For the next ten minutes, I hate them all. Okay, maybe not the dog.
Despite my bad mood, I love roller-skating. I grew up watching family friends Raven and Lark's roller derby team. They were so badass, and I planned to be just like them. Turned out, roller derby involves more than skating. There are rules, and I failed at controlling my temper. I was on the team for a single game before getting the boot.
I still love skating, so I focus on the rink rather than Jace. As soon as I swallow my slice of pizza, I hurry to the counter to rent skates.
Tying my laces, I hear Colbie explain to Jace how the siblings rent skates just like average Joes. Keeps them humble, she says. I roll my eyes and leave them to finish eating.
After a few times around the rink, I relax in my childhood memories. Pop couldn't skate, and he never wanted to learn. He always stood just outside the rink and watched me. Every time I passed him, he'd smile. I could pass him a million times, and he never failed to act like seeing me was a big deal.
I ignore Bodie and Zane when they pass me. They're babbling about vaginas, so I'm happy when they ignore me too. Out of nowhere, Colbie decides we're besties. She brings Jace along for the fun.
"Jace is very tall," she says.
"So?" I growl at her.
Man, my growl normally puts an asshole in their place. Not with Colbie though. She reaches over and caresses Jace's face.
"I like stubble on a man."
"Are you drunk?" I ask.
"I wish. Can you imagine how fun skating would be if I was wasted?"
Jace smiles at her, but he also smiles at me. He'll probably smile at just about anyone. He's so fake when out of his element. As a kid, he hid in his head when nervous. Now, he imitates everyone around him.
"I'm surprised you want my sloppy seconds, Colbie."
Jace's smile fades. While he hides his irritation, I see the anger in his hazel eyes. Even after all these months apart, I catch his signals.
"Everyone is someone's sloppy seconds, now aren't they?" Colbie says. "I mean, I'm not since my flower hasn't been sullied yet. One day, I'll be used like you. When that happens, and I end up with a second guy, I'll be sloppy seconds. Who cares? We all end up the same eventually."
"Same or not, I'll always have better hair," I mutter.
"I do bow to your poodle hair."
"Bitch."
"Anal bleach," she says, batting her eyes at me before skating away.
"She really likes anal insults," Jace tells me. "I heard her call Zane an anal plug. She also referred to her pizza toppings as an anal emergency. I don't even know what the hell that one means."
"Don't talk to me."
I skate faster, but Jace easily keeps pace. "I see why you like it here. The town has a quirky vibe."
"Eat shit and die horribly," I growl at him.
Jace sighs. "Really? We've known each other for most of our lives, but you really want me to eat shit and die horribly?"
Rolling my eyes, I skate backwards so I can glare at him. "Fine. Eat shit and die quietly in your sleep."
Jace smiles in the great way that breaks my heart. "Was that really so hard?"
Spinning around, I skate faster even knowing he'll keep pace.
"We were skating the first time I ever held your hand," he says.
"I don't give a shit about the past."
"I wasn't talking for your benefit. You know, Sawyer, just because you think or feel something doesn't mean the world gives a shit."
"Asshole."
"I know, but I like remembering about when life was simpler."
I pretend to ignore him, so he keeps talking.
"Cooper was already a man when you were born, so you'll always be a little girl in his mind. That's why he'll never see you as his equal. The problem isn't you. It's him."
"I know."
"Well, I know too. Again, not everything is about you."
"Shut up."
Jace smirks. "If you plan to keep mooching off the McLaughlins, you might want to be nicer to them."
"They don't appreciate lies. It's why they're so rude."
Jace glances around the rink, focusing on the twins skating in sync. "Do you really think they talk in their heads?"
"Who cares?"
"I do. That's why I asked."
"Why ask me?"
Jace shrugs. "I could ask those teenagers over there or their bored dad or the lady behind the counter, but I figured it be easier asking you."
"Leave me alone."
Jace gets the devious expression of a kid wanting to start shit. I know that look well. He didn't get it a lot, but when he did, I knew to watch my back.
"Want to hold hands?" When I glare at him, Jace's smile widens. "No? Well, do you wanna race?"
Tightening my lips, I struggle not to smile. Fucking Jace and his tricks. He knows I love racing. Skating, driving, running, brisk walking, I don't care what the method. I just want to win.
Finally giving in, I smile. "Don't be a sore loser."