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Soren’s lips twist in a smirk. “Be careful, guys. Next thing we know, she’ll have us meditating and reciting positive mantras.”
“Now that you mention it, that doesn’t sound like such a bad idea.”
“Look at you!”Corey’s voice rings out, full of positive energy. “And there I was, thinking you’d need time to get comfortable again after taking a pause on the lessons.”
“Careful!” I call back as I skate faster than I ever thought was possible around the perimeter of the rink. “You’re going to give me a big head!”
“You deserve it. Look how far you’ve come!” She catches up to me, then reminds me of how far I have to go by skating backwards and keeping pace. There I was, thinking I was flying, almost afraid of my speed. It’s taking real, conscious effort not to slow myself down out of fear. I don’t want to hold myself back or limit my potential.
Then she’s got to go and show me up so effortlessly. I still have a long way to go.
“It feels good. Being back here.” The fact that I can hold a conversation while skating like this is even further proof of my improvement. I’m getting stronger. My legs don’t burn the way they used to, either.
“And you look like it does.” She points to her mouth, then to me. “You look happy.”
“I guess I am.”
“Happy enough to try to turn on one blade?”
“I said happy. Not insane.”
“Chicken!”
“Sticks and stones,” I counter. “You’re not going to peer pressure me into breaking an ankle today.”
“I’ll get you skating backwards in no time.”
“Maybe I will. Anything feels possible.”
Her smile widens. “I still can’t get over it. After all that, all it took was you going in to talk to him.”
I’ve had a lot of time to think it over since last night, especially since I went home alone. I had to do something to get over the regret of not sharing my bed. “It happened when it needed to happen. He was too upset at first. With a little time, he came around.”
“But not all the way.”
Yes, because I needed to be reminded of that. “More than I expected. It’s not the end of the world.”
“It probably feels that way to the guys.”
“Yeah, well, considering we really shouldn’t be doing this in the first place…”
“Good point. I’m really happy for you. I knew it would all work out.”
“Did you though?”
“Okay, maybe not.” Her laughter rings out loud and joyful, the kind of laughter that feeds a person’s soul. That’s what I need now.
“Anyway, I don’t have any excuses to skip out on lessons now. I’m not afraid to show my face around here anymore.”
“That’s a good thing, because I plan on putting you through your paces, young woman.” We come to a stop and she folds her arms, her gaze hard and unflinching.
“I can hardly wait.” But the truth is, I feel great after spending an hour on my lesson. It’s no great secret that exercise does wonders for the body and the brain. What a shame exercise isthe last thing a person wants to do when they’re depressed and scared. One of life’s great conundrums.
Though I’m starting to wonder if I maybe overdid it a little. By the time I’m back in my sneakers and heading up to my office to catch up on a little work, a sudden wave of dizziness stops me in my tracks. I pause by the trophy case and lean against it a little until the moment passes.
And when it does, what follows is nausea so sudden and strong, I head straight for the ladies room. I’m going to have to tell Corey to ease up on me a little until my body gets used to the exertion again.
There’s not much in my stomach as it is, and I’m glad for that as I hover over the toilet bowl. My stomach feels sour and unhappy, but I think I’ll be okay. As soon as the sensation passes, I go to the sink and splash cold water on my face, then dampen a handful of paper towels and press them to the back of my neck.
