Laughter and chatter echoed across the ice. With no matches or rivalries to stoke the air, the rink was bathed in a rare, serene tranquility.
"Dinner?" Lucas calls from the rink exit, arm already around Ellie's shoulders. "La Castile. Elias is paying."
"I didn't agree to that."
"You didn't say no. Same thing. Let's go!"
No one objects. The group moves toward the exit to change out of their skates, the afternoon energy still warm between them.
Outside, Tyler falls into step with Elias. "You drove?"
"Yep. Two seats."
"You're telling me you brought a two-seater on purpose." Tyler looks at him. "To an outing with six people."
"The four-seater is at the detailer." Elias says it with complete composure. "There are cars in the Gooderham garage. Take whatever you want—I'll call ahead. Keys
