“I know, even if she has a strange way of showing it.”
“She grew up in another country, in another time. She had to succeed to survive. Skating defined her, and she put that same pressure on you.”
“Thank you.” Tasha needed to focus on the present, not the past. “Can I say how great it is to see you here? Thank you for driving all this way to see our ice show.”
“I’m thrilled to be here. Berry Lake is a cute town. And since there’s no longer a rink and show in Wishing Bay, I figured this was the best option.” Phoebe hugged her. “Now, chin up. Show these landlocked folks what beach peeps are capable of.”
“Will do.”
“Tasha.” A haggard-sounding Gigi ran up. She wore her costume and held a dress bag. “This is bad. Really bad. Terrible.”
“Slow down and breathe,” Tasha said. “Then you can tell me what’s wrong.”
A few people had come closer after seeing Gigi running up. They weren’t Tasha’s concern. She focused on Gigi. “Better?”
“Yes.” Gigi took another breath. “Except Belle has the stomach flu. She can’t stop throwing up. She won’t be here tonight, but I have her costume for someone else.”
“Oh, no. We’re missing the lead angel.” Katie’s voice cracked. Other kids chimed in with their woes.
“Savannah can be the angel, and I’ll be her shadow.” Drew reached for the dress bag.
Gigi wouldn’t let him have it. “The costume won’t fit you. Savannah is shorter than Belle, who’s the same height as…” Gigi stared at Tasha. “You should be the angel. You knows the routine, and the costume will fit her.”
Phoebe nodded. “If it doesn’t, there’s someone in the audience who can help with that.”
Tasha’s heart lodged in her throat. “Kristen’s here?”
“She didn’t want me to drive alone.” Phoebe winked. “But that was only her excuse to be here.”
Drew rolled his eyes. “Who cares? Tasha retired. She can’t skate.”
“Yes, she can.” Gigi handed the dress bag to Tasha. “Please. Belle feels like she let everyone down. You’re the best person to take her place.”
“It’ll ruin the show,” Drew said under his breath.
“Drew, stay here.” Tasha looked at the kids. “Don’t worry. Everything will be fine. Go get in place.”
They did.
Drew reached out his hand. “Hand over the costume.”
Tasha had stayed quiet long enough. She wouldn’t take this any longer. She held the dress bag behind her. “No. You and Savannah are skating the opening number, and that’s it. You’ve done everything you can to ruin me, but no longer. If you cause any more trouble in my life, I’ll write a memoir that’ll rock the skating world and destroy yours.”
He flinched. “I—”
“I have receipts. Texts, emails, and voice mails. I may have taped a few conversations too.”
His face dropped. “You wouldn’t.”
She raised her chin. “Try me.”
Drew opened his mouth and then closed it, but his eyes shot killer laser beams at her. He grabbed Savannah’s hand. “We have to get ready for our skate.”
With that, they stomped away.
Phoebe applauded. “Way to go, Tasha.”
“I’m impressed.” Elias joined them. “I see why you hate Drew.”
