We completely forget that there is someone taking our photo.
23
HOLDEN
“Ouch,” Lexi yelps, because I just smacked her ass in passing to grab a water bottle from the fridge.
“My hands have a mind of their own,” I lie.
It took a few days after the party at the Dizzy Duck to have exhaustion disappear. Not that it stopped Lexi and me from fucking that night after the party. Something about the strong feelings involved and the need to be impeccably silent in the house only heightened the experience. Made it better, and the bar was already high.
But now it’s a week later, and Lexi searches the kitchen with my face in her neck. I want to touch her indecently, and she’s still trying to get accustomed to my kids catching us, even though I know the clues when to stop. “Harry could walk in at any moment and be grossed out. Let’s not do that to him today. He already isn’t looking forward to being dragged to the regional skating competition.”
My lips quirk out. “You’re right. We should probably get going.” Lori is already there, as she practiced once more with her coach.
“Sure.”
“Harry,” I call out and hear a grumbled noise from upstairs.
Lexi is busy checking her purse, but she’s a good multi-tasker. “I heard from the mayor, and he actually wants me to change the interior of his house now that he and his wife are heading into a new chapter with grandkids and have more need for guest rooms.”
I walk to her to wrap my arms around her body from behind. “That’s good. Keeps you around Lake Spark and available to occupy my bed,” I tease.
“Funny,” she replies.
The reality is that this solves a few of our concerns. There are only so many places to redesign in the area. One project at a time, I guess.
“Give me your credit card.” Lexi indicates with her hand to hand it over. “I was going to take Lori for a spa day tomorrow post-competition.”
My face screws up. “You do realize I own the place, so a card will not be needed.”
She gives me an overdone smile. “I know, but it just sounded more fun to say it.” Lexi pats my cheek and walks away to grab her phone. An elated smile hits my own lips.
I glance at the clock on the oven. “Come on,” I yell again, and scrambling feet sound a few seconds later, scurrying down the stairs.
“Do I really need to go?” Harry grumbles.
I narrow my eyes at him. “Depends. Do you want me to take away your tablet or…”
“Fine,” he groans.
“Good. Because next week when you have the science fair, then Lori will tag along for that.”
Harry stomps away to the garage, and Lexi attempts to keep her smile to herself. Just a usual Saturday morning for us.
The car ride to the ice rink is a breeze. No need to drive slow, as not a duck or deer in sight near the road, and no complaints of hunger since we had donuts and eggs for breakfast. This is our new routine, and it’s perfect. The way it should always be.
Today, we’ve all gathered our energy for a new milestone, Lori’s big day.
We got settled in our seats and endured the skate routines of the girls ahead of my daughter on the program, but then my girl shone. Not one little mistake, every jump landed, and her spins stable. I guess I don’t get to watch her enough, because in a way, this all surprises me, her talent. I believe in it, just never saw it in live action. She’s been working hard for this, and when she skated off the ice after her stellar short program skate, I whistle and clap having watched my little girl amaze the audience.
Lexi squeezes my arm tighter in complete excitement. “She rocked it. I bet she’ll get a high score.”
“Otherwise, I’ll fire her coach,” I deadpan but don’t mean a word. Lori could get a low score, yet I would still think she’s amazing. It’s a junior regional competition, but in a few years, she can move into senior, and that’s fast approaching. Only if she wants it.
The applause for her performance wears off, and we anxiously wait in our seats behind the boards for her score. Even Harry is invested in this afternoon. Lori sits with her coach, and then again, we find ourselves cheering, because when the numbers appear on the board behind the ice, we have more reason to celebrate.
I can’t wait to see her after the competition. We’ll have to have a special dinner or something.
