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Connor nudged Seth’s other side “We won’t let you fall If you do, you’ll take us all down” He nudged Seth again “Let go”

Saying a quick prayer not to break any bones, Seth released the boards and took a tiny step Then another Connor’s san on the left, Seth tentatively walked across the ice He had their hands in a death grip, but they didn’t complain

The skates hurt his feet, and his thighs burned froress Jenna, Jun, and Ian whizzed by with a wave, Ian between them

“I’rumbled “Except Ian’s much better at this”

“It’s okay,” Connor said “We all have to learn stuff so on his right foot and pulling Seth along “It’s actually easier to go faster”

Seth tried toover onto his face They patiently pulled hiain As the Madonna cover of “Santa Baby” played, Seth was practically skating

“I’ it!” he exclaimed, and then pitched forward, over-corrected back, and san and Connor too with gravity’s help

The three of the by around theoing to get up?”

Connor was already on his feet, and Logan rolled to his knees and pushed upright He said to Connor, “Dunno Maybe we should leave him here”

Connor blinked as if surprised to be in on a joke with Logan He shrugged with forced nonchalance “I guess We can pick hiain after a few laps He’ll still be here”

It , even if he was the butt—no pun intended—of the joke He harrumphed theatrically “Go on Abandon me here to my fate”

Matt and Becky skated by, and Matt hoith laughter, pointing at Seth, Becky rolling her eyes

“Nah,” Connor said, and they took Seth’s hands again, pulling hi him steady “It’s more fun with you”