I was still trying hard not to smile.This is so… surreal.
I had a boarding pass for a flight leaving Milan at ten forty in the morning.
Helen seemed to recognize my expression. “Paperwork starts when we land.”
That dragged my attention back to her. “Paperwork?”
She looked mildly offended. “What did you think immigration law involved?”
I considered that. “Less paperwork?”
Helen laughed. “Oh, you’re going to be disappointed.” She glanced at her watch. “We still have a few hours before I need to leave for the airport.”
“You’re flying today?” I asked.
She nodded. “I have meetings on the West coast tomorrow.” She followed my gaze to the folder in my hands. “Keep that somewhere safe.”
“I will.”
“Excellent. You’re all here.” Mark Winton came over to us carrying a cup of coffee, and stopped in front of me. “Helen tells me you’ve finally stopped giving everyone heart palpitations.”
I glanced toward Helen, who didn’t even attempt innocence. “I have no idea what he’s talking about.”
“First lesson, Mr. Davorin.” His eyes twinkled. “She’s a terrible liar.” Then his attention shifted to the folder still tucked beneath my arm. He took a sip of coffee. “So now we can start talking about skating.”
Dean groaned immediately. “He hasn’t even gotten on the plane yet.”
“But Iwantto talk about skating,” I protested.
Mark flashed Dean a smug look that saidSee?
“Because I have been thinking,” I continued.
Mark folded his arms. “Uh-oh.”
“Yes, I’ve been thinking about pairs.”
The conversations around us paused. Brooke’s eyebrows disappeared somewhere near her hairline. Nathan looked immediately interested. Even Ethan stopped eating.
Mark remained completely still. “Pairs,” he repeated.
“Yes.”
His expression gave away nothing. “What about pairs?”
I glanced briefly at Dean.
Mark followed the look, then returned his attention to me.
“Oh.”
Helen glanced up from her phone again, enough to suggest she was paying attention more closely.
I rubbed the back of my neck. “This is hypothetical, okay?”
Mark nodded solemnly. “Hypothetical questions are my favorite kind.” Then he tilted his head to one side. “If the partner you’re thinking about isn’t traditional, the biggest challenge won’t be technical.”
Dean groaned. “I really don’t like where this conversation is going.”
