Read Online Thin Ice by Niki Settimo - Free Book Online Page A

just mean someone who’s easy. Just someone who's skinnier, and doesn’t carry around my kinds of baggage. I'm screwed up Tegan, I’ll be the first to admit it.”
    "I don't know why you think so little of yourself Elli. It makes me really upset. You're so amazing and whoever doesn't think so is out of their mind and doesn't deserve any of your attention. Everyone has baggage."

     
    I let that mull over for a few minutes as I watch the group disappear into the bar. Tegan goes quiet which is a first for her. Out of no where my phone goes off and I see Mr. Hockey light up my screen. A smile creeps up on me as I look over at Tegan urging me to pick it up.
     
    "Hello?”
    “You said you don’t have class till Monday, right?”
    “Well hello to you to Dylan.”
    “Shush you! Answer the question.”
    “Yes, no class till Monday.”
    “Good, I’ll pick you up at 10am. Wear jeans and a t-shirt.”
    “Wait where…”
    “Night Elli!”
    Click.

    “Well, what’d he say?”
    “He’s picking me up at 10 and told me to wear jeans and a t-shirt.”
    “Oohhh I wonder what he has planned! This is so exciting!”
    “Should I be freaking out right now?”
    “Yes! Out of excitement! Not the other kind!”

    Walking back to the car I decide to text Dylan to try to get some kind of information out of him.

    Me: Can I at least have a hint?
    Mr. Hockey: Nope.
    Me: You’re killing me here!
    Mr.Hockey: Not a fan of surprises?
    Me: I’m not sure, I’ve never had one like this!
    Mr. Hockey: Well Good thing this is the best one ever.
    Me: You talk big game sir.
    Mr. Hockey: Don’t doubt me. Rest up, you’re going to need it!
    Me: Now I’m scared.
    Mr. Hockey: Nighty night!;P
    Me: Good night:D

    I tuck my phone away and try not to think about what Dylan has planned.

CHAPTER 13
    Elli

    “SERIOUSLY? No way!”
    “You said this month was going to be hectic on you, so I thought you should spend the day letting loose.”
    “I’ve always wanted to go outdoor paintballing! How did you come up with this?”
    “My buddy owns the place. It’s usually closed on Sundays, but he gave me the keys. When you said you were an artist, I figured paint balling was the closest I could get to do something artistic without embarrassing myself.”

    Laughing to myself and jumping out of the car when he puts it into park, I run to the door and wait for him to catch up.
    “You’re never going to let me open the door for you are you?”
    “No time for chivalry! Come on!”

    He laughs as I urge him to open the door, and as soon as he opens it, I rush in. We grab equipment, and he fills two guns with multi colored paintballs as I put on all my gear.

    “Okay so what are the rules?”
    “No rules. Total freedom. Just here to let loose, remember?
    “You afraid I’m going to beat you?”
    He smirks as he says “Yea, that’s definitely why.”

    We head outside to the field and he points to the clock overhead.
    “So, we start on opposite sides of the field and when the clock goes off, let the games begin.”
    “Wait till the clock starts to kick your ass. Got it.”
    “Talking a big game huh?”
    “You’ve beaten me on the ice, and at pool. Both of which I had no chance at winning. I need redemption so are we going to sit here talking, or play, Rath?”
    “Yes ma’am! Wait what’s your last name?”
    “Uccello. It means bird in Italian. Now come on! Lets get our paint on!”
    “Elli Uccello. I love it.”
    “Dylannnnnnn!”
    “Okay, okay! Go to your side and I’ll start the clock!”

    We make our way to opposite ends of the field and my adrenaline is pumping. I can’t believe I’m doing this right now. As soon as the buzzer goes off, I head to the stack of tires a few feet away from me. I peek around the side, and decide to take my chances and make my way to the barrels to my right. As soon as I’m hidden, I look out to see Dylan making his way to the stack of hay on his side of the field. I grab my gun, aim, and cover his arm