The rink grows quiet as the next girl appears on the ice. We’re going to have to watch the rest of program until we know who in the end is going on to the next round of competition. Plus, Lori has to sit with the rest of the skaters from her club to show good sportsmanship, which I fully support.
My eyes travel around to observe the crowd, finding it humorous and understandable when I see parents clenching one another with fingers crossed. We’re at the age when decisions between parents and daughters need to be made if this will be a hobby or a serious sport to follow.
Harry next to me breaks out his book because that’s what he does to pass time when he’s bored.
“Hey, maybe show a little more respect to those on the ice and pretend to be interested?” I suggest.
My son looks up with a scowl. “You got me here, I invested full attention to my sister, now let me be.”
Lexi’s face screws up, and she gives me an understanding pained look. Harry is not in the best of moods, and we shouldn’t push.
“Okay then,” I give up in defeat.
Lexi reaches over to squeeze my arm. “Not long to go,” she reminds me.
I wobble my head gently, internally reminding myself of our schedule today. My eyes scan the rink and the people sitting in the rows before us. A little boy runs from the entrance of the lobby to our section of the stands, and past a woman. I can only see the side profile of the stranger, except she’s too familiar, and I squint my eyes to get a better view.
But then something causes me alarm. Or rather someone.
It can’t be.
I do a double take because the woman with light hair I notice standing next to the boards is someone unexpected.
This can’t be happening.
No fucking way.
Lexi must notice my demeanor change from enjoying this afternoon to utter disbelief and anger. Her fingers touch my elbow from concern, but I barely feel it as my mind is about to combust from the thousands of thoughts running through it.
“Are you okay?” She lowers her voice as she leans in to me and not to scare Harry.
My eyes snap to her. “Just stay with Harry, I need to take care of something. Keep him occupied,” my whisper is hoarse.
Even though confusion floods her eyes, she agrees, her head gently nodding. “Of course.”
“I’ll be right back, buddy. Just going to check on something,” I tell my son.
“Sure.” He shrugs.
I nearly bolt down the steps to where my dread is confirmed.
My fierce possessiveness for my kids kicks in, which is why I have no qualms about quickly and discreetly grabbing my ex-wife’s arm.
“Ouch. What are you doing, Holden?”
With a fast pace, I drag us out of the rink to the lobby which only has a few people, and they’re not taking much notice.
I let go of her arm. “Michelle, what the fuck are you doing here?”
She seems taken aback. Even though I know her ability to throw on theatrics and fake any emotion, there is a hint of authenticity shading her face. “I’ve come to see Lori.”
My nostrils flare, and I pinch the bridge of my nose. “Like fuck you are. You happily gave me sole custody and haven’t been in LoriandHarry’s lives for years.”
“People change.”
I shake my head. “When it involves Lori and Harry, then you’re actually going to have to tell the truth, because I won’t let you waltz back into their lives only to leave.”
Michelle steps closer to me with a sly line on her mouth. This can’t be good. “Like I said, I came to see Lori. She’s at that age when she needs a mother in her life.”
