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Everly
I’m calling it now. You’ll be kissing Easton when the ball drops on New Year’s.
Brynlee
I’m with Everly.
Lindy
Mind your own business.
Gracie
Ha. Like we ever do.
Lindy
Whatever. I’ve got to go inside now. I’ll see you all later.
Brynlee
Say hi to your husband for us.
Everly
Get creative with the way you say it too. Like maybe on your knees.
Lindy
OMG. Goodbye!
* * *
The rink is nearly empty later that night while I sit and watch Andrew finish a routine with Cara, the young woman who’s currently auditioning to be his next partner. She’s been around the circuit for a few years. Most of us have. Competitive skating is a small circle. And to find someone at our level narrows it even more. Is she as good as me? No. But she’s younger and has time to grow. She could easily surpass me with the right training.
As much as I know retiring is the right move for me, it’s still the strangest thing watching my partner skate with someone else. Andrew and I’ve skated together for years. We can anticipate each other’s next moves, and now we’re essentially picking out my replacement.
Some days, adulting blows.
After their routine ends, I smile and wait for them to skate off the ice, pushing the twinge of unease aside, and give him the honest feedback he needs because that’s what friends do. “That was great, guys.”
“Thanks, Lindy.” Cara beams and slides her skate guards over her blades. “That means a lot coming from you.” She turns and smiles at Andrew. “I guess I’ll see you tomorrow for the tryout with your coach then?”
Andrew nods. “Yeah, thanks. Same time tomorrow.”
He watches her leave quietly before dropping down on the bench next to me. “Are you sure you’re done? You don’t want just a few more years before you give it all up?”
“We’ve talked about this already,” I try to say sweetly, but I didn’t come prepared for another guilt trip.
“Come on, Lindy. We’re so good together.” He throws his arm around my shoulder and leans his head against mine. “You’ve always been a competitor. Why stop now?”
“Andrew...” I groan and look up at him. “I will always be here for you, but it’s going to be as your biggest fan, not your partner. You and Cara looked great out there. Her lines are beautiful.”
“She’s not you.” His tone is sharp and sets me on edge.
I’m not in the mood for another angry person.
I’ve had enough of that this week to last me through the end of the year.
