Page 73 of Lost on Ice
Evie laughs. “Can’t really argue with you there.”
Turning his attention back to us, Benson says, “Evie here is a professional figure skater and part of a traveling show for kids. She plays a princess in their main performance!”
Evie releases an exasperated sigh, but she’s grinning. “Take it easy. It’s not that impressive.”
“The hell it’s not!” Benson exclaims. “You’re way too humble.”
Evie chuckles. “Thanks.”
“Did you ever want to compete as a skater?” Tom suddenly asks. I glance at him and am surprised to find him regarding Evie with a scrupulous expression.
Evie frowns at him. “What? What kind of question is that?”
Tom shrugs. “I mean, performing in kid shows is fine, but I can’t imagine it’d be as satisfying as competing at the pro level.”
What the fuck is Tom doing right now?
Evie narrows her eyes at him. “You have an issue with how I choose to use my skills?”
“Not at all.” Except he kind of sounds like he does. “Just curious what would make someone choose that path over others. It’s like a professional ballerina choosing to be in high school musicals. Some people would kill for that kind of talent and ability. It’s not fair to let it just go to waste.”
“I like it, okay?” she snaps. “Not that it’s any of your business.”
I am totally lost—how did we get here? Tom isn’t usually so combative, especially with random strangers. And why would he go after her job like this?
Is he upset because he can’t pursue his dreams anymore? Oh, shit…that’s probably it. Tom can’t even skate since his accident, and here he’s faced with a beautiful, talented figure skater who he thinks is throwing away her potential.
I’ve never really considered how hard it must be for Tom to watch others doing what they want most when he physically can’t.
Benson clears his throat.
“Well, um, we should get going, Evie,” he says, putting a hand on her back to steer her away from the rink. “Don’t want to distract these guys any longer.”
Evie doesn’t say anything, but she shoots Tom a death glare as she lets her grandfather lead her away.
Once they’re out of sight, Carter and I turn to Tom and stare at him.
“What the hell was that?” Carter asks.
Folding his arms, Tom looks away, shrugs, and grumbles, “Nothing…just lost my temper for a bit, there. That’s all.”
I arch a brow, seeing right through his bullshit attempt at dodging the question. “You sure that’s all?”
Tom doesn’t answer for a moment. He’s staring after Evie, and I’m not entirely sure he realizes he’s doing it.
“It’s nothing,” he grumbles. “Forget it.”
Carter and I exchange a look.
He jerks his gaze back to us and looks taken aback that we’re staring at him.
Scowling, he growls, “I’m going to go run drills with the boys.”
Before we can respond, he makes his way around the rink to get closer to the boys.
“Yikes” I mutter, glancing at Carter. “I think that triggered something for him.”
He shakes his head. “Yeah, I think you might be right.”
