“I have?”
She poked him in the chest. “You’re a brilliant dancer.”
“Not really, but thanks for saying so.” He lifted his arm and twirled her. “I have a small confession to make.”
“Oh?” Gemma arched an eyebrow.
“Suzy and Charlie gave me a crash course on how to slow dance.”
Gemma giggled. “Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone.”
“This is the best Thanksgiving I’ve had in a long time.”
“Me too.”
“Gem?.?.?.”
“Mmm?.?.?.” She lifted her head off his chest.
“I know you’re thinking about leaving Dreams on Ice. Would you be open to spending time with me in Scottsdale? Maybe even moving there?”
She stiffened. “You’ve made up your mind?”
“I’m about eighty percent of the way there.” Dropping his hands by his side, he shoved them into his pockets. “This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is being dangled in front of me and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it.”
Considering her next words carefully, she offered, “Only you know how badly you want that job.”
“Gemma, you’re avoiding the question. I know this is a lot to ask of you since we haven’t been together that long, but your answer is important to me.”
“If it would make you happy.”
“That’s exactly what I hoped you’d say.” Tim flashed her a million-watt grin. “I have a trip to Scottsdale lined up next weekend. I haven’t been back in a couple years. There’s a brand-new state-of-the-art facility Mike’s built, and a rehearsal hall, and?.?.?. ”
Gemma, however, only half paid attention. Her heart wasn’t in Arizona. It was firmly planted in Sequoia Valley.
Remember what Leslie told you all those weeks ago. Relationships are about compromise. You can’t have everything you want in life. If Tim is set on taking his dream job, I’ll support him. Above all else, he wants me to be happy. Now it’s my turn to repay the favor.
Chapter 22
“Good job, Gemma, give me two more,” Mel the PT called out.
Beads of perspiration dripped down Gemma’s forehead. Her quads quivered from exertion. She used every ounce of strength she could muster to give Mel two more reps with the leg press machine, then collapsed against the padded backing.
“Nice. That’s one more than yesterday.”
“Do you want me to work on the balance board today too?”
“No, we’ll end the session with this. After all, you’re planning to skate today, aren’t you?”
Gemma nodded. “Yeah, Fernando and I are going to skate in the intro, and in the finale. We’re close, but not quite ready to rejoin the princess melody segment yet.”
She’d been back with the company for five days, but it felt like a lot longer.
“Got it. From my perspective, I’d say that strength-wise, you’re much better off than you were a month ago.”
Gemma grinned. “You can thank Frankie for pushing me.”
“If we stick to the routine, and you’re careful if you experience any flare-ups, I don’t see why you wouldn’t be able to make it through the remaining three weeks of the season. Dr. Zhang’s report was favorable.”
