Not a single word.
I remember the next session so clearly. She waltzed in, all professional and uptight. She barely looked at me, and I can confidently say it was the worst lesson we’ve ever had together.
It’s been the running theme of every lesson since, which is why I believe her progression has stalled. She doesn’t trust me. She doesn’t want to, and I guessshe’s not wrong to feel that way, but it kills me all the time to see she’s not living up to her potential.
I turn to Alex. “If I get in any trouble, I’ll let you know, but I’m good. I promise.”
“Sure thing, Boss.” He moves to leave, and just as I’m about to follow behind him, my phone buzzes.
“I’ll be out in a second,” I say, picking up my phone to turn it off before going out on the ice.
Except, the name across the screen makes me stop.
Princess.
I can’t leave her unread. I’ve never had that ability.
Princess <3:I’m sorry for texting you, but I’m freaking out. I don’t think I can do this audition. I tried skating on my own today, and failed miserably…again. I don’t suppose you have a free hour tonight for another lesson?
The locker room noise fades around me. All I can focus on is the panic bleeding through her message. She tried on her own. She failed, and now she's spiraling right before the biggest audition of her life.
I start typing before I can think it through.
Scotty:I’m sorry, Princess. I’d love to, but I have a game tonight. Maybe you should come? Watching us skate might help your movements, and give you something else to think about.
It's a weak offer, and I know it. As much as I want to, I can't help her right now—I have a game to play, and a teamdepending on me.
Princess <3:Oh, shit. I’m sorry. I should’ve known you had a game. Good Luck. I know you’ll do great. You always do.
I turn the phone on silent, and although I know I should put the phone in my bag and head out to the game, I can’t help the nagging feeling in my stomach. I won’t be able to skate with her again before her audition. If she’s freaking out now, what’s she going to be like on audition day?
Fuck it.
I have to help her, but I don’t know how.
That’s when the idea pops into my head.
Scotty:Why don’t you come to the Covey rink after 10? The game finishes at 8:30 and everyone will be gone by then. We can have one final skate and really nail those crossovers.
Princess <3:Are you allowed to do that?
Scotty:Yeah. I have a key. It will be just us, I promise. Even the Zamboni will be out of action.
The second I send it, I wince, knowing I shouldn’t have mentioned our near kiss. Oh, well. It’s been put out there now.
The three dots appear. Disappear. Appear again.
I sit there, anxiously waiting for her response, knowing she’s freaking out as she thinks it through.
“Hendricks!” Coach McKibbon's voice booms from the hallway. “National anthem in two. Let's move!”
Reluctantly, I shove my phone in my bag without checking for her response and force myself to stand. I'll figure this out. I have to, but first, I need to win this game.
The lights in the arena are blinding as I skate to center ice for the anthem. The crowd's already on their feet, and the energy bouncing around the rink is electric. This is what I live for—the roar of the fans, the cold bite of the ice beneath my blades, the weight of the C on my chest.
Usually.
Tonight, all I can think about is Laura's text. I don't think I can do this audition.
