“Top of the lineup, stage left,” I say, trying to keep my voice even. “Grace. And her pair, Connor. The leads.”
KJ grins. “She looks like she could kick your ass.”
“She could.”Probably.And without lifting a single finger.
The rehearsal ends with a group number that defies every rule of physics I ever learned. My kids are clapping like they’re at the Oscars. I glance at my watch, run through the rest of the day’s agenda, and realize I’m already exhausted. Luckily, I just need to get them back to the school and then we’re done for today.
As the show cast files off the ice, I herd my group toward the exit. My kids are already plotting what snacks to raid from the vending machines before we head home. I let them have their moment. They earned it.
As we pile into the bus, Becker leans over the seat and asks, “Coach, do you think we could ever do stuff like that?”
I shrug, then smile. “I think you can do anything you set your minds to.”
Becker laughs. “That’s such a cheesy answer.”
No less true for it, though.
As the bus pulls away, my brain is still on the ice, watching Grace carve figure-eights into the rink.
Some things don’t get easier with time. But maybe we just get better at skating around the holes.
CHAPTER 15
GRACE
Today is a rare day off in Reverie Ice Show land. It feels weird to not be at the arena by 6 A.M. But the sun is out, and Charlotte and I have secured a prime strip of sand along Pleasure Bay for a relaxing day at Castle Island.
I sprawl, arms back and an Old Harbor University t-shirt knotted at my ribs. It’s insanely hot, but I refuse to be inside on a day off. So instead, I lay here, sticky with sunscreen and soaking up the rays.
“Are you fried yet?” Charlotte asks from behind her arm, which she’s draped across her eyes dramatically.
“Nearly fully,” I say. “I think the sun’s zapped the last of my will to live. You can have my books.”
“I don’t want your books.” She peeks at me, brown eyes glinting in the sunlight. “I want your spot in line for the snack shack when you die. There’s at least thirty people waiting for fried dough and your protein bar isn’t fooling anyone.”
I throw the protein bar at her.
She laughs. “Missed me.”
“Don’t get cocky,” I tell her. “I’ve got another three in my bag, and all afternoon to dial it in.”
She flops onto her side and props her cheek on her hand. “You and Connor looked amazing last night. Looks like he’s really trying to be better for you, even if just for Reverie.”
The name is a gut-punch I pretend not to feel. “Yeah. I noticed that, too. But I don’t think it changes anything between us romantically.”
Charlotte considers this. “Could it, though?”
I make a face. “Not you, too. Briar said the same thing.”
“Your college friend?” she asks. “Briar sounds smart.”
I throw both of my arms over my face. “She is, but no amount of logic will heal the lack of trust. Only time can. So no, I have no idea if things could change, but…”
“But?”
I shrug. “Maybe I could want them to. They have changed some.”
Charlotte lays back down beside me. “Then let time decide.”
