After Dusk

4.3

"I'm really glad you agreed to do this James." I smile in the mirror at him, pulling a few pieces of hair out of my braids for that perfect messy yet styled look.

It really is an art to achieve an effortless look.

"Yeah well, I told Jackie I would support her with her decisions. I just didn't think that meant going on double dates with them every single damn week." He groans, leaning on my bed as I put the finishing touches on my outfit.

I turn away from the mirror, satisfied with my look and I grab his hands, feeling the chill of his skin between my fingers. "Oh come on," I smirk. "You love it. Just admit it already."

"No, I love you." He cups my cheeks in his hands. "Both of you. I am doing this for you two. Not for him." He clarifies for me.

"Fine. Whatever you say." I shake my head. "Are you ready then? Jackie is waiting." I reach my hand out for him as I grab my bag and exit the room.

"As ready as I'll ever be." He leaps off the bed and joins me, bounding down the stairs after me. We hop in the car with Zack and Jackie.

James opens my door for me and helps me on to the parking lot, being careful to help me through the snow. I definitely did not wear the right shoes for this...

Entering the building, I am immediately taken back by the beautiful decor. It is a winter wonderland in here. Well, I suppose that is to be pretty obvious considering it is an ice scaling rink.

Jackie and Zack quickly make their way to the ice, grabbing on to each other for support as they try to stay balanced. They laugh uncontrollably as they tumble and fall. They are having a blast. James and I watch from the sidelines, waiting before we make the decision to embarrass ourselves out there.