some more. His body was settling back down after his tumble.

His face fell when he saw someone come in the entrance.

Anger coursed through my veins. I didn't like that someone took his joy away like that.

“What's wrong?” I asked.

I looked at the entrance but I only saw a group of girls. Was he being bullied by a female?

Neo's cheeks turned red.

We continued skating side-by-side around the rink.

“Neo? What's wrong?” I repeated.

“Nothing,” he said.

“Is someone picking on you?”

He frowned and shook his head. “No, nothing like that.”

“Then what?”

“Ilikeagirlwhojustcamein,” he rushed out.

Did he say what I think he said?

“Slower, in English,” I said.

He sighed. Keeping his voice low, he said, “I like a girl who just came in.”