Paint The Ice

Chapter 22

RILEY

THE FOOD SMELLS HEAVENLY.

We're sitting around the dining table and Asher's family went all out. The golden brown turkey sends flavor through my tastebuds. It's tender and delicious. I'm scared I might moan. The other foods on my plate are just as good. A slice of ham coated in pineapple and maraschino cherries (don't knock it till you try it), cranberry sauce, stuffing, green bean casserole, fruit salad, rolls and sweet potatoes. Looks better than what Cole's eating I bet.

I've only just started eating and I know for the first time in my life that I'm not going to be able to stop. "This is delicious." I swallow the buttery flaky goodness in one enormous bite.

Shirley looks over at me, eyes shimmering under the lights. "Are you sure?"

I'm taking another fat bite of the dinner roll. I shield my mouth with my hand when I decide to speak. "I've never had rolls like this before. I know it's not store bought. Those taste real and warm and original." Swallowing, I immediately say, "Asher told me you're a chef? These are good."

"Yeah, I am." Shirley looks proud of herself. "Went to culinary school and all that jazz. Thank you."

"I helped, don't take all the credit now." Lindsay jokes, raising her hand for our attention. When she does get what she's looking for, it's me she directs a conversation to. "Riley, your brother never mentioned anything about being a twin. I was floored when Asher told me. I just couldn't believe it. You look just like him though. I can tell he's your brother. Tall alike, just wow."

"I got that a lot when I was a kid,"Difference is the simple gender factor. My brother's features are masculine and though mine are feminine it's still obvious we're related. "I've been tall my whole life. I was the tallest girl in my classes for many years."

For that reason, throughout middle and high school during class photos I would be placed at the back so the other kids could fill the front and I wouldn't block anyone.

"I hope you're not insecure about your height darling,"Her eyes stare into mine from across the table like she's making sure that I'm not insecure. "Never drop your shoulders to make anyone feel comfortable. Take up space. I tell Asher that all the time."

"I like being tall."I simply admit. "I don't know anything else so I do own it. I'm not insecure at all. I think it makes me a bit scary and I love it."My response draws laughter out of everyone. Not in a mocking way but how I enjoy being frightening to others as I should.

"Good." Dave says, the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes evident when he laughs.

For a few more bites, all I could hear were forks hitting plates. I don't blame anyone. I'm not exaggerating when I say the food is divine. It's the best meal I've had in a while.

Pouring himself a glass of wine, Dave directs a question to me. "Are you a hockey fan?"

I'm staring at the wine I bought. Shirley wasn't playing around when she said it'll be put to use today. It makes me happy to witness. To be a part of something. A dinner. A family. Even if it's just for a while.

I slice into the ham on my plate. "I can't say I'm a super fan." By that I mean the vehement screams which I don't have a problem with, everyone reacts to wins and loses differently. "I know a few things because I watch my brother play often. Whenever he has games, I would try my best to get there and see him. It's exciting. I enjoy watching. So yeah, maybe that makes me a hockey fan."

"I enjoy watching hockey games too." Lindsay chimes in, swallowing the sweet potato before she speaks again. "I haven't been to many of Asher's games this time because I'm too crammed with work. I promised myself that if he makes it to the Frozen Four I don't care what I have to do, I'm flying wherever."