Page 42 of In His Skates

“I’m getting married!”

A myriad of emotions hit me at once. My best friend is getting married, and I’m happy for her, but I didn’t even know she was dating anyone.

“And who’s the lucky guy?” I ask through the choke in my throat.

“Come on, Keanu. You know. It’s Owen!”

My heart stutters. Mia has never mentioned Owen to me, but it’s clear she’s been dating him for a while, and Keanu knew. My eyes prickle, and I forget for a moment that I’m in a public place, and I’m not alone.

Mercifully, I’m saved from crying in front of strangers when the nose ring girl says, “Oh, I know who he is. He’s a Royals hockey player.”

Shit. Keanu has been recognized. It’s only a matter of time before they find out he’s with me.

“Aren’t you going to say anything?” Mia asks.

“Sorry. I’m not home. Uh… I guess congratulations are in order.”

“Wow. Could you be a little bit more enthusiastic?”

“Have you told Leigh yet?” I blurt out, legit curious as to why she’s never mentioned her boyfriend to me.

Mia sighs. “No. I never told her I was dating Owen. She was having such a hard time with the Nick breakup that it felt wrong to tell her I found the perfect guy.”

“It’s been months, Mia. She’d never begrudge you for being happy just because she wasn’t. She’ll be crushed that you didn’t tell her sooner.”

“Stop making me feel even guiltier about it, Key. Besides… why do you care about Leigh so much? You hate her.”

Shit. I totally fucked up. Even though I’m disappointed that Mia kept this a secret from me, I don’t want to lie to her and say I’m dating her brother. Besides, the gossipy duo is still nearby, totally eavesdropping on my conversation. And like an idiot, I said my name out loud and confessed I was miserable. Damn it. This slipup will totally come back to bite me in the ass.

“I can’t talk now. But call her, okay?”

“Okay, okay. Talk later.”

I put my phone away and get up. I need to find Keanu. He should be done with makeup.

“So… are you Leigh Matthews’s new boyfriend?” the blond guy asks, but the gleam in his eyes tells me he already figured it out.

It’s all my fault for opening my big mouth. However, I don’t need to confirm anything to this duo.

“No comment,” I say, then walk away.

17 KEANU

Iwas fine in hair and makeup, but now that I’m heading to the studio where the interview will be recorded, the nerves are getting to me. And my feet hurt like a mother. Damn Leigh for making me wear these torture devices. I’ve managed to master walking in them without twisting an ankle, but I’m far from comfortable. I also don’t know where she is. She’d better not be hiding somewhere to avoid telling people we’re a couple.

Nah, Leigh might be many things, but a coward isn’t one of them.

I let out a breath of relief when I spot her in the hallway, walking in my direction. My heart speeds up, and I discover that it’s because I’m actually happy to see her and not because of my nerves. I’m about to ask where she’s been, but I notice sadness in her eyes. Hell. Did she bump into her ex, and that’s why seems on the verge of crying? I get annoyed almost immediately. If that’s the reason, then she’s not over that cheater yet, and I don’t like that one bit.

Fuck. Is this… jealousy?

“Is everything all right?” I ask.

“Yeah, of course.”

She’s 100 percent lying. Something happened, but I can’t press her for the truth now. Maybe she can’t openly discuss it in front of the PA and Bobbi.

Despite not knowing what’s wrong with Leigh, her presence has a calming effect on me. I’m not on the verge of hurling anymore when we arrive at the studio and the PA instructs us to wait near the stage. At least the interview isn’t being recorded in front of a live audience.