Page 77 of Various Intentions

We were almost there, thank goodness. I located Matteo and Zarah, standing side-by-side near one of the tables. Even though they were bundled up, and Zarah’s dark complexion had absorbed a good amount of her mother’s Nigerian blood, it wasn’t difficult to see the resemblance.

“There they are,” Vincent said. “Do you want to try to skate on your own, or are you happy to keep holding on to me?”

I clutched Vincent tighter. “Don’t let me go!”

“Never!” he said, laughing. “I’ve got you.”

When we finally made it, I could tell Matteo was trying not to laugh at me.

“Fuck you,” I said, then turned to Zarah. “I do apologize, but he’s being an ass.”

Zarah grinned. “Yes, a bit. I don’t think it’s very nice to laugh at people who are doing their best.”

I gestured to Zarah, glaring at Matteo. “Oh, I like her.”

“I’m sorry,” Matteo said. “Can I buy you a coffee as an apology?”

“Yes! All will be forgiven if you do. And a Beavertail, please. Killaloe Sunrise.”

“Anyone else?”

Matteo took orders and skated to the short lineup at the refreshment shack with Vincent, leaving me perched on the bench of the picnic table with Zarah. It was a relief to be off my skates. I stretched my legs out and leaned back on my elbows, gazing up at the blue sky, listening to the scrape of blades and the sounds of laughter and conversations.

“You’re not a skater,” Zarah said with a smile.

I turned to face her. “Not really, no. I don’t do sports.”

“Matteo tells me you’re a musician. A teacher.”

I glanced at her, appreciating her warm eyes, broad mouth and rosy cheeks in a way I hadn’t appreciated another woman in a long time. She was literally stunning.

“Yeah, although I don’t play much anymore.” I frowned. “Which is a shame, really.”

“I’d love it if you’d play something on the piano for me the next time I come over.”

I smiled. “Sure.”

“Nic, I wanted to apologize for suddenly appearing out of nowhere. I understand why Matteo didn’t tell you and Vincent about me, although he probably should have.” She looked into the distance. “My husband is a piece of work.”

“I heard. In that case, I’m glad you left him. And it’s been nice to find out more about Matteo’s past.”

Zarah smiled again. “I’m sorry I suggested the canal. I haven’t been skating in a long time and won’t be able to in a few months, so…”

I held up my hand. “It’s fine. It’s been very amusing for Vincent and Matteo to see me off my game. They live for these moments.”

Zarah laughed. “Your game? What do you mean?”

I waved my gloved hand in the air. “Oh, I like to pretend I know how to do just about everything.” I gave her a frank look. “They enjoy my confidence but find it hilarious when I’m out of my element.”

“They think very highly of you.”

“We think highly of each other.”

Zarah nodded. “I’m glad my father has a family. I haven’t been much of a family to him,” she said, frowning.

I didn’t know what to say, so remained silent and looked at my skates and the sunlight glinting off their blades.

“I should have left Dennis long ago. I shouldn’t have taken him at his word…ever.”