“I’mnota grump in the morning. By the afternoon, yes. If there’s anyone who’s a grump, it’s you, Miss Night Owl.”
“Okay, children, let’s go inside.” Gemma’s body shook with laughter as she closed her car door. “I know the kids worked hard this morning to decorate after you two left. I can’t wait for you to see it.”
As they approached the rink’s entrance, she heard Leslie’s voice directing everyone inside the facility to quiet down and get ready. The lights suddenly clicked off. Pulling the door open, she could hear excited whispers.
Gemma took hold of Frankie’s mobile, positioning herself behind them to get the best possible video of their entry into their surprise party.
Frankie cleared her throat, and said in a louder than normal tone, “I don’t know, Charlie, it looks awfully dark. Are you sure Coach Leslie said the staff meeting was at four?”
“That’s what I thought she said.” His voice boomed even louder than Frankie’s.
They turned past the skate rental counter, the lights flickered on, and fifty people yelled out, “Surprise!”
Gemma stood to the side, biting back laughter at the cartoon-like expressions that graced her friends’ faces.
“You mean there isn’t a staff meeting after all?” Charlie pouted, planting his hands on his hips. “Have you all been planning a party without telling me?”
“Yes!” the kids shouted, laughing.
One of the first students to step forward was Richelle. “We wanted to surprise you, Mr. C!” She giggled.
“You guys did a good job. I had no idea.” He shook his head.
Frankie linked her arm with Charlie’s. She pointed to the glittery banner that read, “Good Luck at Skate United States, Coach Frankie and Mr. C!”
Gemma panned the camera around the lobby. Cardboard cutouts of Charlie and Frankie, with holes where their faces should be, were set up for partygoers to take photos with. Two long tables were filled with red cups, drinks, snacks, and a cake shaped like an ice skate. The walls were adorned with artwork of the couple made by the children at the rink.
“Now that the guests of honor are here, who’s ready to eat?” Leslie chimed in.
The kids all scrambled to gather near the cake.
Gemma laughed.
“Mr. C, are you and Coach Frankie going to skate for us tonight too?” Richelle asked.
“Oh, um?.?.?.” He exchanged glances with Frankie. “I don’t think?.?.?. that is to say?.?.?.” Richelle’s eyes widened, resembling an eager puppy dog. “If Fran—Coach Frankie agrees to it, I guess we could perform our exhibition program.”
“We’ll skate for you.” Hiding her mouth with her hand, Frankie whispered to Charlie, “I threw our skates in the trunk just in case.”
Richelle cheered and hugged Charlie, then Frankie. “Coach Gemma, will you skate for us too?”
She stiffened. “You don’t want to watch me skate. Tonight is about Mr. C and Coach Frankie.”
“But Idowant to see you skate. Mr. C said you’re a princess.” She twirled and pointed to her outfit. “Mommy even let me wear my Sleeping Beauty dress tonight.”
She felt the internal push and pull at play.On the one hand, I should be mindful of how much I skate. I’m going back on tour and that means performing every night without any days off. But on the other hand, it’s only an easy exhibition skate. As long as I don’t do anything too risky, I should be okay. My hip felt better today anyway.
“I’ll do it.”
Richelle cheered again, then hugged Gemma. “I can’t wait.”
* * *
Standing in the hockey box, Gemma filmed Frankie and Charlie’s modified exhibition skate to “Can You Feel the Love Tonight.”
I can’t believe how much speed they have. Every time I see them together, they’ve improved.
Charlie’s hands clasped Frankie’s waist. She bent her knees and was assisted into the air for an easy throw double Salchow. Holding a long landing edge, Charlie grasped Frankie’s hand and they finished their program with a centered pair spin.
