Page 31 of Her Goal
“I agree. He’s quite handsome.” Valentina lets out a long sigh.
“Like a human specimen.”
“Are you objectifying him?” I’m surprised Leah comes to my defense.
“It’s objectively true.” Valentina stares flatly at her sister.
“But his personality is certainly lacking.”
My lips part, but I wonder just how far I’ll get arguing on my own behalf. I glance at Mr. Smith, desperate for an assist.
He shrugs as if to say,Get used to it, kid. This is the way they are.
Mrs. Smith asks, “Is he single?”
Leah’s eyes bulge. “Mami!”
“This is important information. Abuela had a ‘Chosen One’ dream and he fits the description.”
Leah shakes her head and huffs. “She had a ‘Chosen One’ dream about me and my future spouse?”
Her mother nods without a hint of irony or humor.
Leah rolls her eyes. “It’s a bunch of nonsense.”
They all turn to me, awaiting a response.
Shifting in my skates, I say, “Yes, I’m single.”
If I’m not mistaken, Leah snarls at me but the Zamboni engine fires up, signaling open ice time is over.
“Well, that’s perfect,” Mrs. Smith says.
The obvious question iswhyis it perfect that I’m single? But I don’t dare speak unless spoken to. These women make me feel like a ten-year-old facing down league players. Back then, I hadn’t yet gotten the hit of testosterone and hubris to think I stood a chance.
“So, you’re not dating anyone?” Mrs. Smith asks.
“No, ma’am. At the moment, I’m getting used to the new team, preparing for the season, and intending to give my all.” I flash my best press-ready smile.
Leah nods, whether in approval because I’m presenting myself as an asset to her beloved team or for another reason, I’m not sure.
“Any health concerns, ailments, or injuries we should be aware of?”
Mercifully, Leah interrupts the cattle market evaluation. “Guys, what are you doing here?”
“We came to watch you skate,” Mr. Smith says.
“How’d you know I was?—?”
To her daughter, Mrs. Smith says, “We saw Jess at the bakery while I was placing my order for the party and she mentioned you’re giving skating lessons. This was news to me.”
“It’s a recent development.” By the way Leah grinds her teeth together, I gather it’ll be a short-lived endeavor. Not that I’m complaining. While I don’t mind reconnecting, figure skating isn’t at the top of my list for how to spend my time. Least of all with a woman who so obviously barely tolerates me.
Mrs. Smith opens her hands toward the rink. “I wanted to see mybonitain action.”
Leah eyes her sister as if also looking for a lifeline, but the Zamboni, slowly trundling toward us to clean up the ice, provides an out.
“Chuck told me you were here,” Valentina says simply.
