Page 75 of Fly Boy
So? Fly the plane out and come watch. I could only get tickets for the first day, but it’s better than nothing.
I sort of like the idea of you being there, watching me compete.
Mr. Sexy Pilot Man
And what would your father say? I can’t exactly ask to fly his plane to come watch his daughter skate.
Pippa
You forget, you flyme. Not him. So technically, that makes me your boss, too, and your boss wants you to fly out to California and watch her skate.
Maybe you should change my name back to The Boss.
Mr. Sexy Pilot Man
Nah. You’re still a brat. Even if you are “my boss.”
Pippa
Is that a yes?
Mr. Sexy Pilot Man
I’ll see what I can do.
“The pair have been training throughout the Christmas break, Luke, tweaking and fine-tuning their routine, working on perfecting those elements that have the potential to be the deciding factor between gold or silver.”
“I did have the opportunity to catch up with their coach, four-time World Champion Camille Diaz, when the team landed in California earlier this week, and she did mention they’ve been focusing on the jumps that proved to be a bit of a struggle for them in the Grand Prix.”
"It’s all about consistency now, though, Jessica. They’ve proven what a formidable team they are, performing under pressure, but the U.S. Championships is a whole different ball game. What would have been a non-issue before could cost them a medal this weekend.”
“Not to mention that competing on home soil adds a different level of pressure. The crowd is cheering for them, wanting them to do well, but that means the expectations are higher for the duo."
“Hey,” Evan says, concern etching into his forehead. “We’ve got this.”
“I know.”
We turn and watch Molly and Zach finish their routine, the crowd going wild as they hold their hands up, their faces stoic as the music comes to an end.
“Guess you’ll have to do better than that if you want gold, Ice Princess,” Molly hisses, before turning on the fake cheer and niceties, as she passes the other athletes, waiting for their turn.
Evan’s hand snakes into mine, his touch calming. “Ignore her.”
“I’ve already forgotten what she said.”
“That’s my girl,” he murmurs, then presses a kiss to the side of my head. “Let's beat her ass.”
“The crowd goes quiet as we wait for Pippa and Evan to start.”
“And they begin with the triple throw loop, a move that is undoubtedly becoming their signature, a highlight of their routine all season and an absolute marvel to watch.”
“Evan gets himself into position, they’re skating backward, and Pippa is in the air, spinning once, twice, three times, with a solid landing. And that, Jessica, is why it’s their move.”
"Beautiful execution from both Evan and Pippa. But now they move into their side-by-side triple-toe loops, a move that caused a bit of a problem at the last competition, but they look confident on the approach... and they nailed it! Perfect synchronization, not a second out of time."
"One thing you cannot deny about this partnership is that their chemistry on the ice is palpable. Watch as they transition into a series of complicated footwork, the way they hold each other and skate as one. It’s spectacular.”
“It truly is. We are watching greatness being born today, that’s for sure. And this section really showcases their technical skills and their ability to move together, shadowing each other, fluidly moving as one."
