Page 283
I’m not obsessing over every angle.
I’m also not mentally reviewing every mistake before it happens.
I’m just flying while listening to the songs of my favorite person.
I launch into another spin, laughing when I come out of it a little faster than intended. The cold air burns in my lungs, my ponytail whips behind me, and Stephen’s voice follows me across the ice.
For a few glorious minutes, I forget about the upcoming championships, the interviews and the world beyond Stephen. I forget that soon I have to return to New York for the Wingx show, that my schedule is packed with fittings and rehearsals, and that my entire life is supposed to be waiting for me outside of Winter Storm.
All I think about is now.
That I’m in this moment and that I’m happy.
I finally know the true meaning of being happy.
When the song ends, I press a hand to my chest as I glide to a stop.
“I knew I’d find you here.”
I nearly fall.
Actually, I almost take myself out in the most spectacularly embarrassing fashion of my entire career.
I jerk around, arms flailing for half a second before I regain my balance.
Mika stands at the edge of the lake, looking thoroughly unimpressed and dressed like a orange exploded all over her.
Usually I would cringe and criticize her choice in wardrobe but I don’t.
“You startled me!”
“I’ve been standing here for five minutes.”
“Why didn’t you say anything?”
“I wanted to see how long it would take you to notice.”
I narrow my eyes and she smiles.
I sigh and skate toward the shore, trying to recover whatever dignity I have left. Unfortunately, my phone plays another one of Stephen’s songs, and Mika’s gaze drops straight to it.
Then back to me.
I give her my most intimidating look.
“Don’t.”
She throws her hands up and laughs. “Fine.”
“What do you want?”
Mika glances at her tablet. “I came to get you. The car is ready.”
I frown. “The car?”
She gives me a strange look before letting out a long, exasperated sigh. “Were you even listening yesterday when I told you to get everything ready for the Wingx show tomorrow?”
My heart drops straight into my stomach.