Page 56 of Date With Skates

I don’t know if he did this on purpose or if it was an accident. Either way, I put the shirt aside because there’s no way I’m washing it. I need to keep that scent alive as long as I can.

When the laundry is started, I change into sweats and take his shirt to lay on the couch and put on a movie. That’s where I fall asleep, and it’s almost like he’s there with me.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Étienne

So… I may have a problem.

I may be a little bit of a creep.

Okay, stalker. I’m totally a stalker.

Connor called me on it and he wasn’t wrong.

Impulse control issues!

So, of course, while I am home alone with nothing to do, I buy two very good tickets to the Tornadoes and Diamonds game that’s coming up, and then I go on a hunt to figure out what hotel the Diamonds players are staying at so Nico and I can accidentally run into Roman and Connor. I should just stamp stalker on my forehead.

I also like to be tortured, apparently, because saying goodbye was awful the first time.

Having to do it again?

I’m going to hate myself for doing this, but what can I say?

This is me. Étienne Laurent, king of getting himself in complicated situations.

I text Nico to tell him to come over after practice because I have a surprise for him. Nico, of course, argues because he’s Nico. He eventually gives in, but I don’t think he’s going to show. If he doesn’t, I’ll just have to hunt him down and tell him my plan.

Much to my dismay, he does show. Right on time, too. He must have hurried over here after practice, like I told him to.

He calls out my name the moment he’s in the house, then adds, “This better be good!”

I chuckle to myself as I wait for him to get to my room. He bursts in, and I smile at him over my shoulder.

“I didn’t think you’d come,” I say sweetly.

“I didn’t want to. Don’t want to be here.” He drops onto my bed, being snappy as always. “Make this quick.”

“You must be the only person in the world who doesn’t like surprises.”

“What in the world could I possibly need that I don’t already have?” he complains.

Such a spoiled brat.

Still, this is something he doesn’t have and definitely wants.

“Two tickets to the Tornadoes versus Diamonds game.”

I see his body go still. I wait for the scream I know is coming, because there’s no way he’s containing his excitement.

“Diamonds?” He slowly turns his head towards me, seemingly confused. I can’t help but grin. “Why would I want to see them?”

I frown, wanting to smack him upside the head.

“Don’t give me your shit, Nico. I know you miss Roman.”

He jumps to his feet, startling me.