Page 140 of Your Sharpest Edge
“Do you think Ledger will ever find someone?” Alina asked, snapping me out of my thoughts.
“Why, are you interested?” I teased her.
“No,” she laughed. “He’s not my type, but I wonder if he’ll ever settle down.”
I glanced out at the ice and sighed. “Maybe he’ll meet the love of his life next season.”
Alina and I exchanged a glance before bursting into laughter. She was right—Ledger was probably going to stay single forever.
The game began with a burst of energy, the players gliding across the ice with incredible speed and precision. Alex and Ledger were a sight to behold, their movements synchronized. Damien’s eyes were wide with wonder, his excitement palpable.
Our new friend Nova, sitting beside us, leaned in to explain the game. “See, Damien, when the puck drops, that’s the start of the play. The team tries to control it and pass it to their teammates to score a goal,” she said, her enthusiasm contagious.
Damien nodded eagerly, his gaze never leaving the ice. “What’s that, Mommy?” he asked, pointing to a particularly intense skirmish near the goal.
“That’s a face-off, sweetie,” I replied, grateful for Nova’s explanations. “It’s when two players try to gain control of the puck after a stoppage in play.”
The game was mesmerizing. The players moved with a blend of power and grace that left me breathless. While figure skating felt like a choreographed dance, this was raw, primal, and utterly thrilling.
The crowd roared as Alex made a spectacular play, weaving through defenders with effortless skill. He passed the puck to Ledger, who, with a powerful slap shot, sent it soaring intothe net. The arena erupted in cheers, and Damien jumped up, clapping and shouting with joy.
“Did you see that, Mommy? Uncle Ledger scored!” Damien’s face was lit up with excitement, his eyes shining.
“I did, sweetheart. Wasn’t that amazing?” I replied, my heart swelling with pride and happiness.
Watching Alex and Ledger, a deep sense of admiration washed over me for their skill and determination. It was clear they weren’t playing a game; they were living their passion.
The game continued, each moment more thrilling than the last. Damien was captivated, his attention fixed on the action below. As the final buzzer sounded, signaling the end of the game, the crowd erupted in applause, celebrating the hard-fought victory.
“You should get down there.” Alina encouraged me. “He’s going to want to see you.”
I laughed. “I’ll wait until he’s dressed.”
Alina shook her head. “Go down there. I’ll come with.”
That was odd. She was acting so strange and pushy, which wasn’t like her.
“Okay. Fine.” I wasn’t going to fight her, especially since this was her last couple nights here.
“I’ll grab D. You go down first.”
I narrowed my eyes at her as I stepped over Nova, politely saying goodbye and letting her know I was excited to see her again soon.
“Why are you being so weird?” I asked.
She shook her again. “Just fucking go, will you? Pick it up.”
“Jesus Christ. Okay, fine.”
I added a little pep to my step as I walked down toward the front row. Showing my ID to security, I was allowed to head down to the ice where the players were wrapping up. Ledger andAlex were being interviewed, and though the stadium was still somewhat full, most people were heading to the parking lot.
When Alex spotted me, a huge grin spread across his face. He said something to the interview people that I couldn’t make out and then skated toward me.
“Hi, malyshka,” he whispered.
I leaned in as he pressed a sweaty kiss to my lips. “Why am I here? Shouldn’t I be waiting by the locker rooms?” I whispered with a smile, noticing the camera pointed at us.
“Is Damien here?” Alex asked.
