“Have you thought about changing positions?” Ginny asks.
“Yeah, it’s still not what I want to do.”
“You should just be my partner. I’m not skating with Antony any longer. So my only option is a new partner or switch all my routines to solos and begin competing that way if I still plan to make it to the Olympics.” Ginny laughs at the end, like she’s made a joke.
Blake’s entire face lights up, a spark of excitement in his eyes. “I’d do it. Of course, I’d still fulfill the rest of this year and next, but I’d love nothing more than to skate with you.”
“Really?!” we all almost shout in unison as if we’d planned it.
“Yeah, that morning on the ice when we skated together, I haven’t felt that happy in a while. When I glide across the ice, free of the gear that holds me in the net, I feel free, happy, and that’s how I want to feel. I love hockey but if I were to continue and go to the NHL, I would resent it. And I don’t want that to happen.” Blake’s face lights up as he speaks.
“You’d quit for me?” Ginny asks again, jaw dropped.
“Yes. So if your dad has issues when we confront him today, then that’s what I’ll do. Just sooner than anticipated.”
Blake’s eyes shift between me and Chase, waiting for us to answer.
“Chase, baby, how do you feel about what I’ve just said? My plans.”
“I want you to do what makes you happy, Blake. If playing professionally isn’t it, then I don’t care. Plus, I have to admit theidea of seeing the two people I love performing together on the ice, bodies moving in sync, is kinda hot.” Chase leans in, kissing Blake gently, before doing the same to Ginny.
Ginny squeals, throwing her arms around Blake’s neck. “Fuck, Blakey Blake is going to be my new partner.” Then she pauses, eyes narrowing. “Are you sure you’re ready for the extra practice that comes with learning the routines, jumps, and lifts?”
“Absolutely. It’ll be some hard work, but I’m not opposed to it. Plus, getting to touch you all over while on the ice combines my two favorite things.”
“I’ll quit too,” Chase adds.
“Me too.” Looks like Coach better start looking for some replacements if he doesn’t approve of us.
Ginny’s joy falters, her eyes darting between us. “Are you sure? Please don’t ruin your careers for me. It’s not worth it.”
“But that’s where you’re wrong. If we make it to the NHL, that’s great. But we know how hard that is. It’s why we focus hard on our education. And Ginny, never say you’re not worth it, because Babydoll, you’re worth everything to us,” Chase says boldly, expressing everything the three of us feel.
“Pixie, we finally have you. Chase and Blake are happy and together. Life is perfect and right where we want it. Anything else that happens is just icing on the cake, but we don’t need it. As long as the four of us are together, a family, we are good,” I add.
Ginny swallows hard, blinking rapidly before exhaling a deep breath. “Then I guess it’s time to head to my house and confront my dad. I’ll let him know I’m coming to talk and don’t want Antony there. Should I tell him that you’re coming with me?” she asks, worrying her bottom lip.
“No, keep us a surprise,” Blake says loudly. Ginny stands from his lap, letting his fingers slip through hers. “I’m going to getdressed and let him know I’m coming.” She turns, walking out of the room, with a new sense of purpose.
I glance at Chase and Blake, my stomach knotting with anticipation.
It’s time. Time toendthe secrets. Time to fight forher.For us.
Nerves radiate off all of us as we step onto the porch at Ginny’s house. I opted to drive today, knowing that this confrontation with her father would be emotional and she’d be in no shape to get behind the wheel afterward.
She doesn’t knock, just opens the door. The air is suffocating. The moment we step inside, tension wraps around my chest like a vise, making it hard to breathe.
“Dad, I’m here,” she shouts.
“Coming,” he calls back. He stops dead in his tracks when he sees Ginny, with the three of us standing behind her.
Ginny stands tall in front of us, her body firm and in control, but I can see the slight tremble in her fingers as she clenches them into fists. Blake, Chase, and I stand at her back, unyielding, ready to support her no matter what.
Coach Lein—no,her father—stands across from us, his face set in a tight scowl, arms crossed over his broad chest. He looks atGinny first, then at the three of us, his gaze burning holes into the three of us.
“So it’s true,” he mutters, his voice low and laced with something I can’t quite place—disappointment? Disgust? Maybe both. “Antony wasn’t lying.” His gaze darkens as it settles back on his daughter. “You’re with them. All of them. My players.”
Ginny lets out a sharp breath. “So you believe Antony over me? You believe I’m a whore?” Her voice cracks, but she doesn’t back down; she stands tall. Ready to defend herself, and I’m fucking proud of her.
