Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 86878 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 434(@200wpm)___ 348(@250wpm)___ 290(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 86878 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 434(@200wpm)___ 348(@250wpm)___ 290(@300wpm)
I need the ice.
Even when my world is falling apart, it’s the one place that still makes sense.
I part ways with Colby and Britt outside my apartment building.
My friend pulls me in for one last hug before squeezing me tight. I can’t help but sink into the warmth of her embrace. I feel bad for not telling her about what’s going on with Nadia. But what’s the point when it might not turn out to be anything?
“Call me if you need to talk, okay?” She pulls back just enough to search my face. “I mean it.”
I offer a weak smile. “I will. Promise.”
She nods as Colby slips his arm around her waist. Those two are so perfect for each other. They mesh so well.
And here I’d hoped—
As soon as the sly thought tries to sneak inside my brain, I cut it off.
Nope. I refuse to go there.
With one final wave, I slide behind the wheel of my car and start the engine. I hadn’t realized how late it was until we’d walked outside.
During the short drive to the rink, the sight of Hayes with those girls plays on a constant loop in my brain. It’s enough to make me sick. Even though it’s only nine o’clock, there’s not much traffic on the street, and when I pull into the arena lot, three cars are parked there.
It’s a relief that Dad’s SUV is one of them.
I grab my bag from the trunk and rush toward the entrance. Unease prickles at the bottom of my belly. I can’t help but glance over my shoulder and search the shadows for anything that looks out of place.
The rink feels different at night.
Almost eerie.
It’s the kind of silence that wraps around you and makes your skin crawl. The lights overhead buzz softly, casting a dim glow that barely reaches the edges of the rink. The ice glistens, untouched and perfect. I’ve skated here a hundred times, but tonight, with no one around, it feels like the arena is holding its breath, waiting for something to happen. And that only ratchets up my own nerves.
The familiar routine does nothing to soothe my paranoia. I came here tonight to clear my head, not to let my imagination run wild. The hum of the refrigeration system is the only sound that fills the space. It’s a low, constant drone that vibrates through the floor and into my bones.
My fingers tremble as I slip off my shoes and lace up my skates. That’s when footsteps catch my attention. My head jerks up, gaze locking on a solitary figure as my movements stall.
“Hey, sweetheart. I wasn’t expecting to run into you this late. Weren’t you here this morning?”
Dad.
It takes a moment for my heartbeat to settle.
I shake my head. “No, I was up late studying, so I thought I’d get a quick skate in.”
He glances at his watch. “Don’t stay too long. They’ll be locking the place up soon.”
“I won’t.”
He searches my eyes. “Have you given anymore thought to meeting with Nadia?”
I draw in a deep breath and hold it captive. It’s only when my lungs begin to burn that I release it back into the atmosphere. There’s a good possibility that my life will change if I agree to this meeting.
When I remain silent, his gaze softens. There’s an intensity to his voice when he finally speaks. “Ava, this could be your chance. You’ve got so much talent, and I know you’ve been through hell, but Nadia could help you get back to where you’ve always belonged—on the ice, competing again. At the very least, hear her out.”
Competing.
It’s what I’ve wanted for so long, but everything is so uncertain now. And I’m not sure if I’m ready to open that door again and step back into that world.
“Meet with her,” he urges gently.
His words circle through my brain. It’s almost a shock when I blurt, “Okay. I’ll listen to what she has to say with an open mind.”
“That’s all I’m asking. Just give it a chance.”
It’s only when his lips lift into a smile and relief floods his eyes, easing the heavy lines of tension, that I realize how stressed he appears.
My brow furrows as I search his face. “Is everything all right?”
“Oh, you know… just heading into the playoffs with a new team.”
I nod, accepting the response. There’s no reason for him to lie. Plus, I know how much he enjoys his position at Western. If the team doesn’t do well, there’s the possibility his contract might not get renewed.
And then he would be on the hunt for a new coaching position, which means more upheaval in our lives.
As tempting as it is to tell him about Nathan, now doesn’t seem like the right time.
“You guys are going to crush it.” I force a smile. “You’ll probably end up winning the championship.”