“I can relate.” He removed his own plastic guards and entered the ice. “When I started pairs again with Frankie, there were no words to express how happy it made me. It was like I’d taken a trip to Disneyland. Everything just felt light and like my feet couldn’t touch the ground.”
“I missed being able to do the simple things. I’ll never take a change of edge for granted again.” She took a sip of water. “Thanks for agreeing to coach me today. I know how valuable your time off is. I really appreciate it.”
“I’m happy to do it. You’re family, and that’s the theme of the day.” He smiled. “What’s your game plan for the session?”
“I don’t want to push myself too hard, but I’d like to have a go at trying out some spins and some of the footwork from my Cinderella program. I want you to watch closely and let me know if I’m doing anything wonky.”
“And by wonky, you mean?.?.?.”
“I want you to call me out if it looks like I’ve changed anything in my spinning technique to compensate for the discomfort in my hip. I don’t want my body to get another injury from modifying the way I’ve skated the last twenty-plus years.”
His eyes widened in understanding. “Got it.”
“If we have time after that, I thought that maybe we could practice some crossovers and other basic partnering skills. When I’m back on tour, DOI management will expect me to start skating with Fernando again as soon as I’m cleared.”
“They don’t give you time to settle in, do they?”
“Theoretically they’re supposed to, but this time of year, everyone’s body is beat up. They need every extra skater they can get.” Gemma sighed. “If you ask Frankie about it, she’ll tell you a couple of crazy stories, like the time we had to learn one of the ensemble numbers between quick changes because management didn’t realize we were short three bodies.”
They skated side by side, chatting and circling the rink. “Eleven or twelve shows a week is so taxing on the body. You guys are like Broadway dancers.”
“We are. I skate and train almost as much as I did when I competed.”
“Have you had any updates on the contract yet?”
“No.” Gemma huffed. “I scheduled a meeting with management as soon as I get back. They don’t have any excuses to make me wait any longer.”
“Are you going to accept it, then? I thought you’d decided to retire.”
“I’mleaningtoward retirement, but I don’t want to rule anything out until I’ve had time to have a good think over all the possible paths my future could follow.”
“Good for you, Gem. I’m proud of you.”
Changing the subject, she asked, “How’s your training for the International Prix Championship going? It’s only three weeks away.”
“Frankie and I are ready. It’s been helpful to have Fernando stepping up to coach us via video chat. We’re not making any changes or adjustments to the program. We’re just going to go into the competition like it’s business as usual.”
“Because you two killed it at Skate United States and the Maple Leaf Trophy.”
Charlie puffed out his chest. “We did.”
Gemma shot him a smile. “And what are your plans for afterward? Are you going to spend a little extra time in Japan? A little birdy mentioned there was a chance you two might be jumping across the pond for Christmas?”
“Originally, Frankiethoughtit might be possible to spend the end of December and first three weeks of January training in the UK in the lead-up to Worlds to spend time with her sister, but in all the excitement, she forgot that we have to skate at Nationals first to even make the team.”
Although it wasn’t public knowledge, Frankie had discovered more than a year ago that she was the biological sister of Clara, the Duchess of Leeds. After being apart for more than twenty-six years, the two sisters were trying their best to make up for lost time. They’d met in person once yet were still in constant communication with one another.
They shared a laugh, coming to a stop. “Oh, Frankie.”
“I had to point out to her that with all the uncertainty about finding a rink and traveling back and forth, we’d be better off training on home ice.” Charlie retrieved his mobile from the front pocket of his black North Face jacket. “Anyway, enough about us. Let’s focus on you. Why don’t you warm up your forward and backward scratch spins? I want to see if I can get the slow-motion feature on this guy to work. It would make life a lot easier to be able to show you what I see.”
“Yes, Mr. C.” Gemma saluted him, then peeled off her outermost jacket, tossed it onto the boards, and adjusted her gloves. “I’ll do the forward scratch first.”
Performing a few back crossovers, Gemma held a long entry edge, then stepped into the spin on the ball of her left foot. Like most skaters, she performed all her jumps and spins counterclockwise. Finding the “sweet spot” of her blade, she pulled her arms and legs tightly into her body. The world blurred. A few seconds later, coming out on two feet lazily, she bent over at the waist, resting her hands on her knees.
“Ugh, I can’t breathe, and I’m dizzy.”
Charlie stopped recording and glided over to her, assisting her to an upright position. “Spins will do that to you.”
