“Are you sure you want to hang out with the three of us?” I ask. “It looked like you were friendly with some of the other girls in your group.”
“A lot of them are with Washington Figure Skating Club. They said I should come join them, but I told them I alreadyhad the best coach out there.” She shifts on her feet. Lets out a sheepish laugh. “If you want to still coach me, that is.”
“You’re stuck with me, Liv. Next up: Eastern Sectionals in November!”
We all climb into Brody’s SUV, reliving Liv’s performance a second time. By the time we get to the diner where we’re having lunch, she’s recanted each element for a third and fourth time.
“Safe to say she’s proud of herself,” Kali says from next to me in the booth the sever seats us in. “And you did all of that as the tallest one out there too.”
“That was pretty cool.” Liv opens her menu, turning the page. “Thank you all for coming to watch me. I know it’s been a long ten months with getting me to and from the rink, and if I don’t say it enough, I want to make sure you all now I appreciate how much time and energy you put in to helping me succeed. Hang on. I made a list.” Liv sets her small purse on the table, rifling through it for a folded piece of paper. “Mama, for sewing me this outfit and always having snacks in the car after my lessons.”
“Kali, yousewedthat? It’s stunning.” I gape at Liv’s bedazzled costume and all the intricate details. “You could make a career out of selling them for local girls.”
“Really? The stitching needs some work, and I underestimated how many sequins would be needed.” She laughs. “Next time, we’re doing double.”
“People would pay a lot of money for something like that.” I wave at Liv. “Sorry, kiddo. I interrupted you.”
“It’s okay. Mom’s work deserves to be bragged about. Okay, next on my list is Dad, for coaching hockey and having the connections that were able to help us find Hannah.” Liv clears her throat. “And for always making sure I get my homework done, even if I don’t want to do it.”
“So I’m only wanted for my connections?” Brody scowls and folds his arms over his chest, sitting back in the booth. “Doesn’t seem fair.”
“Sorry, Pops. Until you can teach me a double Axel, I have to be grateful to Hannah for getting me here.” Liv smiles at me. “I know it’s cheesy, but you started off as my coach, and now you’re my friend. Thank you for believing in me from the very beginning. I’m glad you’re a part of our family.”
I reach across the table for her hand, but I make sure I look at Brody as I say this next part. “Thank you for welcoming me into your family. It’s been such a joy to spend time with you and watch you grow and believe in yourself. We’re just getting started.”
Later, after we drop off Kali and Liv at Kali’s home, Brody and I climb into bed. He pulls out his crossword puzzle and I lean against him, opening a book and letting out a sigh, blissfully content how everything has turned out.
“Sometimes I wonder if all of this would be different if Riley hadn’t gotten injured,” I say, and Brody hums.
“How so?”
“That first night we were together, we would’ve had sex. You would’ve gone home in the morning, and, what? We would’ve been friends? Started dating? Never spoken to each other again?” I tilt my chin up to look at him. “Going sixteen months without talking to you sucked, but I’m not sure this would’ve worked out otherwise.”
“Maybe it took knowing I’d never have you again to realize how lucky I was to have had you that first time.” Brody kisses my nose. “And, you know, figure out how tonotbe the dick who left you and said to forget it never happened.”
“I didn’t let myself think about,” I admit. “Not until you started getting more intentional with your touches.”
“I thought about it all the time,” he admits. “I dreamed about you. I fell asleep hoping you were having a good day. I was fucking haunted by the look on your face when I left, and I’m so glad I found my way back to you. I love you very much, Ice Queen.”
“I love you too, BB.” I pat his chest. “I’ll let you get back to your crossword puzzle.”
“It’s easy tonight. All hockey clues. One word, ten letters. ‘An illegal penalty in hockey where a player hits an opponent with their stick held in both hands.’”
“Cross-check?” I guess, and her grins. “Very good, Hannah. Ready for the next one?”
“Hit me with your best shot, Daddy.”
Brody sputters out a breath and squeezes his eyes shut. “I need a goddamn warning before you say that. The spike in my heart rate could kill me.”
“Whatever you say, Daddy.”
His fingers twist the edges of the paper. “This next one is fitting, because it’s where you’re going to be if you aren’t careful. Two words, six letters. ‘Another name for the penalty box.’”
“Sin bin?” I answer.
“Perfect,” he muses, tossing the paper to the side. He rolls on top of me with a smile. “Any last words before I punish you for driving me out of my mind, every second of every goddamn day?”
“Yeah.” I touch his cheek where his smile begins. “I’m still a faster skater than you,” I whisper.
