Page 42

“Yeah, I do.” My chest tightens, but the sensation is anticipation more than fear. “I’m doubting a lot of things right now, but I’m certain of that. I want to go to the Olympics. And I want to keep putting in the work to make that dream come true.”

Shifting, she looks down at me, her dark blue eyes shining. She tucks a few strands of hair behind my ear. “I love you so much, honey, and I believe you can achieve anything you set your mind to, including qualifying for the Olympics.” She presses her lips to my forehead. “Your dad and I are sad you’re going to Boston, but we support your decision because that’s what you want.”

“Grandma and Grandpa are happy.” I giggle. “And Nana Millie and Uncle Tom and Uncle Ben too. And even Damon!” I kind of thought my cousin didn’t really like me, but once he heard the news, we started texting, and I realized I was wrong. He’s excited to not be the only kid everyone fusses about.

“Damon loves you. Everyone does. Especially Tom. When we told him you were thinking about training in Boston, he was ecstatic. I’m afraid you’ll have a very enthusiastic cheerleader at every practice and competition.”

“I don’t mind. I love my uncles.” I chew on my bottom lip. “Do you think I’ll see Aunt Audrey?”

“That will be up to you,” she says. “Your dad may not talk to her, but your grandparents do. And Dad has a good relationship with her husband. Uncle Ryan has always been incredibly kind to you and Ian. Just like we are to Mason.”

“Our family dynamics weird me out.”

Mom laughs, the melodic sound reverberating through my body. “You ain’t seen nothing yet.” Sighing, she hugs me tighter. “Can I ask you something? It’s not about figure skating or Boston.”

“Sure.”

“How are things between you and Michael? I haven’t seen him around in a while.”

Tears I’ve been holding back well in my eyes. The heaviness in my chest expands. “Um…we’re kind of growing apart.”

“What happened?” she whispers.

“Nothing.” I sniffle, burrowing my face in her neck, the pit that splits in my stomach every time I think about him opening wider. “He did something…and hid it from me. Kept acting as if nothing happened, as if it wasn’t important.”

“But it was? Important, I mean.”

I take a shaky breath and let it out slowly. “To me—yes.”

“Did you talk to him about it?”

“T-two weeks ago.” I hiccup, my tears suffocating me. “He’s texted me a few times since then, but I don’t know what to say, especially now that I’m going to Boston. So I haven’t responded.”

“Oh, honey, I’m so sorry.” She drags a hand up and down my arm, soothing me. “Do you want to talk about it? Maybe I can give you some advice?”

Dread works its way through me. Embarrassment too. “I don’t know…”

“Do you still have a crush on him?”

I do. I have no idea how she knows that. Regardless, I lie. “I don’t know.”

“Is he going to the Harvest Ball too?”

“Yeah. With Sienna Hartman.”

For a moment, Mom is quiet, still moving her hand over my arm. Then, she asks, “You went to a sleepover at her house a couple of months ago, right?”

“Yeah.”

“Is that where you found out about whatever it is Michael did? What he kept from you?”

Sniffling, I pull away, looking at her through my tears.

She smiles and hauls me back. “Stop pouting. I’m trying to put two and two together.”

That makes me giggle, despite all the tears and the pretty strong ache in my chest. I forget how well she can read me. “Maybe it would be better to tell you rather than let your mind come up with possibilities.”

She hums. “Maybe.”