How Do You Know? by Meredith Schorr

Author:Meredith Schorr
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: women's fiction
Publisher: Henery Press Publishing
Published: 2018-09-20T19:41:05+00:00

“You’re such a showoff,” I say to Melanie as she takes a bow. While I hold onto the edge of the ice skating rink in Bryant Park with white knuckles, she is literally skating circles around me. “Next, you’ll show up at work with the Dorothy Hamill haircut.”

Melanie does a figure eight and stops in front of me. “I could never pull off the Dorothy Hamill.” Offering her hand, she says, “C’mon, I won’t let you fall.” In exchange for going ice skating with Melanie after work, she agreed to a post-skating glass of Glühwein at Celsius, the adjacent restaurant/bar.

I glance down at her hand as it twitches towards me. My ice skating routine usually includes staying close to the perimeter for a few more laps before venturing out. Deciding the sooner I skate a few circles around the rink, the sooner I will have a steaming cup of mulled wine in my hands, I say, “Okay. Don’t let go of me until I’m ready.” My fingernails dig into her palm. “I’m serious. Don’t let me fall.”

“I promise. I’ve taught two little boys to ice skate. I think I can handle you, Mags. Besides, skating is easy peasy compared to rock climbing, something you’re voluntarily paying hundreds of dollars to learn.” I know she’s right, and before I can change my mind, she drags me to the center of the rink, and we get behind two handholding teenagers who are gliding gracefully on the ice. I stare at the back of their down jackets and concentrate on skating at the same pace. I pray they don’t speed up. I also pray Melanie won’t lose patience with me. She is singing along to “Best Day of My Life” by American Authors, and I can tell she is itching to let go of me and turn our predictable forward circular movements into a choreographed dance number.

“You doing all right?”

I gently nod my head, afraid to make any sudden movements. It would be better if ice skating came with a harness. “Yes.”

She loosens her grip. “Your hands are super clammy, Mags.”

I slow down but don’t come to a full stop and remove my hand from hers. I think I’m good now.

After two or three more laps, I’m feeling significantly more confident. My facial muscles are noticeably more relaxed, and I’ve even attempted easy conversation. By the time Pink’s “Blow Me One Last Kiss” comes on, I’m smiling and singing along.

Someone taps me on the back, and I whip my head around in surprise. My eyes open wide.

“Doug!”

And splat, I’m down. The hard ice jabs the spot on my lower back where it meets my ass.

I glance up at Doug, who is standing over me. The apples of his cheeks and his nose are red from the cold, but his green eyes are wide with concern. Offering me his arm, he says, “Are you okay?”

I don’t want to let go of his warm hands, but once I’m up and stable on my feet, he releases me, and that’s when I notice the girl standing next to him.

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