“I think so too,” I smile before closing the curtain and slipping back into my shirt.
“Let’s grab a drink,” Lisa suggests once I step out of the fitting room.
“We still need to find Tess something,” I reply, but Tess excitedly holds up a purple bra.
“This was literally hanging right next to the fitting room, and it’s my size. Isn’t it perfect?” she asks, practically glowing as we head toward the register.
“Leo’s going to love it,” I say with a smile.
After we pay, Lisa tells us about a smoothie bar she used to visit, and we all agree it’s worth checking out.
“This side of the mall has changed a lot,” Lisa sighs, glancing around. “The smoothie bar used to be over there,” she adds, pointing to the left.
“I’m sure it still tastes great,” Tess says as she sets our tray of smoothies down.
“I needed this,” I exhale as we sit. “This has been quite a day.”
“It sure has,” Lisa agrees.
“Is the ice hockey life always this dramatic?” Tess asks Lisa, who immediately bursts into laughter.
“You think ice hockey is dramatic? Try figure skating,” she replies.
“You were a figure skater?” I ask, surprised.
“Yep. I got silver at the national championship a few years ago,” she says with a small shrug.
“That’s incredible. So your whole family loves being on the ice,” I laugh.
“Zane and I definitely do. Or used to, I guess. My parents, not so much. They’re a bit more difficult, but that’s a story for another time,” she explains.
“What made you stop figure skating? It sounds like you were really good,” Tess asks.
“I couldn’t handle the pressure anymore. The figure skating culture in my hometown was brutal. It’s one of the reasons I moved West, actually. I just couldn’t take it anymore. I still get triggered when I’m near the ice,” Lisa admits with a quiet, somber expression.
“I’m sorry. I had no idea it could be like that. It always looks so elegant on TV,” Tess says gently.
“Well, like everything in life, there’s a good side and a bad side,” Lisa replies with a soft smile.
“Should we have dinner together tonight?” I ask, sensing the shift in mood. “We could hang out at my place and order pizza,” I suggest.
“I’m definitely down,” Lisa responds immediately.
“Me too,” Tess adds with a smile.
Chapter 18
Zane
“There he is,” Blake says to Holt.
The locker room is empty somehow. I can’t help but wonder how Blake managed to clear it out. Holt tries to stand, but Blake pushes him back down onto the bench. Holt looks nervous.
“We’re only here to talk,” I tell him. Holt looks at me, fear flickering in his eyes.
“Speak for yourself,” Leo snarks. “Did you know what your sister was up to? Were you in on it?” he asks Holt directly.
Holt looks confused, his eyes scanning the room as though searching for an exit, any way out.
