can’t believe she laughed at that.”
“I’ll have you know that Autumn laughs at all my jokes.”
“I’ll try not to hold that against her,” Brie teased.
Once they had their skates in hand, the girls walked through the double doors into the ice rink. There Brie saw Autumn in all her glory. She’d shed her heavy clothes and wore only a simple top and white skirt. Brie watched in amazement as the girl floated on the ice, turning in graceful circles on two legs, one of which happened to be made of metal.
“She’s incredible,” Brie whispered to Lea.
“She really is,” Lea agreed, “in so many ways.” She hugged Brie again. “I just knew you two would hit it off!”
Autumn spent the evening patiently instructing them on the fundamentals of skating. She also had a few lame jokes of her own to add as they practiced skating around the rink.
“How do you know you aren’t making the Olympic skating team?”
Lea almost tripped when she looked up from her skates to ask, “I don’t know, Autumn—how do I know I’m not making the Olympic team?”
“Your coach keeps screaming, ‘Let go of the railing! Let go of the railing!’”
When Lea started laughing, she promptly fell on the ice.
Brie quickly grabbed onto the railing to prevent the same thing from happening to her. “Hey, is that supposed to be a commentary on our skating abilities?”
Autumn skated past them going backwards, holding up both thumbs. “You’re doing Grrreat !”
Brie looked over and saw Lea struggling to get up off the ice. “Lea, I think your friend is toying with us.”
After several failed attempts to get back on her feet, Lea gave up and crawled to the wall. “I’m afraid you’re right, Brie. I think it’s time for some hot cocoa.”
“I’m right behind ya, sister.”
“But ladies, I have so much more to teach you,” Autumn called from the ice, doing a beautiful spiral before them.
“Another day, Autumn. I don’t want you to abuse Brie too much on her first day meeting you.”
“Wimps!” she cried.
“A wimp and proud of it,” Brie shot back, holding up both thumbs.
Once they had settled in a booth with hot chocolate in hand, Brie decided to ask the obvious. “So, Autumn, do you mind me asking what happened?”
“No, not at all. I was in a car accident when I was a kid. After I lost my leg, my mom decided to sign me up for ice-skating to give me something to focus on and strive towards.” Autumn looked back longingly at the rink. “It’s only on the ice I’m as graceful and beautiful as I feel in my heart.”
Brie was touched by her words. “You’re a strong person, Autumn.”
She picked up her Styrofoam cup and smiled at Brie. “I’m lucky to be alive, and I keep that to the forefront of my mind any day I start feeling sorry for myself.”
“Those are words we all should live by,” Brie said with admiration.
Lea gave Autumn a hug. “I told you she was something special.”
“You know what I like about you, Brie?” Autumn asked, still nestled against Lea’s big boobs.
Brie felt heat rise to her cheeks. “I can’t imagine.”
“You’re a famous director, and you didn’t bring it up all evening. You were just genuine and fun.”
“I’m not famous, Autumn. Lea’s been exaggerating.”
Autumn sat back up and smiled at her. “I know who you are, Brie Bennett. I’ve been following your story ever since the documentary came out. It’s the reason I was brave enough to approach Lea. She was such a goof on screen I just had to meet her in real life.”
“Aww…” Lea pressed Autumn’s face back against her chest one more time. “I can’t believe I’m goofy enough for you, friend.”
“You’re even goofier than me, and I didn’t think that was possible.”
Brie enjoyed watching their friendly teasing. “So, Autumn, are you into the lifestyle yourself?”
“Oh no, I could never…”
“Too kinky for you?”
“No, it’s just that I don’t think I could handle