“All that paperwork I helped Charlie sort out were test applications. He misread the calendar. There are twenty-five of his students taking figure skating tests this weekend.”
“Of all the possible weekends for a test, it had to be this one. His stress levels are going to go through the roof between all the crazy parents, judges, and kids.” Leslie face-palmed. “Charlie, Charlie, Charlie. You’re going to be the death of me.” She held her face in her hands for several seconds, then took a deep breath. “Frankie, I feel horrible asking you this, but do you mind if I throw you to the wolves? I don’t have anyone to cover my skating classes.”
“As long as it doesn’t involve breaking any laws, you can count me in.”
Alyssa and Leslie chuckled.
“No law breaking.” She held up her hand. “I promise.”
She should’ve known the day she met Leslie that her life would never be the same again. She was definitely one of the most outgoing and outspoken people Frankie had ever met. Just what did she have in mind?
CHAPTER 8
Leslie and Frankie arrived at the rink an hour and a half before the first skating classes on Saturday morning.
“Oh good, there’s already a table set up here.” Leslie ran a finger over its surface. “It needs a good scrub though. It’s still sticky from the last birthday party.”
“I’ll run and get some cleaning supplies.” Frankie set the box she was carrying on top of it. “Anything else you need?”
“If you could also grab a tablecloth from the back too,” Leslie shouted.
“On it.” Frankie started to walk backward, and collided with a solid wall of muscle. Two arms steadied her as she tilted her head back. His arms felt so natural around her body. “Uh . . . hi,” she said.
Charlie’s eyes met hers. “Hi.” He helped her regain her balance and gently pushed her head into a neutral position. “I know I’m good-looking, but try not to strain your neck.”
She couldn’t help herself and snorted.
“You two are here early,” he said.
“We’re here to set up for the test session.” Leslie shrugged.
“I’ve got it covered.” He released Frankie and looked over her head at his sister. “The forms are in the judging area with pens and clipboards. I’m just waiting for them to arrive.”
Leslie rolled her eyes. “Have you set up their hospitality room with food and snacks? What about the parents’ hospitality room? The table for check-ins?”
Charlie’s brows knit together. “It may have slipped my mind.”
“Ah-ha. Bro, go and collect five of the best-looking clipboards the rink owns, the waivers you and Frankie printed out, pens, and a cup to put them in. I’ll take care of putting out the coffee and breakfast pastries we picked up. It’s ten to seven, and the judges could theoretically start arriving at any time. The first test is scheduled for seven thirty.”
His gaze darted from Leslie to Frankie and back to his sister. Frankie soaked in the crisp white button-up shirt and black dress slacks he wore. She had to admit, he cleaned up pretty nicely.
“Chop-chop.” Leslie clapped her hands together. “We can talk later.”
“Thanks for being here,” he said quietly to Frankie.
* * *
A short while later, Frankie bemoaned ever volunteering to scrub the table. “Ugh . . . why isn’t chewing gum banned from the rink?” She cringed and used a scraper to remove another leftover gift from one of the birthday parties.
“It is banned. But better you find it there than have it stuck to your skate,” Leslie said, passing through the lobby to pick up the extra plates and cups from Norma’s Cafe.
“True that.” She wiped the back of her hand against her forehead. “At least this is the last of it.”
“Do you need me to pull any more chairs?” Charlie inquired.
“No, bro. I think we’re good.” Leslie slid a navy vinyl tablecloth over the table and placed the supplies just as the first sleepy-eyed judge entered the lobby area. “Vera, good morning.” She nodded in response to Leslie’s greeting. “You’ll be in party room number two today. Let me show you the way.”
Right behind her, two nervous kids and their parents approached the table. Charlie perked up and greeted them. “Jake, Emily. Are you excited? It’s your big day. You’re going to do so well.”
