Page 126 of My Last Dance

Spinning around, my heart jumped into my throat.

Richard stood there with the brightest grin I’d ever seen on his face. Balling his hands in fists, he punched the air in triumph.

My whole body caved with relief, and I cried into my hands.

He skated at me, pulling me into a hug.

I clung to him, equal parts relieved and terrified. “Are you okay?”

He rested his forehead against mine. “Yes.” He nodded. “We did it. I hope we won.”

“You’re really okay?” My shaky hands went to his face. “You promise?” My voice shook. My breathing went ragged.

He set me on the ice and held my arms. “Breathe, baby. I’m okay, I promise,” he said, pulling me in for another tight hug. “I love you, Piper. I love you so much it hurts.”

With those words, it felt like a dam burst inside of me and the tears broke free again. “I love you, too, Richard. So much.”

He closed his eyes, taking it in, and I realized at that moment how much he needed those words, too.

The crowd rose to their feet, giving us a standing ovation as we made our bows.

Everything felt like it was moving at a high speed around us as we were ushered to the kiss-and-cry, but it felt like I was watching in slow motion.

I didn’t even hear the scores. I didn’t care.

Richard pulled me in for a tight hug and kissed my head. Pulling back, he wiped my tears with his thumbs. “Don’t cry, baby, we need to make sure we get a good mantel picture.”

My shoulders shook with tears. I didn’t think a person could feel so much happiness and relief and terror at the same time.

The whole world thought I was crying over my gold.

I wasn’t.

Not even a little.

Not even a single tear at all was for the medal.

28. MAYBE I’M AFRAID

After receiving our medals on the podium and exiting the ice, we were hounded by the press, but Patrick thankfully took control of the situation and managed to free us.

Kappy was whisked away for a medical check, and I wasn’t allowed to go with him.

I didn’t feel like changing just yet, so I sat on the edge of the bed and waited for him. I wanted to celebrate this win, but it meant nothing if I wasn’t with Richard.

The adrenaline rush of the day must’ve gotten to me though because I accidentally drifted to sleep.

When I awoke, it was the middle of the night.

Still half asleep, I stood and rummaged around for my pajamas. But walking to the bathroom, dread spiraled down my spine.

His stuff.

Kappy’s stuff.

It was all gone.

Dropping my pajamas, I searched for my phone, but there wasn’t anything from him. Without thinking, I bolted out of the room and tore down the hallway to Patrick’s room.

---