“You’re so right. I think I’ll stick to figure skating.” I grin and hike my thumb over my shoulder. “Do you want to get started, Olivia?”
“Yes, please.” She beams and gives her dad a quick one-armed hug, hurrying to the bench to change into her skates. “See ya, Dad!”
“The second she’s on the ice, she forgets all about me,” he says.
“It’s good to know your place. We’ll see you later,” I say. “And, again, thanks for this opportunity, Brody. I can’t wait to work with Olivia.”
With a nod, he disappears down the tunnel. Olivia is already on her feet, leaning over the boards and waiting for my instructions, and I guess that makes me in charge.
“I’m so excited.” She puts on her gloves, and I grab mine too. “I’ve been looking forward to this all day.”
“Same.” I smile. “I hear your previous coach is pregnant?”
“Yeah. I’ve been training with Susannah Sharp. She competed for Germany in the Olympics.”
“We’ve been skating against each other for years. She’s fantastic.”
“You’re much better.” Olivia slaps a hand over her mouth. “Pretend I didn’t say that. I swear I’m not unprofessional.”
“Say what? I didn’t hear anything.” I grin and invite her onto the ice. We head for the Stars logo, and I check to see how she stands when we’re not moving. Her balance is superb, and her posture makes me jealous. “Your dad mentioned the Potomac Memorial is your big upcoming event. What else do you have on the calendar?”
“Any competition I can enter, honestly. I want to be the best in the world. I know everyone says that, but I’m willing to put in the work.”
“I have a feeling we’re going to get along well, Olivia.”
“You can call me Liv.”
“Liv. I like that. You’re on the taller side for a figure skater, like me. Have you noticed any issues with aerodynamics?”
“Yeah, I got the height from my dad. But I haven’t noticed any issues when I start skating.” She shrugs. “I have had a coach tell me I need to figure out a diet plan so I could lose a couple pounds, but I just got my period last year and?—”
“Fuck that.” It’s my turn to cover my mouth. “Sorry. Pardon my language.”
“Please.” Liv laughs. “You should hear the things my dad says.”
“I’ve had coaches tell me the same thing. And, like, I get it. Science, physics, all of that. It’s hard not to let it get to you, but I’ve started using it as motivation. Nothing beats standingon a podium while someone who tried to control your eating habits watches you succeed. Have cookies and pasta three times a week. Food is fuel, and you’re never going to catch me mentioning anything about your size, okay?”
“Is it too early to say that you might be my favorite coach of all time?”
“Way too early, because I’m going to put you through drills that will hurt like hell.”
“I can’t wait.” She offers me a nervous look. “Am I allowed to ask why you’re not competing right now? There are tons of rumors on the internet.”
I hesitate before answering. Since my announcement about pulling out of Skate America and all the events on my calendar for the foreseeable future, my social media has been flooded with comments and DMs from fans as well as some of the women I’ve competed against checking in to make sure I’m okay.
“I’ve been skating since I was four years old. Over twenty years later, and fatigue is setting in. I’m burned out. I’m unhappy, but that’s where your dad comes in. He’s agreed to take me back to the basics of skating in hopes I’ll fall in love with the sport again. When I’m here with you, we’ll focus on the technical aspect of skating. When I’m with him, it will be like I’m a beginner all over again,” I say, tilting my head. “Speaking of that—and we’re about to get deep here—I don’t ever want you to reach the point where you’re unhappy during our time together. If you’re having an off day or just don’t feel like skating, I want you to tell me, okay? Making this your career is a great dream to have, but what good is it if you have to sacrifice your happiness to get there? Communication is key, and a lot of my coaches haven’t put my mental health first. I’m not going to do that with you.”
“I promise.” Liv nods. “Dad talks to me all the time about not putting all my eggs in one basket, and I want to set myself up for success. I know taking care of myself is the way to do that.”
“Good. I’ve been through a lot with this sport. If you ever have questions or need advice on something, I’m happy to help in any way I can.”
“I appreciate that. I love my dad, but he’s not a teenage girl. He’s never been a teenage girl, and sometimes his solutions to problems are… not great.”
“Same with my brother. They mean well, but they just don’t understand certain things. And that’s okay!” I laugh. “Ready to get to work?”
“No pressure or anything.” She chuckles, shaking out her hands. “If I faceplant, I promise it’s just nerves, not because I’m uncoordinated.”
“There’s no judgment if you fall. We all do it at some point.”
