Page 109 of The Build-a-Boyfriend Project

“What did he say?” Peter dares to ask.

“I didn’t let him answer. I faked that my apartment burnt down.”

“Seems reasonable.” Peter laughs.

And Eli smiles at him, tugging Peter toward a row of benches that everyone has been using to switch out their shoes for their skates. “Come on, it’s time for me to make a fool out of myself.”

“You can’t be that bad, can you?”

* * *

Eli is, in fact, that bad at ice-skating.

He can barely even make it from the bench to the actual rink, Peter having to offer a hand as they both slowly stumble toward the ice, nearly getting knocked over by a group of children. Eventually, the two make it onto the ice, and it takes all of five seconds before Eli falls hard on his ass.

“No laughing.” Eli points at Peter without even looking at him. “You’re not allowed to laugh.”

“I wasn’t going to,” Peter swears.

“Uh-huh . . .” Eli allows himself to be pulled into the air and back onto two feet, careful of his balance. At the very least, he’s been doing this enough to master the art of standing on the ice, but the gravity of his body is constantly pushing him forward.

And since Eli’s never learned how to turn or steer, he pretty much is set on an incredibly slow collision course for the rink wall.

“Bend your knees, Eli!” John says as he skates by, his hand held in Rue’s.

“Thanks, John!”

Peter giggles, taking Eli’s hand and trying to lead him away from the wall. Peter doesn’t seem to be any more of an expert than Eli is, but he at least knows how to steer.

“How long have you been doing this again?”

“I said no jokes!” Eli reminds him.

“You said no laughing,” Peter corrects. “Not no jokes.”

“Jokes imply there will be laughing.”

“Not if you make a bad one.”

“Touché, Park.” Eli lets his grip tighten, allowing Peter to take the lead, their arms spread out. Eli watches as Les skates circles around them, gliding on the ice. There are too many people on the rink to risk any fancy spins or flips, but Eli knows exactly what they’re capable of.

“You’re still bad at this,” Les adds helpfully.

“Thanks for the confidence, Les.”

“You’re welcome!” They skate around Eli one last time before calmly finding their way next to Peter. “So.”

“Oh, um . . . hello?” Peter swallows.

“You’re in love with my brother?”

“Les!” Eli shouts, almost lunging for them before they slip again. Thankfully, Peter’s a lot closer this time, and they both spin twice before finding their footing again.

“I, uh . . .” Peter starts to say before Eli stops him.

“You don’t have to answer that.”

Les sings. “Are you two in looooove?”