Page 104 of Icebound Hearts

“Stop overthinking,” Alexei says, rubbing my arms to comfort

me. “Your boyfriend will be here, his family, your dad, plus all our friends.”

I hesitate. I wish my mom was here. Unfortunately, flight tickets are expensive, flying back and forth from Russia, costs a leg and an arm.

I send a quick text to Aiden, asking if he’s here yet. It doesn’t deliver.

I frown but shake it off. His phone is probably dead. He’ll be here. He knows how much this means to me.

Coach grins at Alexei and me, giving us a thumbs-up as she

talks to Alina.

Her qualifier is tomorrow, and I know she’ll make it. The way Alina skates, is magical. Anyone who watches her is hypnotized. I glance toward the stands and spot my dad. He’s talking to Aiden’s mom while Sophia keeps glancing around the rink, searching for me.

“Sophia!” I call, lifting my hand to wave. The moment her eyes land on me, she grins and starts jumping up and down, waving excitedly. I chuckle, blowing her a kiss.

“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the last pre-Olympic qualifier of the year. Please take your seats, as our program will start shortly.”

I inhale sharply, steadying myself as the announcement ends. Alexei nudges me, and I force a smile at him. My grin drops immediately when I see Max and his partner enter the arena.Fuck. I forgot that motherfucker is still in the game. I can’t wait to see his face when we take home gold today.

“Kat, we’re number fourteen,” Alexei reminds me, rubbing

his hands together for warmth. I nod, rubbing my own hands

as I steal another glance at the stands. Still no Aiden. No Will. No Roman or Grayson.

Where the fuck are they?

“Where are the boys?” I ask, trying to keep my voice casual, but Alexei sees right through me. He shrugs. “I don’t know. Grayson hasn’t answered my texts either. I’m sure they’ll be here on time.”

I nod, forcing myself to stay positive.

‘He’s not coming, Kat.

He doesn’t care about you.

I keep telling you, only I will love you.’

Max’s voice echoes in my mind, his smirk flashing behind my eyes like a haunting memory. Get the fuck out of my head, Max.

GET THE FUCK OUT!

I shut my eyes tightly, counting to ten as I take slow, deep breaths.

It helps—kind of.

But the ache in my chest won’t go away.

He isn’t here. He knows how much this means to me. And he isn’t here.

He lied.

I watch pair after pair go before us, their performances a blur. Then, before I know it, our names are called. Alexei holds my hand as we skate on the ice, moving toward the center of the rink. I try to smile, but it feels forced. The disappointment weighing me down is suffocating.

Reflections by The Neighbourhood starts playing, and we move— fluid, synchronized, precise. I push through the routine,refusing to let my emotions ruin this. Alexei spins me, releases me, and I launch into a quadruple jump—

I land perfectly.

---