Page 110
She reaches across the table and covers my hand with hers. “I understand. When you’re ready to talk, I’m here. But if you decide you can’t, I’m still here. I’m so lucky I ended up with you as my roommate. It’s made my college experience so much better already.”
I give her a small smile. “Mine too.”
My phone beeps on the counter, and I swipe across the screen, silencing the alarm.
“You have choreo, right?”
“Yup, and I better get going. Training camp went well, but last night’s practice, not so much. I sent the video of my free skate to Elena, and she’s not happy. I have a lot of improvements to make.” I close my laptop and stand. “There’s no way I’m placing anywhere near the top with how sloppy I was yesterday.”
Blake frowns, rapping her fingers against the table. “Are those your words, or your coach’s?”
Sighing, I hang my head. “Both. She’s been my coach since I was five. She knows me better than anyone, and she knows I can do better. I know it too.”
“Okay.” She stands too, pushing in her chair. “If you’re leaving, I have no excuse to hang out here. I’ll go for a run. Coach is happy with the team’s performance, but sometimes, I feel like she’s holding us back, giving us more rest than we need, and that’s not how I operate.”
Chuckling, I round the table. “Spoken like a person who’s obsessively committed to their sport.”
“Someone like you.” She bumps her hip into mine.
A smile breaks across my face. “I’m not agreeing or denying anything.”
“You’re the worst.” Her laughter follows her into her room as I open the door to mine.
Indeed, my friendship with Blake is one of the best parts of my college experience so far. As well as Asher. And Michael, if I’m being honest with myself. But I don’t want to go there. Not now. I need my head clear for off-ice training.
Muscles aching, I stand at the counter, waiting for my drink. Even now, there’s a pleasant vibration spreading through my body. The two hours I spent at the dance studio were exactly what I needed. Despite how tired I am physically, I’m still buzzing with energy. After tonight, I have hope my time on the ice tomorrow will be amazing. And that means Elena will be happy. Good. I don’t want to upset her again after yesterday’s fiasco. The “Ma Meilleure Ennemie” choreography is coming along beautifully. I’m beyond glad we got permission to use the song. Nothing could be more perfect for the Grand Prix in France in December.
My phone buzzes with a new text, and when I take it out of my pocket and see my mom’s photo on the screen, I smile.
Mom:
How was your day? Everyone here misses you. Especially your dad
Me:
It was good, and I miss y’all too
Mom:
You do know your dad will be upset you didn’t say you miss him more than the rest of us, right?
I snort. Dad is…Dad. He loves all of us in a way that sometimes blows my mind. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more family-dedicated man than him, and I’ve seen plenty of really great family dynamics.
Me:
Tell him I miss him more than anyone in the world
Mom:
That made him happy, and now he wants to know when he can come hang out with you
A groan slips past my lips. I should’ve known that question was coming. I don’t mind it, but I wish he’d asked me himself when I was home over the weekend.
Me:
Whenever he wants. Just tell him to check my schedule so he doesn’t show up when I’m at practice
Mom:
