Chapter 19

Then, at about ten, his phone rang. It was Alistair and Michael.

“Want to come ice skating with us?” asked Alistair.

Brad rolled onto his back. “Ice skating? Where?”

“There’s a new rink opened up. Come on. It’ll be a laugh. We’ll pick you up.”

“Hey, hang on. I never said yes.”

“Yes, you did. Just then. See you in thirty.”

The phone went dead, and Brad was left momentarily dazed. Ice skating?How he wished for a few more minutes in bed, but Alistair had sounded excited and would probably be pressing the button of the intercom in less than thirty minutes. There was no time to lose.

He padded to the door, opened it, and was startled to find Douglas on the other side, fist raised, ready to knock.

“You scared the hell out of me,” said Brad.

“Sorry,” said Douglas, still managing to keep his smile well-hidden. “I was wondering if you wanted to grab a bite to eat. My treat.”

“I can’t. I’ve just made plans with some friends.”