The Christmas Plan (Sapphics in the City #4)

8. Drew

8

DREW

Drew wasn’t sure their heart had ever raced so fast in their entire life. But as they shuffled over to the edge of the ice-skating rink, the plush padding of the landing squishing under their blades, Drew felt like they might be having a cardiac event.

“I promise it’ll be fun.” Rose giggled from behind them.

Whipping around, Drew rolled their eyes. “Do you understand how much I love you?” With her red locks and flushed cheeks, it was almost impossible to say no to Rose Miller. Drew had learned that just a couple of weeks after meeting the stunning woman.

Walking ahead of them, Rose smiled as she let her skates meet the ice. “I’ve got you.” She held out her hands, ready to help them get on the ice.

Drew took in a deep breath and nodded, lifting their foot and setting it down gently on the slippery rink. As soon as they made contact with the ice, a teenager zoomed by and sent a gust of air through Drew’s short hair.

“Jesus.” Drew cowered as their feet started to slip on the ice.

Grabbing the sleeve of their bomber jacket, Rose giggled. “Easy.”

Drew let themself be steadied by Rose’s hands, the gentle pull easing them onto the rink. One deep breath didn’t feel like enough, so Drew tried to take another.

“There we go.” Rose smiled as she slowly moved alongside Drew. “It’s fun once you get the hang of it, I swear.”

Raising an eyebrow, Drew scoffed. “I don’t do well with things that stop me from walking. Any other sport and I’m game. But something on my feet… nope.”

Rose looped her arm through theirs, trying to provide some stability as they moved around the outside edge of the crowded rink. In the middle of Central Park, Wollman Rink was full of New Yorkers and tourists alike out for a nighttime skate.

Drew tried to take it all in: the twinkling holiday lights that cast a warm glow on every face, the smell of hot chocolate carrying over the ice, and the gorgeous woman by her side. Sure, it wasn’t the first activity Drew would have chosen but that’s what made this relationship work. They had no choice but to come out of their comfort zone for Rose.

Following her motions, Drew’s feet fell into sync with Rose’s.

“See, now you’re getting it!” Rose nodded as she watched them move.

Once they’d gotten to a decent speed, not a crawl but not a sprint, Drew decided to be bold and try two things at once: skate and talk. “I can’t lie, I’m a little nervous about the party.”

Rose whipped her head around, the motion almost kicking Drew off-balance. “Really?”

“Yeah.” Drew nodded.

“Why?” Tilting her head, Rose tried to get them back up to speed. Around the couple, dozens of skaters zipped past them, including some kids who must have been doing this since they were born.

After a deep breath, Drew looked up at the skyscrapers surrounding the park. “It’s a lot of famous people in one place. I’ve only ever shot one celebrity at a time. It sounds…”

“Overwhelming.” Rose shrugged. A familiar look washed over Rose’s face.

Of course, it was nerve-racking for Rose too, she’d have to hand her portfolio to an agent and actually set a new career path in motion. It was a terrifying prospect, one that Drew knew all too well.

“Exactly.”

After a second of skating, the sound of slicing ice filling both of their ears, Rose nodded. “But the good news is, you can just hide behind the camera and work. Talk if you want to or don’t. We’re there to work and networking is a bonus.”

She wasn’t wrong. Drew already had an agent and plenty of work lined up, in fact, a gallery had expressed some interest in showing a few of their pieces.

“That’s true.” Drew nodded before looking back at her. “How are you feeling about it?”

Sighing, Rose looked around the rink. “I know I’ll feel better after I do it but I hate the idea of having to give someone my work and just hope they like it.”

With a laugh, Drew smirked. “It is the worst feeling. But I promise they’ll love it.”

Rose met Drew’s gaze, squeezing their arm as she rested her head on their shoulder. “Thanks.”

They stayed like that for a moment, their skates moving in sync with each step. But after a moment, Rose pulled her arm away. “Do you think you’ll be alright on your own?”

There was no way to be certain but Drew wanted to play it cool. “Definitely.”

Raising an eyebrow, Rose watched them suspiciously for a second before caving and starting to move on her own. “I’ll be back.”

Without another word, Rose picked up her pace. Her skates slid across the ice with ease, pushing her faster and faster with each step. Before long, she was zooming past Drew. Her red hair flew behind her.

Drew swallowed hard. She looked amazing, majestic honestly. It was hard to imagine such an amazing woman ever lacking confidence, ever being afraid to hand anyone her portfolio.

But as snow started to fall over the crowded rink, Drew knew there was something they could do: make sure she felt like she could do anything. It might just be Drew’s life mission from now on.