* * *
Gemma spent the next few hours with Richelle, her friends, and their parents. By the end of the night, she was surprised by how natural it was starting to feel around the children. She’d skated in front of thousands of them in audiences with DOI, but she’d rarely spoken to them one-on-one. They were a breath of fresh air with the carefree way they saw the world. Maybe coaching wouldn’t be so bad after all.
“Thank you for coming tonight, Coach Gemma. I had so much fun.” Richelle covered a yawn with her hand. “You’re almost as cool as Mr. C.”
Gemma chuckled. “I’ll take that as a huge compliment.”
Richelle hugged her, then climbed into the back seat of a maroon-colored SUV. She buckled her seat belt, resting her head against the window once Dr. Zhang closed the door.
“I was worried all the sugar would keep her up, but it looks like the ride home is going to be quiet. I might even get to pick the radio station for a change.” Dr. Zhang smiled.
“She’s a good kid. I hope once I settle into the area, I’ll have the opportunity to spend some more time with her. That is if Charlie will share her.”
“Assuming Richelle chooses to continue skating, I’m sure she’d be happy to have you help coach her.” Dr. Zhang leaned against the car. “She’s going to have to make a choice between ballet, skating, soccer, softball, violin, piano, art classes, and Chinese school soon. She can’t continue to do all of them and keep up her grades in school.”
Gemma’s eyes widened. “She’s doingthatmany activities?”
“We want Richelle to be well-rounded. Anything she’s expressed an interest in, her mom and I have wanted her to try.” Although it was dark, Gemma thought she could see the faint patch of color appear on his cheeks. “Between you and me, my wife hates the skating, but I think it’s where Richelle’s heart is. If that’s what my baby wants, who are we to stand in her way?”
“You’re a great dad to her.”
“I try to be. I just wish I were around more. Work keeps me busy.” He cleared his throat. “Anyway, if there is anything you need, feel free to reach out to me at any time.” He reached into his pocket. “Here’s my business card. It’s got my work number and email on it.”
“Thank you so much.” Glancing at the card, her eyes widened. “You’re the team doctor for the Jasper Ridge Jaguars hockey team?”
Dr. Zhang nodded. “I am.”
They chatted for a few more moments, then father and daughter departed.
Richelle’s parents seem like they are the polar opposites of one another. Her mom seemed so uptight, and her dad is so easygoing. I wonder if they’re a case of opposites attract. Should I be looking for a guy who’s the opposite of me?
A chilly gust of wind caused Gemma to shiver. She needed to request a ride home. Deciding she didn’t wish to wait out in the cold, she headed back to the gym. Inside, some of the adults were beginning to deconstruct the booths and pack away the leftover food. Locating the bleachers, she sat down and pulled out her mobile.
“Gemma? What are you still doing here? I thought I saw you leave about a half hour ago,” Henry said, his hands on his hips. He’d removed the coat and hat. The sleeves of his brown shirt had been rolled up to his elbows, and it was damp and transparent in a few places. Her lips grew dry.
“Oh hi, Henry. I walked Richelle out to the car to say goodbye.”
“You didn’t come together? Or in a pumpkin carriage?”
“Nope,” Gemma chuckled. “I ordered a car.”
“Is that how you’re planning to get home now?”
She nodded. “It was, unless you’ve got an airplane or a spare packet of magical pumpkin seeds.”
“No planes, magical seeds, or even a flying carpet. The kids and their families cleaned us out, but I’ll tell you what, if you don’t mind waiting ten minutes, I can give you a ride home.” He glanced behind him. “I think we’re just about done here. Most of the booths will get deconstructed in the morning.”
“Only if it’s not an inconvenience to you.” Gemma dry swallowed. “I, er?.?.?.wouldlike to spend some more time with you.”
“The feeling is mutual.” He winked. “I’ll be right back. I just need to make sure the cash boxes get signed back in and locked up. In the meantime, try not to trade your voice to a sea witch. And here”—he tossed his jacket to her—“you look like you’re freezing.”
Wrong princess, but at least he’s trying.
As she waited, Gemma opened the contact list on her mobile phone and started to scroll through the long list of names.
Okay, Henry, let’s find out if I actually have your number. Aaron, no. Ashley, no. Airlie, no. Amanda, no. Andrew. Hmm. Where do I know him from?Taking a screenshot of the number, she saved it to look up later.
True to his word, ten minutes later, Henry came strolling up to the bench where she sat with his jacket draped over her shoulders. “Okay, I’m all set. Shall we head to the parking lot?”
