Inspecting them, Maisie hesitantly brought them to the ice, tapping the ends against it.
“Harder,” I encouraged.
She followed my instructions, letting the spiked tips sink beneath the surface.
“Now push off,” I coached.
There was a grunt of effort, but she managed to move a good six inches.
My cheer echoed off the rafters. “That’s it! You’re doing it!”
With a smile in my direction, she repeated the action again and again, gaining more speed and distance with each attempt.
I was so busy watching her, my chest about to burst as it swelled with pride, that I hadn’t noticed Austin take to the ice. And wouldn’t you know it, I was right in my assessment of him the day we met and I watched him surf. The kid was a natural-born athlete, skating like he’d been doing it his whole life.
He made a quick lap, coming to a stop beside where I stood.
Laughing, I shook my head. “I take it this isn’t your first time?”
Austin shrugged. “Caught a few open skates here and there.”
“You’ve got good edges,” I remarked. “Ever consider playing hockey?”
“It’s expensive,” he confessed, a flush creeping up the back of his neck.
“That’s true; it is,” I agreed. “But if you’re serious about learning, I wouldn’t mind spending my summer break teachingyou. Then, maybe, we can find you a rec league in the fall until you get the hang of things.”
Hope lit up in his blue eyes. “Really?”
I clapped him on the shoulder. “Really.”
“I’d like that.” He ducked his head.
“Great. Then it’s settled.”
My gaze drifted back to where Maisie was making excellent progress in her first lap, but before I could take off to join her, Austin’s voice halted me.
“Uh, Levi?”
I spun on my skates. “Yeah, bud?”
He twisted his hands. “Maisie said you offered to find her mom.”
“I did . . .”
“Do you think—” Austin’s eyes slammed shut, and he pulled in a deep breath before reopening them. “Do you think you might be able to help me find my dad?”
Brows furrowed, I repeated, “Your dad.”
Arizona had mentioned the guy only once, saying that he’d never been in the picture. While I’d done my best to step into the role he’d left vacant, it was understandable that the teen would be naturally curious about the man who’d played a part in his creation.
“I can’t make any promises, but I can have a PI look into it, okay?”
“Thanks, man. I appreciate it.”
I lifted one shoulder. “No big deal. I’ve got you.”
He skated off toward Maisie, grabbing the back of her sled and pushing her around the ice. The sound of her delighted squeals layered over Austin’s laughter warmed my heart.
